JAMES GRANT MITCHELL -

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JAMES GRANT MITCHELL 1943 - 2002 With wonderful memories and deep sadness we say goodbye to our cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. Jim died peacefully in Fishermans Hospital, Lunenburg, NS, with his family at his bedside, June 14, 2002, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born September 2, 1943 to the late Rose and Fred Mitchell in Edmonton, AB. Beloved husband of Jacqui (Gustafson). Proud and loving father of David (Sharon) Blockhouse, NS and Kelly (Alex) Montreal, QC. Devoted grandfather (Papa Mitch) of Ryan and Matthew. Jim will be sadly missed by his mother-in-law Betty Gustafson and brother-in-law Chuck Gustafson, Winnipeg; lifelong friends, Pat and Howard Milthorpe, Oakville, ON and Marlene and Bob Wilson, Victoria, BC. Your friendship and never ending support cannot be measured. Dear friends and golfing buddies back home in Winnipeg, Bill (Val) Shelest, Dave (Yvette) Slobodian, Wayne (Diane) Wilson. Your phone calls and emails lifted his spirits more than you can imagine. After living many happy years in Sioux Lookout, ON, Jim and his parents moved to Thunder Bay, ON where he attended Hillcrest High School. An accomplished athlete, Jim played football, basketball and hockey and was introduced to the game of golf - which became a lifelong passion. Jim was awarded a hockey scholarship at University of North Dakota and played for the five time NCAA champions. He graduated with a BSC in Business Admin-istration in 1967 and later worked on a graduate program in Organizational Development. Jims career was a unique blend of Human Resource Management, Customer Service, Marketing and Training in both the public and private sector. He worked with national retail organizations, government, telecommunications industry and educational institutions across Canada. Jims passion was training at any level from college student to senior executive. He relished the interaction between student/instructor and was so proud of his work. Student success was his best reward and his fondest advice to his students was always "Believe in Yourself." A certified community college instructor, he taught at colleges in Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba and developed the first Human Resource Development program to be used in Manitoba as a second year major elective in Business Administration. As the Curriculum Director for the Canadian Public Personnel Management Association (CPPMA) he facilitated the development of curriculum to be used by colleges and universities across Canada for professional certification. Jim designed, authored and facilitated hundreds of workshops for senior management in Team Development, Leadership and Change Management and he was especially proud to have worked with Dr. Ken Blanchard in a Leadership Effectiveness workshop. Prior to his move to Nova Scotia in 1999, Jim worked with Manitoba Telecom Systems providing training and development for management and later as a marketing manager. MTS was the first corporate partner of the XIII Pan American Games and Jim proudly worked as the Events Marketing Manager for that event. Jim loved his life in Nova Scotia especially when he could walk on his favourite "Beach Meadows". It was his place to clear his head and count his blessings that he always said were numerous. Most importantly he cherished his time with his family and friends. In keeping with Jims wishes cremation has taken place and friends and family will gather in White Rock, BC to remember this amazing human being. To honour Jims commitment to education a James Grant Mitchell Memorial Scholarship fund has been set up. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Red River College, D115-2055 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9. Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to jmitch@ns.sympatico.ca Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. David Abriel and the 3rd floor Palliative Care staff at Fishermans Hospital for your compassion and loving attention to Jim and family. And of course to the VON and Home Care team who assisted daily with Jims personal care. You made it possible for Jim to spend precious time at home with family and his furry friend, Socrates. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. "His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, "This was a man." Love, forever

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2002