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