Robert MITCHELL

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MITCHELL: Peacefully, on Friday, June 22, 2018 at the Carberry Health Centre, Robert John Mitchell entered into rest at the age of 91 years. Robert was born on April 27, 1927 in Lampman, Saskatchewan, the fourth child to Robert and Alma (Sinclair) Mitchell. In October 1934, his parents moved their young family from Saskatchewan to a farm 4 miles east of Douglas, Manitoba and this is where Robert would begin and carry on his farming career. Farming was his life and he loved it. During his decades of farming, he ran a mixed farm of grain, cattle and a few pigs, with many hours put into grain farming, while also managing a herd of 50-60 commercial cattle. Robert was more than a farmer. He was a plumber, electrician, carpenter, mechanic, a jack of all trades kind of guy. While living on the farm, Robert served on the Douglas Pool Elevator board, the Douglas Rink board and the Douglas Hall committee. Robert married the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Margaret Waterhouse, on December 1, 1951. When first married, they lived in the village of Douglas for about 6 months and then in 1952 built their two bedroom house on the farm. It was in this house that Robert and Margaret raised their family of 5 children. The house was full of lots of love and laughter but with 5 children and only two bedrooms, it was near bursting at the seams so in 1970 an additional two bedrooms were added to the original house. Robert was a big supporter of 4-H and four of his children were members of the Derry 4-H Beef Club. On fair day Robert was always there helping not only his own children but others as well, ensuring they were safe and making sure everything went as smooth as possible in the show ring. Curling was a pastime Robert really enjoyed. He played, taught his children, spent hours in curling rinks watching his children and grandchildren play and was still watching it on TV during his hospital stay this past spring. In 1996, Robert and Margaret reluctantly decided it was time to retire. They sold the farm and moved to Carberry. Once in town, Robert made new friends easily and loved spending time with them, always taking an interest in what everyone was doing and sharing some laughs. Robert loved to laugh and he had the best laugh! He could always be found in a crowded room, just follow the laugh. It was long, loud and infectious; if you heard it, you couldn't help but laugh along. Family was very important to Robert and he loved when the whole family was together, talking, joking, teasing and always laughing. Robert's grandchildren held a special place in his heart and he always asked and wanted to hear what and how they were doing. Robert will be dearly missed by his loving wife Margaret; his son, Glen; his four daughters, Sharon (Ritchie) Bickford, Heather (Earl) McLaren, Gail, and Debbie (Joe) Woitas; his nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters Velma and Phyllis, sisters-in-law Muriel and Thelma, and many nieces and nephews and their families. Robert was predeceased by his grandson Zach, his sisters Marie and Bernice, his brother Ken and his parents Robert and Alma Mitchell; as well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Robert was held on Thursday, June 28 in the Carberry Community Memorial Hall, Carberry, Manitoba with interment in the Carberry Plains Cemetery, Reverend Barb Jardine officiating. Those wishing to make donations in Robert's memory may do so to the Carberry Health Centre/Hospital Cable TV Fund. White's Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 07, 2018