Robert (Bob) Mitchell

NOTICE OF DISCLOSURE

Bow River Funeral Service Ltd. did not assist this family in any way with funeral arrangements. We are posting this obituary notice, at the request of the executor of the estate, to advise of imminent funeral services, as a courtesy to the family

Robert Jackson Mitchell, (Mitch) born in Guelph, Ontario, son of William Joseph Mitchell and Lois Jackson was brought up in Kitchener Ontario. His early life consisted of the usual elementary and secondary schooling, while playing team sports, such as hockey and softball. Mitch entered the working world as a truck driver and distributor for Coca Cola. He found opportunity in the Bahamas as part of a deep sea fishing crew that also ferried tourism when he was 19 or 20 years old. Upon returning to Canada, he found employment at the Scotia Center working for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also worked for Conklin Bros. as part of gigs throughout Ontario.

Mitch inherited his sporting agility from his father Bill, also referred to as 'Mitch.' His father played in the 'United States Hockey League' and also was committed to fastball, playing the position of first base. Therefore Mitch was introduced to both games quite honestly and at an early age. In the early years after WW11, both Mitch's parents worked, therefore it was up to Mitch to walk a fair distance to the arena, carrying all his equipment to attend hockey practice. Being as keen as he was to play, walking to the arena was a reality he was quite willing to endure.

Mitch was drafted by Boston University at 16 years old, which was a farm club of the New York Rangers but decided not to take advantage of the offer because their intent was to use him entirely as an enforcer. Mitch's size and strength at that age was appealing to them but his role would be primarily to fight so he chose not to attend.

Mitch played fastball for the Kitchener/Waterloo Chimers as a catcher from 1965 – 1970. It was rather apparent that while playing for the Chimers, he became a student of the game. These early years of development would be instrumental in helping to orchestrate the foundation of the Canmore Crushers Fastball Club.

Mitch arrived in Canmore in 1973 to seek employment and further develop a quality of life. Others from the Kitchener/Waterloo area had arrived ahead of him, such as John Yirka (Alf) and Dan Buss (Magic), therefore Mitch fit into that puzzle of early arrivals to the area, residing at the 'Purple House' in Canmore. He found employment as a carpenter and spent his time in Canmore going from job to job, as opportunity presented itself.

Mitch met Michelle at the Canmore Hotel in late August of 1974, while she and a friend were visiting Banff. It was an immediate attraction that led Michelle to move to Canmore, after Mitch made a trip to Nevada to court her. They raised two children, Katie and Joe and lived in Canmore for some 25 years. In pursuit of a better quality of life, they moved to Balfour BC. Mitch later moved to Kaslo and then later in life to Nelson in order to be closer to medical facilities.

With Mitch's experience in both hockey and fastball, he sought out teams to compete with. He began his fastball affiliation with the Canmore Mountaineers as a catcher. However he entered the Foothills Fastball League with the Canmore Crushers, when they first joined in 1977. At that point, the team was more interested in having a good time, rather than winning. This all changed in the latter part of the 1977 season, with the acquisition of Randy Fiddler as a pitcher. Mitch was instrumental in recruiting him from the 'Field Mice' and that led the team to never look back. They immediately became a contender in the league and in fact won their own first tournament in 1978. Primarily, it was having experienced players, such as Mitch on the team that stabilized the notion of winning. This notion of winning was evident with being champions of the Foothills Fastball League most years and either placing or winning tournaments throughout Alberta and BC. When the Crushers folded at the end of the 1984 season, Mitch went on to play for the Canmore Centennials, and contributed to establishing the nucleus of the team, which led to consi-derable success.

Mitch played hockey for the 'Canmore Ice Crushers,' who played in a contact league out of Banff. Mitch was a seasoned player and solidified the defensive ranks of the team. Mitch went on to play for the 'Canmore Flyers,' which was a higher caliber league around the Calgary proximity.

Once established is south central BC, Mitch led a quiet life in Balfour, Kaslo and finally in Nelson. He enjoyed interaction with his children and keeping up with current sports and close friends.

A memorial in honour of Mitch took place at the Riondel Golf Course on Saturday, September 16, 2023

Contact Katie Mitchell in Nelson for more details or to send condolences.

khate.mitchell@gmail.com

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.