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Mitchell Family Newsletter
"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Proverbs 22:28
REUNION
March 2001
Vol. 22 ISSN 1185-6211 No. 1| Eileen (Mitchell) MacMillan5 (William Noble3, Samuel2), 490 Viewmount Drive, Ste.205, Nepean, Ontario, K2E 8A8 Tel.: (613) 225-2979 |
| Karyn (Andrews) Kondro6 (Alexander3, William2), Box 10, Site 1, R.R. #2, St. Albert, Alberta, T8N 1M9 Tel.: (403) 973-5508 kkondro@oanet.com |
| Grant Ackney6 (Alexander3, William2), Box 563, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R3 Tel:(250)352-9990 Fax:(250)352-9950 E-mail mitchellnews@writeme.com |
| Debbie (Lawson) Mitchell (Daniel6, William Noble3, Samuel2), 2082 Blue Ridge Cr., Pickering, ON, L1X 2N3 Tel.: (905) 619-8019 |
| Pam (Jones) Mitchell (Kenneth H.R.6, William Noble3, Samuel2), 174 Oakridge Blvd., Nepean, Ontario, K2G 2V2 Tel.: (613) 225-1435/Fax: (613) 225-0130/E-mail: pgmitch@cyberus.ca |
Well, is Spring here yet??? They say in another week and a half it will be spring but as I look out my office window the snow is piled up pretty high. We have a long way to go before the green grass of spring shows itself. Just a wee bit envious of you folks on the West Coast!
I find it a bit unnerving to think that this is my last newsletter - we still have not found an editor but I am hoping somebody will come forward - perhaps at the reunion in Vancouver??? The newsletter has been a part of my life (and Ken’s too) for 22 years and I am sure it will go on for a long time yet - I would like to contribute in some way but I do feel it is time to step aside and let somebody else take it on. I have learned such a lot since the newsletter started. I am a long way from being computer literate but the advent of computers has made the job a lot easier. I have very fond memories of Aunt Eileen MacMillan and I sitting at the dining room table handwriting all the envelopes for mailing and typing and retyping on the old typewriter the newsletter pages, in draft first and then in final form. If I goofed it meant the page needed to be typed over again to make it right. Then, of course, we were doing it on stencils with the smelly correction fluid, after which I stood over the old Gestetner
machine at Ken’s school to print it off. Lots of inky hands, dirty clothes and wasted paper as we struggled to get things straight. Now I just take it to the printer and they do the work for me. We still do all the collating but that is only to give us an excuse for a social gathering! Bringing us more into the future we started doing it on the computer - it sure saved time and all the format could be saved for next time. Now, we are into the Internet age and a great number of cousins are receiving the newsletter by e-mail - thanks to Grant Ackney and his expertise in that area. AND, now we have self-adhesive stamps to boot! We have indeed come a long way since 1979!Ken and I are really looking forward to the reunion in Vancouver - by the sounds of things it will be a great time. The organizing committee have been working hard and have a wonderful program planned. We have booked our room and sent our registration in but still need to book our flights - that will be next on the agenda.
Looking forward to seeing everybody in Vancouver in July! See you there!
Pam (Jones) Mitchell Nepean, Ontario
(Kenneth H.R.6, William Noble3, Samuel2)
NEWSLETTER BY INTERNET!!!
Our Mitchell Family Newsletter is available on the Internet **** E-Mail ****. We have started putting the newsletter out via the Internet so that we can reach more relatives with the news. You will be able to receive your letter via E-mail or you can get the Website address so you can view photos and retrieve it from there anytime you wish. We hope to (and have already):
Don’t worry - the regular printed newsletter will still be available. We are just trying to improve on what we have. If you don’t have E-mail now, I am sure you have a family member or a friend who can receive it for you and print it from their computer --- Just think about
it--- We’re all excited about this direction for the Newsletter. "It’s a Natural" ... what we would like all subscribers to do is submit your E-mail address that is available to you ... PLUS ... the E-mail addresses for any family members who are not getting the newsletter at this time. We will then be able to send the news to more and more folks. After you receive your first E-mail you can decide for yourself which way you would like to get the Newsletter. It’s easy, just send us an E-mail to this address:
and we will put you on the list. Please include your name and what program you use to receive your E-mail with, and in the Subject Title just put "add me". Simple as that! (Hey ... you could even submit some news at the same time!) Do it yourself or get a family member or friend to send it in ... or, if it is easier, just send us a letter with your E-mail address submissions on it. Let’s really get in touch. Sign up today! Let me know what you think and try the News E-mail. If you have any questions send me an E-mail.
A little humor for Word Document uses:
Grant Ackney6 Nelson, B.C.
