Obituary of Andrew Mitchell

Andrew (Andy) Mitchell of Calgary passed away at the Chinook Hospice in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 10, 2009, in his 89th year. Andy was the dearly loved father of Barbara and her husband Grant McNeil; and the proud Granddad of Scott and Evan McNeil. He was predeceased by his wife Elsie and by his brothers Robert and George Mitchell and his sister Mrs. Margaret Ogilvy. The son of George and Agnes (Alexander) Mitchell, Andy was born in a small coal mining village in Fife, Scotland. In 1926, when Andy was five, the family immigrated to Canada, where they lived for a few years in Montreal before eventually settling in Toronto. During World War II, Andy enlisted in the Army where he served as a gunner with the Royal Canadian Artillery. His regiment took part in the Italian Campaign 1943-1945 as well as the liberation of Holland at war’s end. After his discharge from the Army, Andy returned to Toronto where he began a career in the flooring business and resumed his friendship with a red-headed gal named Elsie whom he had met while working at a Muskoka resort prior to the war; they were married in 1949. While the marriage ultimately ended in separation, the two always remained close friends until Elsie’s passing in 2006. After retirement Andy lived for short periods in Winnipeg and Victoria before moving to Calgary in 1990 to be close to Barb and her family. His years spent in Calgary were some of Andy’s happiest as he treasured the opportunity to be a part of his young grandsons’ lives as they grew up. He loved to recall the many wonderful times spent with “his boys” when they were little, be it hammering and sawing in the workshop, watching Blue Jays baseball on television, or simply making up silly games and telling tall tales. Andy was a stubbornly independent sort whose pleasures in life were simple. He enjoyed a good game of golf, a steaming bowl of oatmeal porridge, a wee dram of Scotch now and then, and will always be remembered for his sly sense of humour and the mischievous twinkle in his eye.At Andy’s request Funeral Services will not be held. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Poppy Fund, #1, 4539 – 6th Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6, Telephone: (403) 265-6304. The family extends special thanks to Andy’s devoted long time caregiver, Heidi, for her outstanding care and friendship. We are also extremely grateful to the dedicated nurses, doctors and staff of the Peter Lougheed Centre (particularly Unit 52) and the Chinook Hospice for their compassionate care of Andy during his recent illness. Sleep well Dad, we will miss you terribly. Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Andrew Mitchell, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.