April 13, 1940 – June 2, 2023
at the age of 83 years:
Celebration of life will be held Monday, June 19, 2023, 1 – 3 pm, Fischer’s Funeral Services, 4060 1St Ave SW, Salmon Arm, BC
Still Waters Run Deep
Our quiet patriarch, David Cyril Mitchell, peacefully slipped away with the angels on June 2, 2023, at the age of 83 in Salmon Arm, BC. His unassuming ways taught us radical acceptance throughout his life but especially in the final years, living graciously with Alzheimer’s.
While he still had his faculties he wrote these words for us to read upon his departure: I’m sorry to leave you. Hope we meet again soon. To my wife Sue, you have given me the best years of my life and I love you so much. To my children, don’t let things get you down, it will get better. And to all the rest, I hope I left a good impression. Beside the question, do you have any regrets? He drew a small graphite arrow followed by the words: no change.
Born to David F. Mitchell and Jacquline Mitchell (Young), April 13, 1940, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a descendant of R.J. Uniacke, beloved grandson to Norman and Geraldine (Uniacke) Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan Mitchell (Sinclair), daughters Carolyn Mitchell (children Chloe Christine Harper and Mitchell David Harper) and Christine Welder (husband Clayton Welder, children Grace Carolyn Welder and Jackson Sinclair Welder), brother Peter Mowat (partner Annette Dentremont) Wolfville, Nova Scotia, his niece, Kelly Mowat and nephew, Cale Mowat Halifax, Nova Scotia. He also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues and acquaintances from his youth in Eastern Canada and five decades in British Columbia.
Dad was a mystic and philosopher, an inquisitive explorer and a contemplative man of the earth. He was an accomplished geologist, tree fruit farmer and pioneer in the BC wine industry who loved to travel and work hard. He heartily enjoyed freshly baked cookies and cold beer. His theme song was Bob Seger’s “Like A Rock.” Those who remember him, mention his 6’1 stature, thick copper hair and mischievous smile. He was happiest outdoors in the African bush, prospecting in the Yukon or surveying his Okanagan properties, often with a pack of loyal dogs trailing behind.
Our family is grateful for the wonderful care Dave received from Harmony Haven in Salmon Arm, BC, Community Care and the care teams at Heron Grove in Vernon, BC and Hillside Village in Salmon Arm, BC, both Good Samaritan Society facilities. A special thanks to Drs. Bonthuys and Levins.
Celebration of life will be held Monday, June 19, 2023, 1 – 3 pm, Fischer’s Funeral Services, 4060 1St Ave SW, Salmon Arm, BC
To the family of David Mitchell. I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s death .I did not know him for very long but we were classmates and roommates at KCS When I read the comments in his obituary, it was all that I would have expected. But allow me to share something that you may not know about. The first memory of Dave that comes to mind is that he was always hungry.. ALWAYS!!!!!! One evening, with hunger pangs gnawing, we three Sixth form roommates decided to raid the kitchen There were two entries to the kitchen, one from inside the Inglis residence, and the other was a large outside door where quantity deliveries were made. We waited until after midnight and then made our way to the out side door which was very poorly lit The door was ,massive attached with heavy steel hinges that were bolted in place to secure the heavy metal and wooden door. I was posted as the watchman while Dave and our other roommate dismantled and we went back to the dormitorythe door. We eventually got it off, went inside, and ate until we were. stuffed. Then we left a note saying “Thanks for the Grub”and then proceeded to put this massive door back on its hinges. I remember the door being very heavy and the hinges attached with huge steel bolts. In any case, everything was restored to its original condition (Save for a little less food bread etc) The next morning all hell broke loose at breakfast time. Mr Gesner, the Headmaster got so excited that we feared a convulsion. No one had any idea whatsoever of how this kitchen entry could have happened. No one in the student body knew about it other that we three. And to top off the story, we were never found out. The three of us had a code of silence and we were never found out. Many Many conspiracy theories floated around but all were baseless There was no evidence, And to top it of f, we were probably the three least likely to ever participate in the scheme No one even suspected us. We were very sure never to mention a word about the entire venture.So it eventually became a cold case To this day, the staff do not have the. slightest clue as to who really had done itOf course, we considered it a triumph. The big puzzle for the staff was how we got into the kitchen,.. It was never suggested that we entered through the big door because it seemed quite impossible But the end result was that we were given bigger portions in the dining hall. The scheme was never discovered and we often wondered how many of the staff were up at night years later trying to figure it out I came western Canada a few years after I graduated from KCS and have essentially stayed here ,I studied medicine and have lived in Saskatoon for the past 50myears.I have passed through Salmon Arm on occasion If I get there again I will try to contact some of youAfter I wrote this I have a broad smile on my face. Oh the memories of KCS
Dear Sue,
How sad I was to learn of your dear hubby’s passing. . It was obvious that you loved him dearly and he will always be in your heart. I was unlucky in that I never met Dave but I know from chatting with you that he was a remarkable human being. May you find comfort in the many fond memories you shared.
Love, your neighbor, Patti ♥️♥️
Dear Sue and family.
My deepest condolences on the passing of David. In the short time I knew him, I appreciated his mild mannerisms and enjoyed visiting you both at your home. You were a gracious and supportive wife to him, Sue. Take care of yourself. God Bless, Patricia Flexhaug (his former home health case manager nurse)