Thomas MITCHELL

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MITCHELL: Thomas Allan passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, with family by his side. Born April 10, 1929 on the Mitchell family farm north of Douglas, Manitoba, Tom was the second youngest child of Isaac and Esther Mitchell. Tom commenced farming at an early age; he loved farming and nothing gave him more pleasure than driving around and watching his crops as they progressed. He took over the family farm and continued mixed farming throughout most of his life. Tom met his wife Lucille, youngest daughter of Nellie and Peter McVannel of Beaver, Manitoba, in 1946 at a Welcome Home gathering held in the Douglas Hall, for the boys who served in the armed forces. They later married in 1951 and were blessed with four children. Tom and Lucille moved to Brandon in their later years, however Tom remained actively involved in farming with his son Brad and daughter-in-law Donna until recent years. Tom served on both the Douglas and Justice Pool Elevator boards for several years and later the Brandon Board. He also played various roles within the Douglas Rink Committee over the years and enjoyed curling in Douglas, Shilo and Brandon with his buddies. Apart from farming, Tom was also employed as a bus driver for Rolling River School Division for several years, and was always delighted when former students approached him to say hello and reminisce. Tom, himself, attended Elton School and later assisted in the construction of a memorial cairn to mark the location. A real family man, Tom was happiest surrounded by his family, both immediate and extended. He loved when his siblings and their families would gather at the farm. He was a loving husband, Dad, Grandfather, a good neighbor, great friend and devoted family man. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and took great interest in whatever they were doing. He enjoyed many family vacations out west, Hawaii, a cabin at Clear Lake, and later when he and Lucille spent winters in Texas where he enjoyed golfing, and shuffling. Tom enjoyed golfing at Shilo and Glenlea with his golfing buddies. An avid reader, Tom loved reading the newspapers, the Mitchell Family Newsletter, and listening to the radio (especially farming broadcasts). This interest served him well as his health declined because he spent hours listening to the radio and reading and remained up on current affairs till his last days. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Lucille, and their children Linda Brown, Karen Mitchell (Murray Nye), Gaye Mitchell (Guy Belluz), Brad Mitchell (Donna); grandchildren Tara Brown (Dan Penner), Sawyer Mitchell; great granddaughter Scarlett Penner; numerous nieces and nephews; sister-in-laws Helen Young and Marion Smith. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Stanley Mitchell (Bernadette), Lloyd Mitchell (Edith), Frederick Mitchell (Dixie), Irwin Mitchell, Fraser Mitchell (Margaret), Elsie (Cyril) Balmer, Alfred Mitchell (Verna), Doris (Royce) McKinnon, Maretta (Albert) Gelesthorpe. Tom’s life has left so many memories of a life well lived that will be treasured forever. Life is but a moment but love lives on. A Come and Go Memorial Reception Celebrating Tom's Life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Friday, June 9, 2017 between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. with a time of reflection at 2:30 p.m. Donations in memory of Tom may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation for Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B3. Expressions of sympathymay be made atwww.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 03, 2017