(Alexander3, Samuel2)
Since it is my Mom I’m speaking of, that last quote is about the most inadequate, ludicrous, off-the-wall, understated remark imaginable!
My Mom was not quite 18 when she married my Dad in 1912, and in the following 16 years, gave birth to 12 children.
In 1914, my oldest brother Fred was born, followed by Evelyn, a little sister I never knew because she only lived to be 9 months old. In 1917 my second brother Kenneth, was born. I remember him as a gentle kind, quiet boy, who tragically lost his life in Deep Lake, at the young age of 19.
In 1918, my sister Muriel was born; the second girl born on Valentine’s day. Following Muriel, along came Yours Truly, on my parent’s 7th wedding anniversary. Now that’s what I call a GIFT!
Then Stanley followed in 1920. He was my mate all my life. Orville came next in 1922. When he was small, we all had a hard time saying his name and it sounded like Obo, and for me, it has always been Obo!
The next girl was Lois in 1923, followed by the fifth girl, Ella in 1924. Eldon was born in 1926 and then Mom had a rest for 3 years before Edith came along in 1929. Finally, Mom said the best holiday she ever had was when the last child, Bob, was born; IN A HOSPITAL! The first to be so! Fourteen days! You would be lucky to be in the hospital for 14 hours today! Strange isn’t it, that only in retrospection, you remember all the wonderful things about your Mom that you always thought were average?
Consider the cooking, cleaning, bathing, washing, nurturing, nursing, sewing, teaching, refereeing, minding, and listening to 12 children from birth to maturity; and maturity was not age 10 - more like 20!
On my very first date, at 17, I had to have permission and when I appeared with lipstick on, I was promptly told to go back upstairs and remove it – AND I DID!
Do anyone of you gals remember Tangee lipstick? It was like orange wax and when it was applied it turned a lovely pink. I thought it was magic.
My Mom made all our clothes. We were told many times by our neighbours and school teachers that we were the best dressed children in school. Mom never had a lesson or bought a pattern, and yet everything she made fitted to absolute perfection. She started teaching us girls at a young age to hem our summer petticoats and dresses. One learned early to do them correctly the first time or we would simply have to rip it all out and start all over. She used to tell us, the finishing of an article was what made it unique. My girlfriends, even into my working years, used to ask me to ask my Mom if she would make something for them that Mom had made for me. Her answer was always "I make your clothes so you will look special". We not only looked special, we felt special!
The greatest part of our childhood years was spent in Westboro. We loved our house, but it did not have indoor plumbing or heavy wiring. All the cooking was done on a wood range. I can’t remember a time when there was not a pot of something on the stove. In the summertime, once the wild fruit came into season, we all picked and for days on end Mom would be over that hot stove making jams, jellies, preserves, pickles, canned fruits and vegetables.
I used to wonder when my mother slept. Whenever I woke in the night, I could hear the sewing machine. I often regret that I never made her aware that I thought she was a miracle worker.
I guess since time immemorial, mothers have been taken for granted. My Mom died before I became fully aware of what a truly remarkable woman she was.
Our home was always clean, we were always well fed and well dressed. She was always there! She taught us all the things about the household in a way that without really realizing it, we became good housekeepers ourselves.
I don’t ever remember hearing her say "wash the glasses first", or "soak the soiled clothes overnight", or "wash the fruit and vegetables before you cook them", or "save the dripping from the pork", "use the blueing to whiten the clothes", or "hang the clothes neatly on the line, it makes ironing easier", and on and on. As the saying goes, "we learned at our Mother’s knee". How true. What an education we received!
My Mom could well be placed beside those five women who were recently honoured with statues on Parliament Hill. I never realized how much my Mom meant to me until after I lost her. The times I would ask her "Should I?", "Could I?", "Did I do it right?", "What would you do, Mom?". Once that precious prop was gone, I was on my own, and only then did I realize what I had lost.
I wish I had another chance to tell her how much I appreciated her lessons, her approval of me; her steadfast love and support, and to be able once
more to show my gratitude for all the help she gave me in helping me raise our children.I am a believer in what some people call resurrection; I only know Mom is out there somewhere, - maybe a daisy in a field, a lovely cloud, maybe a beautiful maple tree. I thank God for the memories she left with me, and I trust they have helped to make me the mother I am. She laid the pattern, I merely followed.
God grant that I deserve the same Memorial.
