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Mitchell Family Newsletter

"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Proverbs 22:28

Newsletter Editors:

As you hopefully have heard "through the grapevine", this newsletter is late getting out to you. The Reunion 2001 committee requested a later mail-out so that we could incorporate more details for next summer’s festivities. It really worked out well for me as I was working on two events this fall - one at the end of October and one for the first week of November - and free time to work on the newsletter was very limited. Hope you understand.

Summer this year passed very quickly - just as well since the weather left lots to be desired. Here in the Ottawa Valley we had rain every single weekend from May 1st until mid-September! We managed some time at the family cottage and Ken was very busy with lots of chores there.

We have just had a most enjoyable few days with Nick and Kitty (Mitchell) Malysh6 (Alexander3, Samuel2) from Delta, B.C. - they are on a cross-Canada trip - a wonderful two month holiday visiting friends and relatives and seeing all the sights along the way. We had a great time playing tourist guide here in Ottawa - we never tire of showing off our beautiful capital. Kitty filled us in all the plans so far for next summer’s reunion - sounds exciting! And - Nick even managed to master "e-mail"! So, I’m expecting correspondence!

The exciting news in our household this summer is that Ken is officially retired - as of June 30th. He has been in the school a couple of days so far this fall supply teaching but he is enjoying retirement - getting in lots of golf! There were all sorts of festivities to recognize his retirement ending with a surprise party at home in mid-July. How we managed to keep it a surprise beats me but we did. It was a big success DESPITE the rain - even though it meant trying to find spots for 50 people to have dinner INSIDE when the garden was all set up for a barbecue! Our niece, Jenny Mahood7 did a wonderful job of decorating the yard - it was unfortunate we couldn’t be outside to appreciate it. Thanks anyway Jenny!

This fall also brought us two more wonderful young people to add to our international family. As I have often reported in the newsletter, Up With People have once again come to Ottawa. This time we hosted two young women, Ami Younger from Colorado, U.S.A. and Laura Fischer from Germany. We welcomed them at the airport on Thanksgiving Sunday and they just left on November 7th with the cast, after a gruelling month of work trying to set up for the cast’s arrival - that means finding host families for 150 students, media P.R., public speaking engagements, visiting schools, etc., etc., etc. There were four on the advance team and they didn’t have too many spare minutes during their month of setup. During what spare time they had we managed to play tourist and show off our capital once again. The full cast arrived on November 3rd and they performed two shows on November 4th, had one day off, a day of cast activities and then they were off to the next city - a real whirlwind visit. Once again, I can’t say it enough - try and see their show - it is a wonderful meaningful and uplifting event, and if you can be lucky enough to host a cast member it will really enrich your lives.

Well, folks, this is finally IT, I am going to wind up my editorship of the newsletter effective reunion 2001. Hopefully, one of you will take on the task - I feel 20 years is long enough and it is time for new YOUNG blood! Please contact me if you are interested or know of someone who would do it. Please don’t let our newsletter die - it ties us all together. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience but IT IS TIME! Karyn??? Grant??? HELP!!!

Pam (Jones) Mitchell

Nepean, Ontario

(Kenneth H.R.6, William Noble3, Samuel2)

Howdy All Relatives:

Yes, it’s me again. I guess you all wondered where I was last newsletter, or maybe you didn’t even miss me, well the timing was bad for lots of reasons and I just couldn’t get a letter out, but here I am, so hang on to your hats.

So how’s everyone been? We have been tremendously busy this past year. I remember a few years ago when I wasn’t working and I went to help out at the lunch program at the kids’ school, this lady said "I don’t have time to even think", and I said, "I have more time than I know what to do with". Not now, I am running constantly and never have enough time to think. Usually that is why this letter is late getting out cause good ole Karyn is late. Anyways where do I begin. Let’s see, I’ll update you on my family, as usual. Jay is 11 years old and in Grade 6. Devin is 7 and in grade 2. I am in my third year working at Fort Saskatchewan High School, working with behavior, learning disabled, and integrated occupational students. It is very interesting and lots of times frustrating. One of my jobs is to try and keep these behaviour students in school, be on time, and attempt to raise their academic skills. I think sometimes banging your head against the wall would be easier. Anyways I really enjoy my job.

