Obituary of MITCHELL – David Edward O.C., B.Sc., LL.D.

Dave Mitchell passed away in Calgary at age 83. He is survived by Doris, his loving wife of 60 years, daughter Donna, son David B [Karen], and grandchildren Derek, Jessica, Miranda, and Carolyn. Medical conditions, which he was always reluctant to discuss, were an extreme burden on him, particularly in the last three years of his life. He was a caring family man, who deeply loved, enjoyed, and respected his family. Although city-raised, one special focus of his family life was Dave’s beloved ranch near Priddis, which he created and enjoyed with his family for more than 40 years. He loved the nature, wildlife, and trees along Fish Creek and in the nearby hills. Family activities also included journeys into the North, the Arctic Islands, Ottawa and elsewhere, to see Canada. He was a very proud Canadian. A respected businessman, Dave was CEO for 29 years of two successful corporations; Alberta Energy, which he started with a staff of four, and Great Plains Development. Both were operated with high integrity and great social and environmental awareness. He was particularly pleased that Alberta Energy never laid off employees during some very difficult times. Dave was the 35th Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company; a director of several corporations including, Scotiabank, Air Canada, Continental Airlines, Chieftain International, Inc., LaFarge Corporation and Noranda Inc.; Chapter Chairman of the Young Presidents’ Organization; President of the Independent Petroleum Association [now CAPP], and President of the Oilfield Technical Society. He enjoyed creating and developing new ideas and organizations such as Alberta Energy and the Manning Innovation Awards, and resurrecting the Calgary Fire Department’s Cappy Smart Band. He founded and was President for 26 years of the Manning Innovation Awards which recognizes and encourages outstanding Canadian adult and high school innovators. This national endeavour has volunteers from coast to coast who donate their time and talents to recognize outstanding Canadians. To date, it has granted over $4 million in Awards. Dave was an enthusiastic participant and supporter of many voluntary local and national endeavours and has received many accolades for his community activities. He was a member of the Senate and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors at the University of Calgary; Chairman of the Calgary Police Commission for two terms; an active Honorary Chairman of the World Police and Fire Games; Honorary Calgary Fire Chief in recognition of his many activities for the Firefighters, and General Campaign Chairman of the Calgary United Way. His awards included appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Calgary, and a Canadian Council Professional Engineers Award for outstanding community service. He was an inaugural inductee to the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame and was also an inductee into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame. His first regular job was digging ditches in Turner Valley. He joined the R.C.A.F. underage; became a Professional Engineer and enjoyed a never-ending stream of life’s adventures. He remarked recently, “I have a wonderful family, have had fun at work and play, and am an extremely fortunate man.” A Memorial Service will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 – 40th Street S.E.) on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to: Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation, P.O. Box 2850, Calgary, AB T2P 2S5 In living memory of David Mitchell, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.