God Bless and God willing, I’ll see you in July
Love,
H. Eileen (Mitchell) MacMillan5
Nepean, Ontario
(William Noble3, Samuel2)
This winter has just raced by for all of us here. We have had an incredible winter. Just enough snow to cover the grass, and never seem to get any more. We had several ice rains, which reeked havoc on our highways, but once you got used to it there was no problem. The farmers out here are extremely worried about drought conditions for the spring. It always seems to be one thing or another. You kids east seem to be on the other side of the spectrum with tons of snow and storms. Mother Nature never ceases to amaze us with her temperament.
We had a great Christmas. Len and I decided since he wasn’t going to Phoenix this year to play ball we would take the kids to Disneyland. Years ago Len had promised the kids when they were seven and eleven we would go. Well the years had slipped by and here they were eleven and seven. So you know me, it had to be a surprise. Well, we surprised them Christmas Eve with Disneyland Journals that had a poem in it stating they would be going to Disneyland in January. They were speechless. It was a great moment seeing the look on their faces. Anyway we went and it was great. There were no line ups and we spent two full days there and had a fantabulous time. We then drove to San Diego and did the touring thing there. Quite fun.
Other than that we kept ourselves busy with soccer four times a week, yes this old gal still plays. We also have swimming twice a week and Len has started baseball workouts in the gym. So, needless to say, our weeks are very busy. Indoor soccer is coming to an end and I will register for outdoor soccer soon. Jay has decided to golf this summer, Devin swim and Len baseball. I now know where the
license plate "Mom’s Taxi" comes into play.I can hardly wait to start gardening again. With the weather we have and lack of snow it won’t be long until I am in my garden. Can’t wait for those fresh peas.
I would suppose the Reunion committee out west is working hard. Hope all is going well with you.
You know I write these letters and think, man is this ever boring. Oh well, you get to know what we’ve been up to, but don’t really get any other info.
Well, I will sign off, so take care and love to all.
Karyn (Andrews) Kondro6 St. Albert, Alberta
(Alexander3, William2)
Mitchell Family Reunion
July 13,14,15, 2001
Vancouver in Beautiful British Columbia
The West Coast Mitchell’s are hosting the 2001 Mitchell Family Reunion July 13-15, 2001. We hope you will plan your summer to include Reunion which will be held in the Lower Mainland of beautiful British Columbia.Dear Cousins:
Enclosed with this newsletter is the registration form for the 2001 Mitchell Family Reunion, to be held in Vancouver, B.C. The festivities will be held at the Best Western Tsawwassen Inn, which is located at 1665 56th Street, Delta, B.C. - tel: 1-800-943-8221, E-mail: sales@tsawwasseninn.com The hotel has set aside rooms for the Mitchell Reunion - please mention that you are part of the reunion when booking your rooms. The facility offers a standard room for $95.00 or a one bedroom suite for $105.00. They also have a shuttle from the airport - please arrange with the Tsawwassen Inn if you require this service.There is a campground nearby for those cousins who wish to tent or RV. The Park Canada Recreational Vehicle Inns is located at 4799 Highway 17, Delta, B.C. - tel. (604) 943-5811.
The schedule will be similar to the Ottawa reunion.
July 13 - Friday night -
registration and welcoming reception. There will be a no host bar and
light refreshments. Please bring your silent auction items to the registration. Also,
anyone wishing to take part in the talent show should confirm at the registration desk.
July 14 - Saturday - bus trip planned to Fraser View Cemetery and Little Mountain by way of Mitchell School and Mitchell Island. Lunch will be a picnic at a park complete with games and entertainment for both children and adults.
Dinner Saturday evening at the hotel. The silent auction will continue after dinner and the talent show.
July 15 - Sunday morning - Breakfast and farewells at the Tsawwassen Inn.
In addition, we are able to offer a round of golf (if there is enough interest), on Thursday, July 12, 2001. Please note on the registration form if you are interested in playing and the number of players. We will confirm directly with interested parties.
Please let us know if you would like to do some sightseeing before or after the reunion. We have tour guide relatives that live in the Vancouver area and on Vancouver Island who would be glad to show you around. Enclose a note with your registration and we will be pleased to try to arrange something for you.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Vancouver!
REUNION REGISTRATION FORM Click Below
Click Here
Tsawwassen Inn Website : http://www.tsawwasseninn.com
Vancouver Vancouver Island VancouverTravelGuide
| George Mitchell6 | Carol (Mitchell) Malysh6 |
| (Alexander3, Samuel2) | (Alexander3, Samuel2) |
| Parksville, B.C. | Delta, B.C. |
| Tel.: (250) 752-3982 | Tel.: (604) 946-2254 |
E-Mail: gsmitch4@home.com
4th Annual
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After our Mitchell Family Reunion in 1998 and the wonderful golf tournament, organized by John Bond and Donna Mitchell6 (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Mississauga, Ontario, that was held at that time, the West End Duffers (Dad’s golfing group) offered to keep the tournament going as an annual event. They are hosting the tournament again this year, now the "4th Annual", and we hope as many family members, friends and West End Duffers as possible will be able to play in it. We, as Stan’s family, continue to help with the organization, and hope to do so for many years to come.
