Obituary of Stephen (Steve) Robert Mitchell

May 16, 1962 – Toronto, Ontario

January 27, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

With sadness, we announce the passing of our much beloved husband, father, brother, son, and uncle Stephen Robert Mitchell of  Calgary, AB on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at the age of  59 years. His death was completely unexpected, resulting from a massive heart attack.

Born and raised in Toronto, ON, Steve joined the military on April 23, 1981, signing on in the infantry with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Steve spent the next twenty-one years of his life dedicated in service to his country. He served with 3 PPCLI, the Canadian Airborne Regiment, and the Canadian Forces Parachute Display Team (Skyhawks). His final posting was as Regular Force Cadre with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. He completed operational tours of duty in Cyprus (3 PPCLI) and Somalia (Airborne Regiment). As with everything in his life, Steve was passionate about soldiering, which is reflected in the many soldiers who had the opportunity to serve with Steve. Steve retired from the military as a Warrant Officer on May 21, 2001.

Following his time in uniform, Steve continued to serve. As a civilian contractor with the United Nations, Steve was involved in supervising Afghanistan’s first general election in 2004. In 2008, Steve joined the newly established Mental Health & Operational Stress Injury Joint Speakers Bureau. He attended the very first instructor course and began work immediately after as Peer Educator. Over the next five years, Steve presented to thousands of active and veteran Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members to help educate and change the culture with regards to mental health.  In 2012, Steve started work with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, as a Mentor Master Trainer, where he was instrumental in developing, and rolling out the Working Mind and the Working Mind First Responders programs, designed to promote mental health in the workplace.

It's impossible to express how many lives Steve touched, as a husband, father, soldier, teacher, mentor, and friend. Steve will be remembered for his razor-sharp humour, his penchant for Hawaiian shirts, his impeccable taste in jewelry, his inability to suffer fools, and most of all his capacity to love and support all those lucky enough to know him.

Steve was first and foremost the devoted husband of Joyce, and extraordinary father of Kathleen and Daniel. He will also be remembered by his sisters, Barbara (David Anderson), Ann (Greg Dabrowski), and Patricia; and nieces and nephews, Paige, Andrew (Susan), and Moira (Alexander); and grandniece and grandnephew, Scott and Alexandra. Steve was predeceased by his mother, Donna Mitchell.

An informal Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held at Ceili’s (351 4^th Avenue SW Calgary) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In light of Steve’s commitment to advancing awareness and understanding of mental health, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Legacy Place Society, #3 Chapman Way SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3R1 Telephone (403) 201-9945, www.legacyplacesociety.com. or to The Distress Centre Calgary, or to any of the Wounded Warriors.