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ROBERT HUGH MITCHELL
Born: Dec 24, 1948
Date of Passing: Apr 17, 2021
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ROBERT HUGH MITCHELL
Hugh was born in Winnipeg on December 24, 1948 and is the fourth of eight children born to Thomas and Evelyn Mitchell. Hugh was predeceased by his parents, beloved wife Wendy, brother Earl, and several other family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Jillian Samar (Mark), stepson Daniel, his grandchildren, Kingston and Kilian, and his third grandchild on the way. He will be dearly missed by his brothers, Gary (Evelyn), Richard (Brenda), Douglas (Barb), Glen (Sandi), John, and sister Sandy Rowe (Peter), as well as his mother-in-law Dorothy Ross, and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members, whom he adored.
Hugh grew up in St. Vital and throughout his youth committed himself to many sports, especially baseball and hockey. As a young man, he spent time coaching children in St. Vital, in particular he liked working with catchers and goalies. His lifelong love of sports continued wherever he lived, both as a spectator and as an umpire. He was a coach with a caring heart and empowered kids to improve, succeed and value the game. He enjoyed following the journey of many successful athletes; their stories were important to him. Hugh became the beloved family sports statistician - knowing every game-time, score and specifics of each player.
Hugh's first job was with Manitoba Sugar under the watchful eye of his Uncle Mac Scales. He continued on in a lifelong career in the insurance industry, working in Winnipeg, Regina and Victoria. In 1985, after a move to North Vancouver, he even spent time as an aerobics instructor.
Hugh married Wendy in 1990 and was a proud and supportive parent to Danny and Jillian. Coaching Dan in hockey and becoming a "Dancing Dad" at the dance school Jillian attended. He also enjoyed partaking in the Father's Day choir at the Transcona Memorial United Church where his mother-in-law Dorothy directed the choir. He took Jillian on many road trips across Canada and the USA and enjoyed camping along the way. He loved driving and only needed a moment's notice to drive out to Alberta or BC to visit family. Later in life, he proudly took on the role of Grandpa. His first grandson Kingston immediately became the light of his life. He taught Kingston how to throw and catch a ball. They spent many days together hanging out, grabbing a bite to eat, going to Goldeyes games, Manitoba Moose games, and of course sleepovers (thanks Dad). When his second grandson was born, he was thrilled and would proudly carry Kilian around making sure to show him off to anyone nearby.
Hugh enjoyed meeting and talking with many people from various walks of life. You would often see him chatting to the regulars at Pop Stop or Shell gas station, in a McDonald's visiting over coffee, or hear him calling in live on the sports radio station. When the Winnipeg Jets played, you'd likely find Hugh at the casino watching the game with his good friend Rick. Hugh also loved showing his son-in-law Mark around Winnipeg and teaching him all about the city's known and unknown history.
We'll treasure all the memories we made and carry all your life lessons and sports knowledge with us always. Love you and miss you forever Dad. Until we meet again.
Our family would like to thank Deer Lodge staff for their loving care of Hugh.
A Celebration of Life will take place when it is safe to do so.
