Obituary of John Kenneth Mitchell

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With much sorrow, we announce the passing of John Kenneth Mitchell, beloved husband, father and grandfather, on March 18 at age 95.

John was predeceased by brothers Bill and Stan Mitchell and sister Joyce McNairn. John remembered all of them with great affection.

Left to mourn John's passing are his beautiful bride of 70 years, Elaine (Seip) Mitchell; sons Jason (Vicki), John, Tim (Janice), and James (Cheri); grandchildren Colin, Owen, Hayden, Nicolas and Mariah; sister Elinor (Russ) Murdoch; and many nieces and nephews.

John was born in December, 1928 in Stratford, Ontario, the second of five children for William and Helen Mitchell. In his youth, he was an active hockey, football and baseball player. In his later years, John enjoyed badminton and was an avid golfer. He was also a regular bridge and euchre player, and liked nothing better than taking a dollar from his children in a cribbage game.

After following his father into the CNR, John joined the Kitchener Police in 1955, and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant during a 32-year career. In retirement, he kept busy with his cottage and part-time jobs, including a number of years engraving jewellery for Murray Dunnette. His talents for painting, carving and woodworking left many of us with beautiful and useful keepsakes. Most of all John loved his family and his home.

John will be deeply missed by family, friends and neighbours, particularly for his warm and friendly personality, boundless generosity and enduring sense of humour.

A special thank you to the staff and volunteers at Innisfree Hospice for the compassion and care they showed John.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 2:00 – 2:45 pm.  The funeral service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home at 3:00 pm followed by a reception and time to visit with the family in the Fireside Reception Room. A Livestream and recording of the funeral service will be made available on John’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.  Cremation and a private family interment will take place at a later date.

Condolences for the family and donations can be made in John's memory to Innisfree Hospice or Trillium Lutheran Church, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com