The tournament will be taking place Wednesday, August 8th, 2001 (which is actually Dad’s birthday!) at the Pontiac Golf Club at East Aldfield, Quebec - Dad’s favorite golf course in the area, known for its beauty and down-home hospitality. Tee-off time will be 10:00 a.m. and will be followed by a meal. Fees for the golf and the meal have not been set yet but we can guarantee the cost will be reasonable and you will have a great time! Anyone wishing to donate a prize(s) for this tournament please feel free to do so - any donations would be gratefully received!
We do hope at least some of you will be able to join us for a great day in the Gatineau Hills. Please let us know by July 1st if you will be able to play in the tournament. Before that the tournament is open to family and friends; after that date the tournament will be opened to the West End Duffers and space will only be available on a first-come-first-served basis. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Send your registration fees and/or donations of prizes to:
Ken Mitchell
174 Oakridge Blvd.
Nepean, ON, K2G 2V2
Tel.: (613) 225-1435 Fax: (613) 225-0130 E-Mail:
pgmitch@cyberus.caE. Donn Mitchell5
(Alexander3, William2)
E. Donn Mitchell of Douglas, Manitoba, beloved husband of Sylvia, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Sunday, October 29, 2000. Donn was born at his parents’ home on November 12, 1926. He took his schooling at Elton School and completed Grade 10 by correspondence. He was a prolific reader, and continued his education through short courses. Donn was recognized as an innovator, always looking for new challenges. He was very interested in cattle, showing his first calf in the Boys and Girls Calf Club competition at the Winter Fair in Brandon. Donn and his Dad bought their first registered Hereford cattle in 1944 and this business motivated him for many years. On November 25, 1959, Donn married Sylvia Carkner. It was an excellent and loving partnership. After marriage they lived in the family home from 1961 to mid 1982, at which time they moved to the site where Donn’s grandfather Alexander Mitchell began farming in the late 1880's. The farm has been in the family name since that time. Donn and Sylvia traveled widely in the cattle business, selling to Japan, South Africa, South America, the United States and across Canada. Donn judged various breeds of livestock in Canada, the U.S., and South America. He liked to help the youth in the cattle industry and in farming. His mind was always questioning the "how and the why"of how things worked or didn’t work. He believed it was no shame to make a mistake, as long as you didn’t make the same one twice. If you could look back and remember what you didn’t do right the first time, you would remember and correct it the next time. He was a farmer, a cattleman, and an entrepreneur. He worked as a partner in Shilo Farms Ltd. to develop irrigation farming in the area. Donn was one of the original five partners in founding Bar Five Simmental Breeders Ltd. in the early 1970's. He was active on the boards of the Keystone Centre, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, the Brandon General Hospital, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and Canadian Western Agribition. Donn was recognized by the Red River Ex as "Mr. Manitoba Farmer", was chairman of the Western Grain Stabilization Administration, elected to the Canadian Wheat Board Advisory Committee, was made an Honorary Life Member of the Agricultural Institute of Canada, was enrolled in the Canadian Hereford Association Honour Roll, spearheaded the establishment of the Manitoba Beef Cattle Performance Association, and the Douglas Test Station, the Manitoba Premiere Purebred Beef Producer. Donn and Sylvia were inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1997 and they were honoured as the first recipients of the Westman Award for Outstanding Philanthropy in 1998. He was pleased for the wonderful friendships he had made over a lifetime in agriculture. Donn is survived by his loving wife Sylvia, sister Mona (Russell) Green and their family, Jim (Lori) Dangerfield and their children Aran and Mitchell; Patti and Gordon Beddome, Holly, Danny and Kelli-Mae; Doug and Michelle, Nicole and Carson; Don and Jill. He is also survived by many cousins and special friends who will really miss him, including Dave and Susie Prankie (children: Michelle, Melissa, and Andrew). Donn was predeceased by his father Ernest T. Mitchell in 1972, and his mother Mary A. (Mayme) Mitchell in 1977. A memorial service was held at Central United Church on Thursday, November 2, 2000 with Rev. Barbara Jardine officiating. Friends who wish, may make donations to either Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room ON 109, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9 or Douglas United Church, Douglas, Manitoba, R0K 0R0.by:
Dorothy (Moore) Moore5
Abbotsford, BC
(Isabella3, William2)
I have experienced hearing problems for several years, as those close to me will attest to. In the early 70's, while working for a food company, taking orders over the phone was becoming difficult, and especially if the caller had an accent. This was one of the things that made me realize that I had to get serious about my hearing problem, and led to the wearing of hearing aids, which for awhile was a help, but over the years with hearing loss and many hearing aids, (I am sure the company loved me!!) there was much frustration. Actually, the audiologist that worked with me for several years, told me that I was his GREATEST CHALLENGE!! He was very patient with me, and did his very best to help, and I really appreciated him. He retired about 1989, and a younger man took over the office here in Abbotsford, and he has patiently tried every hearing aid on me that was ever manufactured, I think.