Now on to my usual subject with this Andrews/Kondro family. Yes, you’ve guessed it, BASEBALL. There was lots of action this year. Let’s see, starting with my ALL-STAR husband, what a man!!! Len has been playing with the Fort Saskatchewan Giants for the past few years. He has always been the oldest one on the team, 46 this year, however he has always held his own with these 24 year old plus kids. This year they hosted the Provincials August long weekend, and he was considered a playing coach. It never failed, they would be in the final couple of innings and they brought Len in as a relief pitcher. Well they may have felt he was relief, but to me it was extreme grief. I would shell those sunflower seeds like a squirrel expecting immediate blizzard conditions. The team was not expected to do exceptionally well, however they dug deep and ended up winning the Provincials. Yeah!! A gold medal! Then, Len went to the Twilight Provincials in Medicine Hat August 11th weekend, 35 and older, and played with a Spruce Grove team, and lo and behold, they made it to the finals, and YESSSSS, they won a gold medal. Now you have to remember, winning the gold in Provincials with the Giants it is on to Western Canadians. Now you always hear of teams going far from home for these tournaments, not us, we went to a little wee town called Waskatenau, Alberta, August 24th. It is about 50 minutes from here, and if you blinked on the highway you would miss it. Well, they were the Alberta representatives, and Waskatenau was the host team, and it ended that the two played each other in the final. It had been ten years since two Alberta teams had been in the final. Sorry to say, Len did not win his third gold medal for the year 2000, a silver would have to do, but I thought they had done just great. Now I must move onto others of the great baseball family.

As you may know or not, my brothers Neil and Darryl coach and manage the Senior A team out of Brandon, Manitoba. The team is called the Brandon Marlins. This is also the team Nathan, my nephew, plays on. Nathan was injured earlier in the season and could not participate at the Nationals, however he was there to cheer his teammates on. They had won the rights to attend the Canadian Nationals last season, so they loaded a bus from Brandon around August 23rd. There was the whole team, and guess who else might have been on that bus? Yes, you’re right. Bud, Doreen, Heather, and Laurie even went on the bus. Off to the Nationals in Windsor, Ontario. I’ll get to why Laurie went right away, but on to the Marlins. They went, they played but did not come up winners.

Now, back to why Laurie might have gone on the bus, other than his nephew’s team was playing. Laurie coached Jeff’s team, his son, the St. Albert Tigers. They lost out in the Provincials, which was held in St. Albert. Even though the St. Albert team lost, Jeff was picked up by the Provincial winners, the Barrhead Yankees. Jeff is a great left handed pitcher and they knew they could use his skills. Now call this great, here is Mom and Dad on a bus going to Windsor going to watch one grandson’s team play and having their grandson from Alberta playing in the same city. Yahoo was Mom and Dad’s thoughts. They took great delight watching two teams and the bus trip was fun. After the tournament in Windsor the bus left and went to Chicago where they attended a game at Rigley Field, then off to Milwaukee and watched another game. When I talked to Mom and Dad they were tired but they had funnnnnn. Nathan also coached a midget team out of Brandon. They went to Red Deer for the Western Canadians and ended up in the final against B.C. where they lost 3-2. Outstanding coaching and a silver medal. Way to go Nate!

You know I go on and on about all the baseball and very seldom update you on other areas of our lives. Well, I will remedy that this time. Tara, my one and only niece, is in her fourth year of Education at Brandon University and is doing very well. She had a placement in an elementary school and just loved it. Good for her. Ryan, my nephew, has become a computer expert employed by Guild Insurance, which is my brother’s company. You want to know anything about computers, talk to Ryan. Maybe I should because I am brain dead at them. Nathan, the ball player and coach is managing a Fitness Centre in Brandon. My nephew Jeffrey is attending Grade 10 in St. Albert. Golly, I must be really old when my niece and nephews are all employed or in high school. Oh well, I wish them all the best.

