January 30, 1930 – November 5, 2022
It is with profound sadness that the family of Jack Mitchinson share the news of his passing in his 93rd year. Jack died peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his parents John and Phyllis Mitchinson, and sister Mary Brett (Harold). Jack will be deeply missed by his loving wife Sally (nee Edward) and children David (Ann), Kathy Mitchinson (Tim Harrison), Lori Mitchinson-Bailey (Joseph), and Geoff (Nicola). Jack’s life and legacy will live on in his wonderful grandchildren Jaime Mitchinson, Scott Mitchinson (Heather), Scott Macdonald (Jennifer Lloyd), Laura Macdonald (Ashley Hardes), Marla Bailey-Viscoff (Paul Viscoff), and Mitchell Bailey (Mike Giordani) and great-grandchildren Mason and Madison, Isla and Mackenzie, Jax and Forest, and Dorian and Blair. Jack will be greatly missed by his loving sisters Barb Tyrrell (Jack) and Dorothy Haughton (John Lucking) as well as his many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Jack was born in Toronto and moved to Barrie in the 1950’s with his parents and three sisters. Jack had a successful career in manufacturing, primarily with General Electric. In his “retirement” Jack enjoyed owning and operating the Barrie Sharpening Centre on Blake Street.
Jack loved everything about his family: pool parties, delicious dinners, sharing the stunning shores and sunsets of Lake Huron near Kincardine, windsurfing trips to Cape Hatteras, discussing any topic from astronomy to politics, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren thrive and succeed. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of many friends, particularly his General Electric alumni.
Jack was a man of perpetual energy. He excelled at several sports which he enthusiastically shared with his family. He and Sally raced Snipe sailboats on Kempenfelt Bay in the early days of the Barrie Yacht Club. One of his greatest passions was downhill skiing and he could keenly recount each turn on a favourite hill. Jack was also an avid golfer. In his 60’s he discovered the exhilaration of windsurfing and mountain biking.
Jack suffered significant sight loss in his mid 70’s. However, he was not to be deterred. He continued skiing with guided support (resulting in a few spectacular crashes), enjoyed rides along the rail trail on a tandem bike up to his 89th year, and maintained his mastery of Sudoku using a special CNIB magnifying reader. Much to the chagrin of his family, he also continued to climb a ladder and hang Christmas lights on the roof at the age of 91.
Sadly, in August 2022, Jack was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Sally and family are extremely grateful for the personal and compassionate care of Dr. David Evans, the exceptional doctors and staff at the RVH Cancer Care Centre, and for the thoughtfulness and support of their many special friends and wonderful neighbours. We would also like to thank CCAC and St. Elizabeth’s nurses Stephanie and Chioma.
We miss Jack already: his sense of fun, his intellect, and his determination. We will always cherish special memories. As one of Jack and Sally’s grandchildren so beautifully wrote - we love you forever and hope you are surfing the waves, peddling into the sunset, and skiing the freshest powder down the biggest mountain you can find.
According to Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will not be held. He will be interred at Barrie Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, and if desired, memorial donations may be made to CNIB, Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Marshall W. Driver Cremation & Burial Service, 19 Ross Street, Barrie, Ontario.
Online condolences and memories may be left via Marshalldrivercremation.ca