As more deafness crept on, so did the frustration - I got to hate going in for adjustments. It was almost like going to the dentist for me, because as soon as I stepped out of his office, it was the real world out there, and it was not working very well for me. I would turn the volume up to hear better, and the words would become distorted, and sounds were just noises - turn the volume down and I couldn’t hear at all - it was a continual battle.
I was involved in different activities that included people and people groups, and was not functioning very well. I would sit at a table, or with a group - watch their lips move, but not be able to understand much, if any, of what was being said. You want so desperately to enter into the conversation. People were so kind and understanding, but you come to the place where you realize it is not fair to them, so I began to withdraw from crowds. I found it hard, as I love being with people. I prayed a lot, relied greatly on strength from the Lord, and over the years my faith remained strong that I would hear again.
I was blessed with a wonderful husband and family and was surrounded with a host of loving and encouraging people. I saw many specialists, and was always told that my problem was nerve deafness - probably inherited, and they could do nothing for me. Now, God was working in all of this for me, but in a very different way than I would have thought. He planted a wonderful couple in the condo above us to use in this miracle. They had a friend in Saskatchewan that had just received a COCHLEAR IMPLANT after being totally deaf for 10 years, and she could hear again. No one had ever mentioned such a thing to me. Could this be my answer???
I was referred to a surgeon at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, who said I was a good candidate, and then I had to go through extensive hearing tests by an audiologist there, and was able to understand 6 words out of 100 (not a very good average). I had to have a CT Scan so the surgeon could see what he would encounter during surgery and other pre-op tests, and was given a surgery date of August 24. I could hardly wait, and the surgery was not nearly what I expected considering that they fiddled around in my head for about 3½ hours - I got over it very easily with very little pain. During surgery, entry is gained to the Cochlea part of the ear from behind the ear, through the mastoid bone (which is sometimes removed) and 22 electrodes are threaded into the cochlea and 2 electrodes, which are grounds, are attached to the skull with an implant and a magnet. Sounds are picked up by a microphone worn behind the ear, which sends them along a thin cord to the speech processor (a miniature computer) which filters sound into coded signals, which in turn are sent to the transmitting coil (a magnet worn on the outside of the head) and sent to the implant attached to the skull. This device sends the appropriate electrical energy to these 22 electrodes in the cochlea, which stimulates any live auditory nerve fibers in the cochlea through the auditory system to the brain for interpretation. The brain transfers them into sounds and words. Isn’t that amazing??? I am now WIRED FOR SOUND! When I wore hearing aids, I was always turning the volume up and down, and now the brain does that for me. It is a miracle and only God could have given instructions to gifted people to bring this into being. I am so very grateful.
When they do this surgery, all natural hearing in that ear is destroyed, so you really hope it is going to work. After waiting for the swelling to go down and healing to take place, I was hooked up on October 5th, 2000 - what a great day. This meant 2½ hours of programming into the computer by a series of beeps. Then my audiologist said he wanted me to tell him what I could hear. I was expecting more beeps, but now I was hearing static, so I told him that, and then I said, "Oh wait - Oh, I can hear a word, now I am hearing lots of words, and you are talking to Bob, and now Bob is talking to me, Oh, I can’t believe this!" Bob said he should have had a camera to capture the expression on my face. We were a very happy group. My audiologist was amazed, and said this is fantastic - he did not expect me to come through nearly that good. Many people only get a word or two, or garbled sounds to begin with, and I am understanding whole sentences. He said "This is just fantastic!"- I said "this is an answered prayer!!"
I am so blessed - I can use the phone now with an adapter (sometimes without), something I had not been able to do for several years - I can sit in a restaurant and carry on a conversation, converse in the car as we travel, watch TV without closed caption most of the time. I still have some problems in a noisy crowd or situation, but I don’t let that bother me.
I don’t take hearing for granted, it is a wonderful gift. When I go to bed at night, and take the processor off, I am totally deaf, but every morning when I put it back on and enter the hearing world again, I give God thanks!!