So, I hear there is another Reunion Team working really hard to make things just right. Remember kids, it’s lots of work but enjoy. I remember we all worked hard here and then all of a sudden it was over and I couldn’t remember if I had fun because I was so worried everything went right. Take advice, plan, and sit back and enjoy which I didn’t do. It’s not like we’re entertaining people that will condemn us if we don’t have everything right. We’re planning for family to be together and that includes the planning committee. ENJOYYYYY!!!

Well once again I have babbled, I bet you miss that a lot. I want to say Hi to everyone and take care because this ole gal cares about all of you.

Love to all,

Karyn (Andrews) Kondro6

St. Albert, Alberta

(Alexander3, William2)

Apologies from Eileen (and from Pam too)!

No article this time - it was delivered to Pam and somehow it has gone missing. No time to re-write. She will have one for next time.

Till next time, with Love

H. Eileen (Mitchell) MacMillan5

Nepean, Ontario

(William Noble3, Samuel2)

What Does Love Mean?

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4-8 year olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"Love is that first feeling you feel before all the bad stuff gets in the way."

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love."

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth."

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French Fries without making them give you any of theirs."

"Love is when someone hurts you and you get so mad but you don’t yell at them because you know it would hurt their feelings."

"Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired."

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."

"Love is when you kiss all the time, then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss."

"Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate." 

"When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you’re scared they won’t love you anymore, but then you get surprised because not only do they still love you, they love you even more.

"There are two kinds of love - Our love and God’s love - but God makes both kinds of them."

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore."

"Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken."

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."

"I let my big sister pick on me because my Mom says she only picks on me because she loves me. So I pick on my baby sister because I love her."

"Love cards like Valentine’s cards say stuff on them that we’d like to say ourselves, but we wouldn’t be caught dead saying."

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."

"Love is when mommy sees daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross."

"You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."

Submitted by:

Sharon (Pidgeon) Smith7

Chilliwack, B.C.

(Sara3, Samuel2)

My Father’s Notes:

My father’s notes written July 9, 1977 to my brother, Charlie and myself: "Young people as a rule give little thought to their ancestry until they are grown up and when it’s too late to ask questions, they wonder about the early life of their parents". How true this is!

Mary Catherine Mitchell4 (Henry3, William2) was born in Gatineau Valley, Ontario (editor’s note: this should be Quebec) on December 22, 1877. Her family moved to Grenfell, Saskatchewan area and before the year 1896 moved to a farm in Chater, Manitoba area. Her father and mother, Henry and Ann Mitchell retired to Brandon, Manitoba.

Children of Henry and Ann Mitchell:

1. Thomas Andrew - became a grocer in Brandon, Manitoba and later operated a general store in Fiske, Saskatchewan. He and his wife, Lena Florence Campbell, are buried at Rosetown, about 20 miles east of Fiske, Saskatchewan.

2. William Henry - farmed north of Cromer, Manitoba.

3. Edgar - operated the home farm, later retired in Brandon, Manitoba.

4. Arden - married Willa Black of Douglas, Manitoba.

5. Maude Iona (twin) - and husband Henry Sargent lived at Woodnorth, Manitoba.

6. Mabel Iola (twin) - married Dr. E.S. Kirkpatrick, dentist. Mabel was matron of the hospital in Creelman, Saskatchewan.

7. Mary Catherine - married Charles Abey. They farmed by Chater, Manitoba and raised their family of nine there. One son, William Gordon, died accidentally at the age of nineteen cleaning a gun which belonged to the bank in which he worked. The youngest son, Mitchell (Mick) George obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in Brandon, Manitoba. He was a Pilot Officer with the Canadian Airforce and was killed overseas July 30, 1942. His burial plot is in Holland. They named a lake in his honour "Abey Lake" - on the Manitoba-Northwest Territories border. Mary Catherine died June 27, 1941 and is buried in Brandon, Manitoba.

Submitted by:

Margo (Abey) Peleshok6

Brandon, Manitoba

(Henry3, William2)

This is an essay written by Granddaughter Alisa that I intercepted a wanted to share with you. Alisa is attending Mt. Royal in Calgary hoping to enter their Community Rehabilitation program in the fall. She is currently working part-time at Emily Follensbee, a special needs school. 

