Obituary of Guy Richard Mitchell

MITCHELL, Guy Richard Mitchell - It is with great sorrow we note the passing of Guy Richard Mitchell at the age of 79. Guy succumbed peacefully to a 12 year battle with COPD with family present at Sudbury Health Sciences North Hospital early on Thursday November 17th. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Wes and Elsie Mitchell. Guy is survived by Chris, his bride of 60 years. He was a loving father of three sons, Kim (Donalda), Mike (Cathy) and Dale (Winston). He was a proud grandfather of Tyler (Tiffany), Trista, Ashley, Nichole, Parker and Liam and great grandfather of Shayla, Devon and Brookie. He is also survived by his brothers Cecil (late Marlene), Wayne (Eleanor) and was a favoured uncle of many nieces and nephews. He will sorely be missed by many other good friends. Born and raised in Englehart, Ontario, he married Chris, his high school sweetheart in 1956. He worked for Northern Telephone where he was a pioneer in the expansion of phone service across Northern Ontario. In 1961, he moved his young family to Wawa. A place he was proud to call home for the remainder of his life. In 1970, with the merger of Bell Canada and Northern Telephone and faced with relocation to Sault Ste. Marie, he chose to remain in Wawa and chose a different career path in hotel management. Under his leadership, the New Era Hotel was one of the larger employers in the local tourist industry and provided many with their first employment opportunity. The bar at the hotel was home to many “regulars”, local iconic characters and BS sessions. Guy was a talented hockey player through out his younger years. He was an avid supporter of Wawa minor hockey and was notably one of the most successful local hockey coaches winning NOHA titles at every level he coached including the Wawa Travelers at the apex of Wawa’s hockey dominance in Northern Ontario. Over the years our home was always open to others. Adopted sons, nieces, nephews and wayward characters could always find a place to call home. Throughout many social and family gatherings he was often the quiet one visiting outside the circle as the night wore on. He observed, listened and laughed at all the ruckus but would often sensibly slip away long before the party quieted down. Years in the hotel business were followed by may years of service at the MNR Fire Warehouse where he will be remembered for his understated leadership style, ability to get things done and entertain the crews. Into retirement life centered around life with Chris on Whitefish Lake and fifth wheel adventures throughout the southern states to explore, see family and create new friendships. In recent years, living back in town he was recognized fondly by many as he continued his visits to the Legion and time down at the golf course. A private family memorial service will be held at the P.M. Gilmartin Funeral Home Ltd. (705-856-7340) on Tuesday November 22nd. An interment will follow at the Woodland Cemetery. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Guy’s life at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #429 on Tuesday November 22, 2016 beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #429 would be greatly appreciated by the family. www.gilmartinfuneralhome.ca