Donald Anthony Mitchell, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Rolla, BC, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020, in Grande Prairie, at the age of 71 years.

Don was born on October 9, 1949, in Dawson Creek, BC. He grew up on a farm with his parents, Valentine and Theresa Mitchell, and his elder siblings Gerald and Shirley. As a child, Don quickly learned the meaning and value of hard work as he helped with the daily caring of animals and working the farmland with his dad. Don’s interest in livestock and farming led him to join 4-H alongside Shirley and Gerald. He was the recipient of many prizes and ribbons on his animals and grain plots.

Don attended Grades 1-12 in Dawson Creek. It was there that Don developed some of his closest friendships, including his lifelong best friend Brian “Jack” Ash, who became like a brother to him. This friendship would help define the person he would become. He often would tell stories of the many hijinks that they would find themselves in.

He met his first wife, Helen Ann Kuenzl, at a dance in Tomslake, BC, in 1969. They married on May 27, 1972, and lived in Dawson Creek, where Don became an accountant. In 1973, they moved to Edmonton, AB. Don finished his courses there but soon switched from accounting to be a fraud auditor for Revenue Canada. He later joined the WCB as an auditor.

On March 29, 1979, Don and Helen welcomed the birth of their first son Troy Anthony. They remained in Edmonton for two years until they moved to Grande Prairie, where Don continued to work for the WCB. On September 1, 1984, Don and Helen welcomed the birth of their second son Cole Andrew. Don loved being a father and loved children. This led him to his involvement with the boy’s scouts program, where his two sons were members of the Beavers and Cub scouts program.

In 1993, Don met Karen Lambert and her 9 year old daughter Kathryn. He quickly welcomed Kathryn under his arm as a daughter. Don and Karen married on May 17, 1998, in Jasper, AB.

He loved movies and amassed a large collection of them, including home movies, akin to the old video rental stores of yesteryear. He also liked new gadgets and technology and was one of the first people in his neighbourhood to own a home computer and be on the internet.

Don could often be found playing computer games with his three children, Jack, or even in solitude. He relished playing cards and board games with his family and friends. Don loved to win, and fortunately, he seemed to defy the odds and win even when it seemed impossible. He also enjoyed golfing, a hobby which he shared with his second with Karen. The couple travelled throughout Alberta and British Columbia, indulging in their favourite shared activity.

Besides being a loving father, son, spouse, and friend, Don was also a joker. He was always willing to share a colourful joke or limerick. Though in later years, those who had been his devoted audience would often beat him to his punchline, as he seemed to recycle many of his jokes.

Don will be sadly missed by his children: Troy Mitchell (Ian Larke), Cole Mitchell (Cher Currie), and Kathryn Lambert (James Benoit); sister Shirley Anderson; nephew Trent Blew (Candice Ward); niece Tracy Golnick (Dan Suave); ex-wife Karen Lambert (nee Green); and best friend Brian “Jack” Ash.

He was predeceased by his brother James Mitchell; father Valentine Mitchell; mother Theresa Mitchell (nee Senger); nephew Jimmy Blew; and ex-wife Helen Mitchell (nee Kuenzl).

At this time, the family has chosen to have a close gathering for immediate family only. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Don’s name to Heart and Stroke of Alberta (#144, 5241 Calgary Trail NW., Edmonton, AB, T6H 5G8).