Emily

What appears to be a short, dull, brown building hidden within a quiet neighborhood is actually an extraordinary centre of development, an elementary school; a place to take care of the most innocent people on the planet. Her name is The Emily Follensbee School and she is a world of learning and stimulation. As a worker in this fine environment you get to witness the day to day miracles. Most of all, you learn about the students and become as close as family to them. A building is merely the walls surrounding it; it is the people inside that extend those walls to create a home. After awhile you realize that the centre is the kids.

You can hear the sounds of children and feel their presence as you enter through the glass doors leading from the outside into a world of exploration. Across from the office is the gym, a place devoted to the three senses: touch, sound, and sight. Mirrors line the walls so that every child can help to identify themselves and their surroundings. They are spoiled with sensation. Every hall is littered with paintings and drawings from students past and present. Each classroom is constructed with glass so you can observe the kids at all times. The rooms themselves are glowing with warmth and are fitted to satisfy each student's individual needs. To peek inside a classroom is like opening a box containing the sun. Some rooms are just for napping and others are crawling with shimmering, shiny objects ripe for the picking. Once or twice a day you can hear classical music leak out from open classroom doors. It's a captivating image.

In the middle of the learning centre lies a beautiful atrium. It is a marvelous studio, the perfect host for adventure, with toys and trampolines for stimulus. In the corner of the atrium stands an impressive fountain. A constant river of crystal clear water flows from the never-ending supply deep under the ground. On occasion you can find a student watching the fountain and ever so carefully touching the stream of absolute blue, almost as if they know its perfection. Across from the atrium is the pool. Its long crystal glass windows allow for visitors to glare into the water wonderland. Acting as a huge hot tub at 98 degrees, it is where they play (supervised) as though they were floating in air, interacting with each other and their teachers.

It is the Follensbee students that bring this exceptional school to life, each child with his and her own mystery and story. You can look past their stimming eyes and see a little boy or little girl, trapped inside a silent and confused body, yet they communicate all the time. We just don't hear them and some can't hear us. They marvel at the world around them, exploring the same space over and over again as if it were the first time. They stand in awe over something we take for granted and their curious nature and innocence makes us want to take them home. We can't, but we do guide them as far as we can and they lead us as far as they can, too. Do you know what it is like to hold on to such a tiny hand and have no idea what's going on inside them? It's terrifying. We don't attend each day expecting results; we attend each day hoping to see the same class we left the day before.

Past the glass doors of the outside world, opposite the office hangs a picture. It's a picture of a smiling Mrs. Emily Follensbee. The Emily Follensbee School is for special needs children. It's a centre where people help people and kids are kids, where safe walls hold tiny secrets and the people that search to discover them.

It's a wonderful place. A place where just a word makes a difference, or a sign or a gesture towards a want or need completes the day with a smile. I haven't met a person yet who wasn't fond of Emily Follensbee School. It's an amazing place tucked away from the world where some of my favorite people go to play. We have a saying at Emily Follensbee. Whenever a kid screams or cries or just makes noise, we call it "The Emily Follensbee Choir." It may not be the best choir you've heard but I'll bet that if you took one look at the kids singing, you would gladly stay to hear the next chorus.

Alisa Grace Tukkimaki 7(Alexander3 – William2)

Calgary Alta

Granddaughter of Grace (Andrews) Ackney5

Photo Request

Does anyone out there happen to have a photograph of Henry and Jane2 (Mitchell) Higgins? They were the first to arrive in Canada in 1840 along with Jane’s brother Samuel Mitchell2 and her brother and sister-in-law William2 and Catherine (Higgins) Mitchell from Ireland. Please let us know so that we can pass the information on. This request comes from:

Lois (Williscroft) Mahnke7

Lampman, Saskatchewan

(William3, Jane2)

HENRY HIGGINS3

(Son of Henry and Jane2 (Mitchell) Higgins

Henry Higgins3 (Jane2) was born February 14, 1856 in Ottawa County, Masham District, Quebec and died January 23, 1943 in Ormaux, Saskatchewan. He married Elizabeth Lynnes in August 1883 in Moosomin, North West Territories (later Saskatchewan).

