Obituary of Mitchell Mitch Cameron McCORMICK

May 13, 1959 – Saskatoon, SK June 9, 2017 – Calgary, AB Mitchell McCormick died peacefully on Friday, June 9, 2017 in Calgary, Alberta at age 58. He was surrounded by his loving family in the days before his death. Mitch was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Calgary surrounded by many relatives and friends. He was always remarkably hardworking and took on a variety jobs early in his life. He delivered newspapers, drove a meat delivery van, laid sewer pipe and more. Mitch attended the University of Calgary and completed a B.A. in political science. He was very involved in university politics being on the Students’ Union and having a seat on the Board of Governors. Mitch attended law school and graduated in 1987. He took a year off during law school to work with troubled youth. This was not the first or last time Mitchell would put the needs of others ahead of his own ambitions. He met the love of his life, Penny, during this time and they were married in 1986. In 1989 Mitch opened a law firm with his close colleague the Honorable Harry Van Hartan. He practiced family law and was a child advocate for several years. Mitch moved on to work at his father’s company, Alberta Business & Educational Services. As his father readied to retire, Mitch started his own company: ABES 2000. He spent the remainder of his life dedicated to others. He profoundly changed the lives of those around him for the better, both through ABES and his constant acts of generosity. Mitch was larger than life for everyone around him, but especially his family. His wife, children and nephew have amazing memories of him taking them on extravagant trips, where they ate, laughed and joked with each other. Mitch had a big heart and helped those less fortunate and the forgotten. He contributed to many different charities, and he will be dearly missed. Mitch is survived by his parents, Bill and Sheila McCormick, his beloved wife Penny Abernethy, his three children Samantha (Lisa Jurykovsky), Nicholas and Sacha (Matt Hammer), his sister Shannon Hallett (nee McCormick), nephew Ethan Hallett and Uncle Leagh Roberts (all of Calgary). Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North), on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North), on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com This is a celebration of Mitch’s life, so please refrain from wearing black. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.com. In living memory of Mitchell McCormick, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.