December 5, 1921 - April 27, 2020
Donald Hartnett Mitchell, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Monday April 27th, 2020 at 98 years of age. After a joyous and full life, he passed peacefully at Hospice House in Vernon, BC. Donald was born on December 5th, 1921 in Moose Jaw, SK to Frank B. Mitchell and Loretta G. Mitchell and was the sixth of nine children. He homesteaded in Prairie River, SK in his youth and joined the Airforce at age 21, where he was an RCAF officer in WWII. He flew many missions while stationed in Wickenby Lincolnshire, GB.
Don married his dear wife Ethel on September 16th, 1950 and moved to Calgary, AB where they raised their two children. He was an early entrepreneur and owned a TV and electronics business for many years before selling it in 1981 and retiring in Blind Bay Estates. Together they built a beautiful log home and impressive garden near Shuswap Lake where they created cherished memories with their children and grandchildren. Nature was one of Don's biggest passions and he was an avid golfer, hiker and cross-country skier. He was also a self-taught artist who found beauty in the world, as depicted in his landscape paintings.
Don and Ethel later moved to Vernon, BC and settled in Coldstream, BC where they became cherished members of Coldstream Meadows Retirement Community. Don was a kind and caring gentleman, and a dedicated family man. He will forever be remembered for his generous heart, warm smile and great sense of humour.
Don was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Ethel, who passed June 11, 2018. He will be deeply missed by his children Sherry Connor of Calgary, AB and William Mitchell and his wife Marian of Edmonton, AB. He will be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren; Lane, Jeda, Chelsea, Paris (Staci), and Justin.
The family would like to thank all the health care professionals for their great care in the last month of his life and are sincerely grateful to the wonderful staff and volunteers at both Coldstream Meadows and Hospice House.
Memorial donations may be made in Don's name to the Vernon Hospice House. A celebration of his incredible life will be held at a later date.