Notes for Henry Higgins:

.born February 14, 1856 (according to 1901 Census East Assiniboia, however family records indicate birthdate of December 10, 1850) in Quebec (Masham County or Municipality near Wakefield).

· Came west to Moosomin, District of Assiniboia, North West Territories (in 1905 Saskatchewan became a province).

· He obtained entry to first homestead W 1/2 22-14-31 W1 on June 9, 1882. He built a frame home (about 14 x 18 feet, 1.5 stories, value $200.00) in March 1883 and began residence here April 1, 1883. At some point a sod stable (30 x 40 feet, value $50.00) was built. In 1883 he broke 10 acres of this land and every year after broke and chopped several more acres. Livestock included 1 team horses, 1 yoke oxen, pigs and cows. He received patent for the SW 1/4 of 22-14-31 W1 on February 9, 1887.

· Henry spent a short time working for the Canadian Pacific Railway (likely winter of 1885).

· He obtained entry to NW 1/4 22-14-31 W1 October 24, 1891. Started cultivation of this in June 1882 and broke 8 acres. Patent for this quarter was received October 31, 1891.

· in August 1883 he married Elizabeth Lynnes. Henry supposedly saw her stepping off the train and said he was going to marry her. She was from Belfast, Ireland. As reported in the July 7, 1892 Moosomin Courier, she died near Moosomin, Sunday July 3, 1892 (this is all the information known about Elizabeth).

· Eventually he sold the farm (family members do not know details of this - Henry’s son Tom eventually ended up farming this same land but how he acquired it is also unknown to family members).

· Around World War I he lived in British Columbia (Fort George?).

· He lived with daughter Jenny (a nurse) in Ormeaux, Saskatchewan. He also died there. He was   buried January 30, 1943 in North Cemetery, Moosomin, Saskatchewan.

        Submitted by:

Tyler Higgins6

Medicine Hat, Alberta

(Henry3, Jane2) 

Editor’s Note: This is only part of the information that Tyler has sent us - hopefully we will be able to put more in future issues. Thanks Tyler!

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.

Tsawwassen Inn Website : http://www.tsawwasseninn.com

Vancouver   Vancouver Island  VancouverTravelGuide

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 HERE "   When you go to the form on the next page you can either print a copy off if you have a printer , and or copy the information to your email program and send it in that way. ( if you copy and paste the form  to your email you can then  fill out the information in your mail program and submit it. ) If you have a problem copying the form send me an email and I will mail you a hard copy for your registration.. This is also available in a Word Document or a Plain Text format upon request.

George Mitchell6 Carol (Mitchell) Malysh6

(Alexander3, Samuel2) (Alexander3, Samuel2)

Parksville , B.C. Delta, B.C.

Tel.: (250) 752-3982 Tel.: (604) 946-2254

For those who would like to spend some time either before or after the reunion, please call us for more information or e-mail me at: sgmitch@nanaimo.ark.com. Thank you.

3rd Annual     STAN MITCHELL

MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

PONTIAC   GOLF     CLUB

Wednesday July 12th 10:00A.M.

Stan Mitchell Memorial Golf Tournament - 2000

The 3rd Annual Stan Mitchell Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the Pontiac Golf Club in East Aldfield, Quebec, on Wednesday, July 12th. Once again there was a full field for golf and some extras for dinner. A special thank you to Dad’s golfing "buddies" - the West End Duffers - who turned out in full force along with many family members. Prizes were donated by many people and everyone who golfed went home with a prize. As last year, once again we had a gorgeous day - not too hot - a perfect day for golf and the Pontiac staff once more prepared a scrumptious dinner for us all. This year’s major winners were Tom Smaridge and Pauline Tourangeau (Low Gross Champions), Betty Randall and Robert Findlay (Low Net Champions), Georgina Hanna and Henry Janssens (Closest to the Pin), and Bert Estensen and Mary Pearson (Longest Drive). All these winners are members of Dad’s golf group The West End Duffers. We also had one family winner - Bob Mitchell (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Guelph, Ontario - who tells us he was the winner with the Longest UNsuccessful Putt. Congratulations everyone! Remember - if any of you are in the Ottawa area in mid-summer - let us know if you would like to play in the tournament. Dad would love it! And so would we! The date for the 2001 tournament is not known at this time as the reunion will be happening at the usual tournament time. More updates in the next issue. 

