Ronald Mitchell
June 3, 1931 - October 12, 2017
Ronald Mitchell passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017 after a long struggle with a series of debilitating illnesses.
Born in Stranocum, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the youngest son of Robert and Mary Mitchell, Ron attended Dalriada Grammar School in Ballymoney and Stanmillis Training College in Belfast. After training, Ron began teaching in the town of Killyleagh where he met his wife, Catherine (Kate) Dickson at a local dance. The two quickly fell in love and were married on August 1, 1956.
In 1957 Ron and his new bride set out for Southern Rhodesia where they had their first son, Peter. The couple returned to Northern Ireland where two other sons, John and David entered the picture. The family moved to Port Alberni, British Columbia in 1964.
Ron spent the remainder of his career in Port Alberni serving as Vice Principal at Gill Elementary before becoming a Principal at Eight Avenue, John Howitt and Cherry Creek.
After many happy years on Sproat Lake, Ron and Kate left the Alberni Valley and settled in Qualicum Beach and continued their love of travel. There was a return to Zimbabwe, and trips to South America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, China, and on and on. Ill health was the only thing that brought those travels to a close.
In his later years, Ron suffered from a number of illnesses but fought them with a quite determination. He never lost his good nature, his wit or his love of golf.
Ron will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Kate, his sons Peter, John and David and their spouses or partners Catherine, Tamara and Evie; his sister-in-law Betty and her children, Steven, Paul and Linda; the Ross family in Ballymoney; Ena and William Jackson and families in Crossgar; Colin and Tanya Dickson family, Ireland; and Jim and Liz Dickson family in Australia. His four grandchildren, Kyla, Catanne, Jack and Veronica, all of whom he adored, also survive him.
There will be a Celebration of Life on November 5th at the Qualicum Memorial Golf Course from 1 PM -4 PM.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the First Open Heart Society of BC or the Grandmothers to Grandmothers, Oceanside (Stephen Lewis Foundation).