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Robert Thomas Mitchell

June 16th, 1951 - May 18th, 2024
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Robert “Bob” Thomas Mitchell passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2024, at the age of 72, in Chilliwack, BC. He passed away listening to hymn music and was surrounded by so much love. His courageous battle with serious medical issues in recent months demonstrated his resilience in facing life's challenges with a smile. Despite disruptions to his routine, Bob remained optimistic and strong throughout.

Bob was born on June the 16th, 1951 to the late Marion Helen Thompson Mitchell and Wilson Alexander Mitchell in East York Toronto, Ontario. He was the proud little brother of Kathleen and Eleanor Mitchell.

He is survived by his nieces, Marianna Skoundridakis, Antonia Roussos, and Bronwen Skoundridakis; his great nephews, Obinna and Oti Onyemaobi, George and Tony Skoundridakis and Dylan Brown; his great niece Alwyne Skoundridakis; and his great-great niece, Aria Brown. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Kathleen.

Bob was an active member of the Chilliwack Alliance Church and loved attending the 55+ coffee fellowship group on Saturdays as well as the service on Sundays. Bob also enjoyed participating in the Senior’s Connect Cafe group on Thursdays, where he found joy in discovering new knowledge and enjoying good treats with friends.

Bob had great enthusiasm for life; he loved meeting new people and learning new things. He had a remarkable ability to bring smiles to people’s faces! Bob found joy in working on his computers, listening to his radios, tuning into Fox News, and meticulously taking notes. Above all, he was passionate about sports, especially Toronto teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Toronto Argonauts. He will be remembered for his chivalry, empathy, kindness, and unwavering optimism.

He will be dearly remembered and deeply missed by many.

A celebration of life is being held on June 17th, 2024 at 1pm at the Chilliwack Alliance Church.


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Ashley Johnson
July 16th, 2024
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I started working with Bob in 2019 and one of the first things he said to me was, 'I'm going to teach you,' and indeed, he did. I learned so much from Bob. I will especially never forget to stand for the 7th inning stretch chant. A colleague and I had the privilege of supporting Bob to go to Toronto to reconnect with some of his family. While we were there, we went to a Blue Jays game. Bob was so in love. However, Shak and I did not stand for the 7th inning stretch chant, because neither of us knew that was a thing *sorry Bob* and we did not hear the end of it. Bob told me weekly that he would “teach me” ... with his hands on his hips “I teach you dear” to stand during the 7th inning stretch chant and I will never forget again, Bob took pride in sharing his knowledge with others, especially if it related to sports or politics.

Bob had an incredible memory. He remembered so many little facts and I think that is part of how he made those close to him feel special. He would remember little details about you and your life, and it made you feel appreciated and heard. I think I only told him once that I was born in Saskatchewan and every now and then he would make little comments like “your team, Saskatchewan Rough Riders is opening their training camp this week”. Because Bob believed you had to cheer for your home teams.

Bob loved his routine and always made sure his staff were on the same page as him, but he never shied from an adventure. Bob loved random outings to the library, the park, the bowling alley or especially coffee and a “treat”. Bob never failed to make those around him smile. When we went out in public, Bob would say hi to everyone and ask, “how are you today”. Everyone always left Bob’s presence with a smile. He genuinely cared how those around him were doing. He had an amazing ability to pick up on other people’s emotions. He always knew which mornings I was extra tired “you look so tired today dear”, or when I was feeling overwhelmed “you so busy today dear”.

I had a lingering cough from strep throat back in April and Bob was so concerned every time I would cough, he would say “oooh pooor dear, I’ll pray for you” or when I was in a different room, I could hear him say “Oh I so worried about her”. Sometimes I had to question which one of us was the support worker.

But he always remained positive, no matter what he was going through, and he could always make me laugh. Sometimes Bob had a hard time telling which shoe goes on the right and left foot, so Angela had written "right" and "left" on the back of his shoes. I guess it had rubbed off, so Bob tried to rewrite it, but he wrote them on the wrong shoe. He still put his shoes on the proper feet, but whenever we would be walking and I would say "turn right," he would turn left because his left shoe would say "right."

Or when it was daylight savings time, Bob’s whole routine would shift an hour. If it was spring ahead everything would move up one hour. Instead of lunch being at 1230 and nap time being at 1, they would be at 130 and 2.

Bob was very old-fashioned in his ways. He always believed that men hold the door open for women, men get handshakes, women get hugs, and the kids need to go to school, he was very proud that I was in university, he’d always say “good for you dear”. Bob was a character like no other. It was an honor to earn his trust and have the chance to get to know him. I will always remember Bob for his genuine kindness, remarkable chivalry and unwavering optimism.

I love you so much Bob, you are deeply missed, but you will always be a part of my family and hold a special place in my heart.

Rest in peace, dear Bob.

David Belgue
June 6th, 2024

Bob was my second cousin, something we only discovered in 2023 when he contacted me after a DNA test showed that we were related. In fact, we both grew up in Toronto in the same neighbourhood but never had contacts. My grandfather John Thompson was the brother of Bob's grandfather, Thomas Hanson Thompson. Given my interest in geneology, I was able to share with Bob our Northern Irish ancestry. We had a brief contact on line which allowed me to appreciate his warmth and curiosity.
My sympathy to his family and friends who will share fond memories of Bob.

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