The Family of Stan Mitchell5 (William Noble3, Samuel2)

Nepean, Ontario

 

Engagements and Weddings

Christine Creighton and Roni Francone (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Ottawa, Ontario were married on June 24, 2000 at St. Anthony’s Church, Ottawa, Ontario. Christine is daughter of Beverly Creighton, stepdaughter of Gary MacMillan6 of Ottawa, and step-granddaughter for Eileen (Mitchell) MacMillan5 of Nepean, Ontario.

Jeffrey L.J.Crosson7 (Alexander 3, William 2) and Monica Seitz both of Lethbridge, AB were married on the 18th of November 2000 at Southminster United Church in Leighbridge. Son of Bonnie 6 (Alexander 3, William 2) and Richard Crosson of Grasmere, B.C. Jeffery is grandson of Grace Ackney4 of Castlegar , B.C.

 

New Little Cousins

Heather Lee7, Sarah Mariah7 and Nathan Lloyd7 Higgins (Henry3, Jane2) were born February 29, 2000 in Edmonton, Alberta, triplets for Darcy6 and Divona Higgins of  Grande Center, Alberta. Nathan passed away 5 days later.

Bretton Thomas Coutanche (Mary Ann3, William2) was born on April 28, 2000, son of Michael and Jennie7 (Kurtz) Coutanche, grandson for Tom6 and Judy (Kowcinak) Kurtz   of Horseshoe Valley, Ontario, and great grandson for Helen (McArthur) Kurtz5 of Newmarket, Ontario.

Ella Elizabeth Howell8 (William Noble3, Samuel2) was born on June 4, 2000 in Ottawa, Ontario to Chris and Kelly7 (Rouatt) Howell of Kanata, Ontario, granddaughter   for John and Sharon6 (Killeen) Rouatt of Nepean, Ontario.

Jackson Bennett8 (William Noble3, Samuel2) was born on September 21, 2000 in Ottawa, Ontario to Jay and Kerry7 (Campbell) Bennett of Gloucester, Ontario, grandson for  Nancy (Campbell)  Moore6 of Gloucester.

 Anniversaries

Eldon5 and Ruby (Anderson) Mitchell (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Sterling Heights, Michigan, U.S.A. celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on April 4th, 2000. Congratulations!

 Jerry and Judi6 (Mitchell) Malecki (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Hartland, Michigan, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on September 13th, 2000. Congratulations! Judi is daughter of Eldon5 and Ruby (Anderson) Mitchell of Sterling Heights, Michigan.

 

In Memoriam

Lloyd Henry Higgins5 (Thomas Henry4, Henry3, Jane2) passed away suddenly February 19, 2000 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lloyd was in Winnipeg visiting his ill brother Howard Brady Higgins5, who passed away five days later on February 24, 2000.

Lloyd was born January 20, 1920 in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. He was raised on the same section of land as his father. This is the land that Henry Higgins homesteaded in 1882. In 1941, he enlisted in the army and served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers. In 1952 he married Phyllis Dauncey. They would have six children. Lloyd lived his entire life in the Moosomin area. He knew and was known by many people. He was known for his humour and his readiness to tease. More often than not, he departed with the phrase "see you in the spring".

Howard5 was born October 8, 1915 in Moosomin. He joined the army during World War II and was stationed in Canada with the Princess Patricia’s & RSQUO’s, Canadian Light Infrantry. Howard and family live in Winnipeg.

Nathan Lloyd Higgins7 (Darcy6, Lloyd5, Thomas4, Henry3, Jane2) was born February 29, 2000 in Edmonton, Alberta. He passed away March 3, 2000. Nathan was one of three born premature. His two sisters, Heather7 and Sarah7 are healthy and growing back in their home with parents Darcy and Divona, in Grande Center, Alberta.

The preceding submitted by:

Tyler6 and Donna (Mulder) Higgins

Medicine Hat, Alberta

Henry3, Jane2)

In Memoriam

Owen Grant Mitchell 5 (Alexander3, William2) of Kenora, Ontario, passed away on March 15th, 2000, son of the late John Dewitt4 and Ivy (Musgrove) Mitchell. He is survived by his wife Jean (Halako) Mitchell and his children, Wayne6, Nadine6 and Norman6.