At Hugh's request, in lieu of flowers, please donate to your local community club.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2021
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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In rembering my cousin Hughie, as he was called many years ago. Our families spent many Christmases together which to us youngsters was a lot of fun, if not, the same could not be said for our parents to handle a group of rambunctious children. My sympathy goes out to Hugh's family and friends. Jackie Melzer (Scales) Victoria, BC - Posted by: Jackie Melzer (Cousin) on: Aug 18, 2021
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I am so saddened to hear of Hugh's passing. I remember bussing it to Glenlawn Collegiate Basketball games with Hugh and Lorne Johnston and a bunch of other friends. We always had so much fun. I also knew his brother Earl whom I met through a work mate. Earl introduced me to my ex-husband of 10 years. We spent a lot of time together. Doug was also someone I knew in my Winnipeg years. I remember Hugh as a kind and gentle sole. My heart goes out to the family. - Posted by: Wendy L. Fraser (childhood friend) on: Jun 02, 2021
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Jill, Mark, Danny and family, I am so sorry to hear about Hugh. My sincere condolences for all at this difficult time. - Posted by: Elaine Pagura (Cousin) on: May 23, 2021
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Our deepest sympathy to Jillian, Mark, Daniel, Hugh's brothers and sister. I am so sorry it took me so long to send our condolences. It took me a long time to read the obit. because I was upset about his passing. Hugh was a wonderful friend I met growing up in St. Vital. I was glad that our friendship continued for all his life. When the Jets returned we met more frequently watching the game and reminiscing about our great times growing up. We always talked about our old friends and family. Family was the most important thing to Hugh. All the memories are difficult to put on paper, but I will remember the great friend Hugh was. He will remain in our memory and hearts forever. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Hugh's family. - Posted by: Rick & Marlene Phillips (long time friends) on: May 04, 2021
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When we received the call from Rick Phillips (wife's dad) that Hughie has passed away, we felt terrible and in extreme shock especially after the pleasure of knowing Hugie for a long time now! The news we received was somewhat unbelievable as it was totally unexpected! Hughie would pop by the office at Specialty Interiors quote often to see Rick, it was always great to see him pop by to chit chat especially when it came down to the Jets. It would be a long detailed conversation with impressive attention to details that we weren't quite aware off and we can say that he truly loved the Jets very much. He was always invited toe the company's Christmas party/gathering and was always nice to see him come by every year. It was sad when we learned that he was admitted into Deer Lodge due to his sudden health situation where it deteriorated as time went on. We are still in total shock on how fast things changed suddenly from seeing him at the office to ending up in Deer Lodge and then this terrible news as we only received updated from Rick about his condition. To Hughie's family and extended family, our deepest condolences for such a great loss to you and to all of us. Stay strong and please know that Hughie will always be remembered for the great laughs and topics of detailed discussions from sports to politics. Sorry for your tremendous loss and wishing you all the best in being strong in being able to move on by remembering all the good times he provided and offered - Posted by: AJ Zeid & Tanis Phillips (Rick's daughter) (Friends (Phillips Family & Specialty Interiors Family)) on: Apr 27, 2021
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Jillian and Daniel, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father and to Glen, John and the Mitchell family the loss of your brother. I first got to know Hugh as the older brother of Glen and John when hanging around with them. I then got to know him lot more when we both worked together for Uncle George on his painting crew. Growing up in the Glenwood area, we then went on to have shared friends that brought us together as friends. It even resulted in us being roommates and sharing a home for a brief time. I’ll call us the Whellams Lane gang, which included Hugh, Terry Gudmundson, and Geoff Thompson and myself (Fergie). If it’s the same Rick mentioned in Hugh’s obit that hung around with us back then, he’d remember that time well. As I write this I’m looking at an old photo album with pictures of the gang in our home, notably the Xmas tree we had with the cards our parents sent us as the only decorations. Sadly with Hugh’s passing, the gang is now down to 1. Hugh is now joining up with both Geoff (April 29,2020) and Terry (July 18, 2020) who have also passed within the year. I could only imagine the conversations they could be having and reliving of our friendships we had. You will be sorely missed, and I will fondly remember your smile and laugh. Fergie - Posted by: Paul Ferguson (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2021
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Jill, Mark, Dan and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. - Posted by: Laurie & Steve Kingsland (Family of extended family) on: Apr 24, 2021
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I would like to extend my condolences to Hugh’s family and friends. I last met Hugh several years ago when he dropped by to see Mom & Dad at Cathedral Manor. Unfortunately we were on our way to see Mom at the hospital so we didn’t spend as much time with him as we should have. However his arrival sparked fond memories with us and the Mitchell’s were the subject of copious conversations thereafter! So sorry. - Posted by: Tom Stanley (Family friend) on: Apr 24, 2021