Engagements and Weddings
Brad Mitchell5 (Isaac3, Samuel2) of Douglas, Manitoba has recently become engaged to Donna Campbell. Brad is son of Thomas4 and Lucille (McVannel) Mitchell of Brandon, Manitoba.
Karen Mitchell5 (Isaac3, Samuel2) of Winnipeg, Manitoba is engaged to Murray Nye. Karen is daughter of Thomas4 and Lucille (McVannel) Mitchell of Brandon, Manitoba.
Ryan Andrews7 (Alexander3, William2) has become engaged. Ryan is son of Darryl6 and Barb (Forster) Andrews of Brandon, Manitoba.
AnniversariesRon6 and Glenda (Miller) McClelland (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Gardnerville, Nevada, U.S.A. celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on December 31, 2000
Little Cousins
This announcement was in the September 2000 issue but we made an error in Bretton’s name - our apologies! Bretton Thomas Coutanche8 (Mary Ann3, William2) was born on April 28, 2000, son of Michael and Jennie7 (Kurtz) Coutanche of Holland Landing, Ontario, grandson for Tom6 and Judy (Kowcinak) Kurtz of Horseshoe Valley, Ontario, and great grandson for Helen (McArthur) Kurtz5 of Newmarket, Ontario.
Gage Robert Francis Cook8 (Isabella3, William2) was born to Toby7 and Deanna (Francis) Cook on October 24, 2000 at Fort McMurray, Alberta. Grandson for Trevor and Judy6 (Moore) Cook of Fort McMurray and great-grandson for Bob and Dorothy5 (Moore) Moore of Abbotsford, B.C. **TRIPLETS** Corey7 and Brandy (McIlravey) Mitchell (Alexander3, Samuel2) of Powell River, BC had their first babies - TRIPLETS - on November 22, 2000 in the Women’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC. Alexander8, Sydney8 and Chloe8 (1 boy and 2 girls) are all doing wonderfully! They were brought home to Powell River a few weeks after birth and are growing by leaps and bounds. Currently, at three months old, they are all between 11 and 12 pounds. Very proud grandparents are Randy6 and Sharon (Boor) Mitchell of Powell River and extremely proud great-grandfather is Lester Mitchell5, also of Powell River. James Roy Thomas Fox8 (William3, William2) was born on December 9, 2000 to Dan and Megan7 (Thomas) Fox of Nepean, Ontario, grandson for Roy and Jane6 (Smedley) Thomas of Nepean, and great-grandson for Janet (Scobie) Smedley5 of Deep River, Ontario. Fraser Mitchell Anderson7 (William Noble3, Samuel2) was born on December 16, 2000 to Doug6 and Sharron (Ellis) Anderson of Nepean, Ontario, grandson for Edith (Mitchell) Anderson5 and Jim MacCormack of Kanata, Ontario. Thea Maeve Higgins7 (Henry3, Jane2) was born on January 17, 2001 to Tyler6 and Donna (Mulder) Higgins of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Mikaila Rene Mahnke9 (William3, Jane2) was born on January 27, 2001 to Kevin8 and Sheri (Lindsay) Mahnke of Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. Ron and Lois7 (Williscroft) Mahnke of Lampman, Saskatchewan are now eligible to celebrate "Grand Parents Day", along with Jack and Maryanne Lindsay of Kenosee Lake, Saskatchewan. Proud great-grandparents are Evelyn (Mundell) Williscroft6 of Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Art and Lavica Mahnke of Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan and Leonard Keating of Lampman, Saskatchewan. She also has a very happy aunt and uncle: Kevin’s sister Abbie8 and Sherri’s brother Shannon. Mikaila was born on her Auntie Abbie’s birthday!Tyler and Samantha7 (Campbell) Cowie (William Noble3, Samuel2) gave birth to a daughter on February 2, 2001. Samantha is daughter of Don6 and Diane (Philpotts) Campbell of Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.A.
Faith Suzann Laura
Mitchell7 (Alexander3, William2), infant daughter of Gary6 and Andrea (Bucholtz)
Mitchell of Blueberry Mountain, Alberta, and grandddaughter of Myland5 and Margaret
(Peters) Mitchell of Spirit River, Alberta, passed away in Queen Elizabeth II Hospital on
March 31, 2000 after a very brave struggle. She was only 8 months old but she touched many
lives in those short months and she will always be an inspiration to her family.
Faith’s twin sister, Cheyenne7, is hearty and healthy at home with her Mom, Dad and
brother in Blueberry Mountain, Alberta.