 

Cousins in the

Jordan Douglas Anderson7 (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Nepean, Ontario celebrated his 3rd birthday in September. Jordan is son of Doug6 and Sharron (Ellis) Anderson and grandson of Edith (Mitchell) Anderson5 of Nepean. Happy birthday Jordan!

Myland Mitchell5 (Alexander3, William2) of Spirit River, Alberta, celebrated his 83rd birthday in May. Many happy returns Myland!

Isaac Thiessen (Marjorie5, Alexander3, William2) of Dawson Creek, B.C., celebrated his 82nd birthday earlier this year. Many happy returns to you too Isaac!

Best wishes are sent out to Gordon and Margaret5 (Mitchell) Miller of Dawson Creek, B.C. as Gordon suffered a stroke in 1998. He spent 3½ months in hospital at that time but is home recuperating now. Gordon retired from the government in 1988 after serving as a Crop Insurance Inspector for the Department of Agriculture for 15 years.

Helen (McArthur) Kurtz5 (Mary Ann3, William2) of Newmarket, Ontario, celebrated her 95th birthday on April 4th, 2000, with no less than 10 occasions to party, and party she did! Helen is very active in her Seniors Group. She assists in making their lunch at the Seniors Gathering Place in Newmarket (soup and sandwiches, dessert and a beverage usually). She is an active bridge player, coffee klatcher, and enjoys 4 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. She is affectionately known as "GG" ... Grandma Great. Don’t try and phone her, she is never home! We are very lucky indeed to have her as our Matriarch! (Submitted by Tom6 and Judy (Kowcinak) Kurtz of Thornhill, Ontario.)

Ken Mitchell6 (William Noble3, Samuel2) of Nepean, Ontario, was honoured by the City of Nepean on November 10, 2000 with the presentation of Nepean’s Millennium Medal for his contribution to the community. Congratulations Ken!

Roy Thomas (Jane6, William3, William2) of Nepean, Ontario was honoured this fall by Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson with the presentation of a Peacekeeping Medal for his service overseas. Congratulations Roy!

 

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!

Many thanks to Ross Mitchell5 (Alexander3, William2) of Brandon, Manitoba for his generous donation to the newsletter.

 

Mitchell Memorial Restoration Project

The Mitchell Memorial Restoration Fund is used for the upkeep of the old pioneer cemetery in the Gatineau Hills of Quebec. Anyone wishing to donate to this project may do so by making a cheque payable to Mitchell Family Newsletter (clearly marked "Cemetery Fund") and sending it to Pam for deposit in the fund. Many thanks for your continuing support.

 

 

 

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. 

 

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.

Mitchell Family Pins

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. A full size sample is shown.Again, contact Pam and Ken if you are interested in having one or more of these decals.

Newsletter Subscriptions

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 2000 are paid if you have a green shamrock on the front page of this issue.    OR

Subscribe for the E-mail/Internet version and receive the Newsletter free of charge by contacting Grant Ackney at: mitchellnews@writeme.com

NEXT NEWSLETTER: March 2001

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: February 28, 2000 (no later please!)

Internet News

I’d like to thank all of you that responded to the last Newsletter and are now taking the letter off the Internet and submitting information via E-mail. I’m sure that after a few more issues of the News we will have many many more on board. I assume that all that are accessing the Page are doing so with ease as I have received very few help requests. "Maybe all the Mitchell Clan are Internet Savvy". Just have to put another plug in for the Web Site- if you haven’t sent us an E-mail yet, DO IT NOW. It’s easy just drop a line to mitchellnews@writeme.com and I’ll get you the Web Site address --- and you’re off. I’m sure that you could also send in some addresses of family that don’t get the Mitchell Newsletter at present. Hope to hear from you all soon.

Cheers,

Grant Ackney6(Alexander3, William2)

Nelson, B.C.

 "He only deserves to be remembered by posterity who treasures up and preserves the history of his ancestors."

Edmund Burke

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