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DONALD GEORGE MITCHELL
Born: May 24, 1955
Date of Passing: Dec 25, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDONALD GEORGE MITCHELL May 24, 1955 - December 25, 2017 Donald Mitchell, known to friends as "Mitch", passed away at age 62, with family by his side, on December 25, 2017 at St. Boniface Hospital. His passing came after a hard fought battle with kidney disease. Born in Winnipeg on May 24, 1955, Don attended Varennes School in St. Vital and then graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate in 1973. He subsequently attended the University of Winnipeg obtaining a degree in Geography. In 1981 he received a meteorology certificate from ATS Services Cornwall, followed by a stint as a meteorologist in Northern Canada on the DEW line. When Don returned to Winnipeg in 1983 he embraced the emerging world of computer technology. Most of his working career was spent in the field of Information Technology in both the public and private sector. In Don's early life, he enjoyed the family cottage at Lee River which shaped his future enjoyment of the outdoors - particularly his love of fishing. Don also enjoyed other sports - playing Little League Baseball at St. George Park and developing his golfing skills at Windsor Park Golf Course. However, his true passion was hockey. He played his minor hockey at Glenwood Community Club where he backstopped the Glenwood Bruins to the city and provincial juvenile championships in 1973-1974. He later played with the Fort Garry Blues and the St. Vital Victoria's of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League and then co-coached the Victoria's Midget AA team. Because he didn't want to give up playing hockey Don made his way to Germany in 1978-1979 to play for Vilshofen in Bavaria. It was here he surprised everyone by shedding the goal pads, becoming a forward and leading his team in scoring. For the next two decades, Don continued to play recreational hockey including participating with the Canadian Ambassadors in 1981 and 1986, a team which toured Germany playing exhibition games. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed his earlier pursuits of golf, curling and fishing. In recent years, despite declining health, he continued to relish talking to old friends across the country. Of particular fondness was his time at "the garage" discussing politics and following the fate of the Jets and the Bombers. Predeceased by his mother Betty Isabel and his father George Henry, Don is survived by his brother Murray, his niece Candace, nephew Connor, and many relatives and friends. A celebration of Don's life will be held at Marigold Restaurant, 718 Osborne Street on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In memory of Donald, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2018
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my old buddy Mitch. My family moved in across the street from Mitch and his family on Egerton Road in 1971. We both went to Glenlawn Collegiate and I was the new kid on the block and didn't know anyone. But thanks to Mitch, he quickly introduced me to the many kids he knew in St. Vital and took me to many school parties, and that's something I will always be grateful for. Mitch was always upbeat and kind to all who knew him, and his smile could light up a room. We had a lot of great times together, and I will cherish those memories forever. To Murray and family, my deepest condolences. Rest in peace old friend... - Posted by: Pat Hayko (Friend) on: Feb 13, 2018
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It is with great memories of Mitch and all the Ambassadors that i have for the trip to Germany. While I was a late addition to the group, and lost touch on my move to Vancouver, the weekly socials, gatherings, camaraderie, dinners, group sing along's and friendships gained in a short period of time are still vivid in my mind decades later. Mitch was a true "Ambassador" of life, and I smile when I think of him. In his new resting place, may the fans always be friendly, the refs fair, ice surface the best, and the beer plentiful and cold. All the best to Mitch, family, friends and the Ambassadors! Brian Thomas Vancouver - Posted by: Brian Thomas (Ambassadors Hockey) on: Jan 12, 2018
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Mitch was an original with the Ambassadors Hockey Club and played in the 81 and 86 European tours of southern Germany. He made many friends throughout the hockey community both as a coach and player. There were many games played on the Seine river behind the family home on Eggerton and at Windsor community center. On behalf of the club I would like to send our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Dave Taylor (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2018
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Oh Murray, and family....I am ever so saddened to hear of Don's passing. We all grew up in a true Utopia. I will miss him!=Kath Gillis Pion - Posted by: Kathy Gillis Pion (childhood friend) on: Jan 06, 2018
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I’ve been friends with Mitch for over 20 years, when we first met we’d see him on a daily basis, he was always at our place on Sunday watching golf with my husband Bob or enjoying watching a bomber game on our deck. Bob and Mitch enjoyed photography together also always trying to outdo each other on who had the best camera . My heart breaks to learn of his passing. He will forever be remembered as a loving caring guy who always took the time to pick up the phone to call me ... Rest In Peace Mitch We will miss you my friend xoxo - Posted by: Michelle & Bob Bergen (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2018