Katharine
"Kay" (McArthur) Smyth5 (Mary Ann3, William2) passed away peacefully at Hilltop Manor Nursing Home in
Merrickville, Ontario on December 29, 2000 in her 94th year. Beloved wife of
the late John Smyth. Loving mother of Margo (Smyth) Perry6 (husband Paul) of Fredericton,
N.B., Carolyn (Smyth) Smith6 (husband Glen) of Ottawa, John Smyth6 (wife Jill) of
Burlington, Ontario. Very special grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 11 great
grandchildren. Dear sister of Helen (McArthur) Kurtz5, Margaret (McArthur) Campbell5 and
Mary (McArthur) O’Neill5. A memorial service will be held in North Bay, Ontario.
Karen Mitchell5 (Isaac3, Samuel2) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, recently completed her Masters in Social Work, Social Policy and Administration, adding to prior Bachelor of Social Work (Dean’s Honour List) and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Karen is daughter of Thomas4 and Lucille (McVannel) Mitchell of Brandon, Manitoba. Congratulations Karen!
Donna Mitchell6 (William Noble3, Samuel2) relocated to Ottawa in September 2000 with her company, Herman Miller Canada Inc. She has a new role as an Account Development Manager. She and John are also embarking on a new adventure as John, his brother Mike and sister Ellen, have purchased the Beckwith Golf Course and will start business this spring. Congratulations and best wishes!
Jeff Mahood7 (William Noble3, Samuel2) has begun his career in the teaching of mathematics at the high school in Erin, Ontario. He has relocated to Guelph, Ontario. All the best Jeff!
The following was contributed by Alda (Mitchell) Myrthue5 (William3, William2) of St. Alberta, Alberta:
THE MONTH AFTER CHRISTMAS
‘Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the houseNothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d tasted
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I’d remember the marvellous meals I’d prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I’d never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt —
I said to myself, as I only can
"You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!"
So – away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie – not even a lick.
I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore —
But isn’t that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
Lost Cousins
We have had mail returned to us from the last mailing for the following cousins. Can you help us locate them - they are listed with their last known addresses: |
BLAIR, Nat & Irene, 5715 Goldenrod Cres., Delta, BC, V4L 2H1 |
|
CAPTAIN, Muriel & Thomas, 5129 Rannock Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3R 0M9 |
|
CHUN, Dr. & Mrs. Albert, 5072 Poola Place, Honolulu, Hawaii |
|
EDWARDS, Julie, 7330 East Lake Court, Wilsonville, OR, 97070 |
|
FORD, Enid, 306-2587 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC, V8R 6K3 |
|
GRANATA, Carrie & Robert, 79 Peelton Heights Road, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2J1 |
|
HIGGINS, Gayle, Box 201, Wakefield, QC, J0X 3G0 |
|
HIGGINS, Robert, 683 Eastfield St., Ottawa, ON, K1K 2E7 |
|
HILDEBRAN, Sally & Reed, 20636 SW Teton Avenue, Tualatin, OR |
|
JOHNSON, Fern, 8851 W. Greer Ave., Peoria, AZ, 85345-5699 |
|
JOHNSTON, Merle & Oslar, R.R. #1, Carleton Place, ON |
|
LANG, Judy & Clark, 6 Antelope Place, Brandon, MB, R7B 2X9 |
|
LEWIS, Valerie & John, Box 314, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia, 4871 |
|
MARINO, Betty Anne & Frank, 5727 Trail Ave., Box 1850, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0 |
|
MAY, Jill & Greg, 1924 Jeanine Drive, Tempe, AZ, 85284 |
|
MILLER, Christopher & Amy, 8325 Emerald Hills Way, #504, North Richland Hills, TX, 76180 |
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MILLER, Vern & Margaret, 585 Washington St., Salem, OR, 97302 |
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MITCHELL, Ian, 150 Hinton Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 1A1 |
|
MITCHELL, Jeffery & Myra |
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MOORE, Jeremy, 2-28 Gilmour St., Ottawa, ON, K2P 0N3 |
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MORGAN, Sherry & Harold, 26 Winston Rd., Chatham, IL, 62629 |
|
MYERS, Laura J. 10301 N. 70th, #138, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253-1459 |
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NOCENTE, Helen, RR#4, Site 6, Comp 25, Gibsons, BC, V0V 1V0 |
|
NOSLER, Brad & Cassy, 13488 SW Chelsea Lp., Tigard, OR, 97223 |
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NOSLER, Doug & Teri, 13235 SW Shore Dr., Tigard, OR, 97223 |
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PRIESTLEY, Tim/DAUDLIN, Brenda, #2, 6434 Beatrice St. Vancouver, BC, V1P 3R4 |
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RODRIGUEZ, Ilsa Setziol, 12724 Oxnard St., N. Hollywood, CA, 91606 |
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SCOBIE, Marvel, Box 3263, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 00801 |
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SPIELNAGEL, Christine & Ken, 9201 E. Misssissippi Ave., #H101, Denver, CO, 80231-6832 |
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STRAUGHAN, Patricia & Gary, 8449-214B Street, Langley, BC, V1M 2K7 |
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WYNNYK, Marilyn & Joe, Box 230A, RR#6, Edmonton, AB, T5B 4K3 |
Financial Donations to the Newsletter
We really appreciate donations as well as the many subscriptions we receive. All these funds will help keep the Newsletter going. An issue such as this one, costs approximately $800 to get out to you. If you haven't subscribed in the past, or know of someone who might like to subscribe, please consider doing so. All information pertaining to subscriptions appears on the last page. As always, a GREEN SHAMROCK on the front page of your Newsletter indicates that your subscription is paid up. You can save money by receiving the newsletter by e-mail. See details earlier in this issue. NATURALLY, we can still use your donations!Acknowledgement is given to the following for their donations to the newsletter fund since the last newsletter:
Glen Mitchell5 (Alexander3, William2) of Hope, B.C.Elizabeth (Lamb) Hawkins6 (Alexander3, Samuel2) of Vancouver, B.C.
Irene (Rochon) Higgins (Ronald Roy6, William3, Jane2) of Ottawa, Ontario
Bob and Dorothy5 (Moore) Moore (Isabella3, William2) of Abbotsford, B.C.
Orville E. Mitchell5 (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Nepean, Ontario
Family History
We are trying to compile stories from each branch of the family for use, hopefully, in a future book about our Mitchell Family. How did YOUR family come to settle where they did? Please share with us any stories you might have. We would like to get them written down and compiled. Between Jane2, William2 and Samuel2 who came to Canada in 1840 (the children of William1 and Jane (Stuart) Mitchell) they had 26 children. Although it will be very difficult to accomplish, we would like to try and have stories from each of the 26 branches. Please help if you can. Even if you just have a little tidbit to share, please do so! Nothing is too insignificant to pass along. We look forward to hearing from you. A sample of one family history appears in this issue.Archives
The Mitchell family tree is an ongoing and never-ending project for which we will always need your assistance. Please keep us posted of births, deaths, marriages, etc. so we can keep it as up-to-date as possible. We are also compiling an archives of old family pictures, copies of documents, etc. If you have anything you'd like to share with us along this line we'd be pleased to hear from you. At the same time, we are looking for up-to-date pictures for the "Family Scrapbook". Please send us your family snapshot.
Our Mitchell family pin is a lapel pin,
3/4" in diameter, shaped like a shamrock to depict the Irish background, with red,
green and white taken from the Mitchell dress tartan to depict the Scottish background.
"Mitchell" is inscribed across one white band. The pins sell for $5.00 each
(which includes postage).
Souvenirs
We have a small supply of T-shirts left from
Reunion 1998. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost is $12.00
plus a little something for mailing. They are a plain white T-shirt with the same crest as
our Mitchell family pins on the left front. If anyone is interested, contact Pam and Ken
Mitchell.
We also have some decals (for your car window or bumper, school bag, binder, etc.) with the same family crest. They are available for $2.00 each. Again, contact Pam and Ken if you are interested in having one or more of these decals.
Please don't forget - we need your
support to keep the Newsletter going! It is published twice a year - March and September. OR
send us your e-mail address To mitchellnews@writeme.com and it can be sent to you free of charge.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: $5.00 (Canadian funds) per year (multiple
years or donations accepted with pleasure!)
CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: Mitchell Family Newsletter
Please send subscriptions and donations in CANADIAN FUNDS. An example is a cheque for $5.00 U.S. for which we receive approximately $1.50 in foreign exchange and are charged $2.75 for a foreign cheque, which leaves us with about $3.75. We would appreciate your assistance with this, either by sending subscriptions in Canadian funds or making sure the U.S. or other currency cheque covers the charges. Many thanks for your help.
SEND TO
: Pam Mitchell - address on the front page.SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2001 are paid if you have a green shamrock on the front page of this issue.
OR Subscribe for the E-mail/Internet version (see article on page 2 of this issue) and receive the Newsletter free of charge by contacting Grant Ackney at: mitchellnews@writeme.comNEXT NEWSLETTER: SEPTEMBER 2001
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: AUGUST 31, 2001 (no later please!)
"He only deserves to be remembered by posterity who treasures up and preserves the history of his ancestors." Edmund Burke Return to Home Page