William George Vance Mitchell

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother and uncle William George Vance Mitchell. Vance passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 15, 2022 surrounded by family.

Vance forged an 85 year trail of laughter, compassion, generosity and wisdom. He will be dearly missed by his brothers: Alan (Marie) and Terry (Carol); his children: Ian (Erin), John (Sonja), and Natalie (Mike); his grandchildren: Jaime, Finley, Ben, Sean, Clovelly and Emily (Dylan); and his great-granddaughter Mana. He also leaves behind much loved nieces and nephews.

Vance is reunited with his wife, favourite dance and golf partner, Christabel (Chris), and his sister, Joan, who preceded him in death. They loved him dearly and will never forget his wit, charm, grace and tomfoolery.

Vance was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland in 1936. He and his family would summer in Port Stewart and he loved to share stories of his adventures there including roller skating, golfing and general shenanigans. While studying medicine at Queen's University in Belfast, Vance met Chris, a nurse in training; they married in 1963. Vance worked as a surgeon in Northern Ireland before emigrating to Canada in 1970 with three children under the age of 4. Vance spent two years at the University Hospital in Edmonton before moving to Kamloops where he completed his career at Royal Inland Hospital. He made many lifelong friends throughout his medical career. Vance retired in 1998 soon after moving to Sun Peaks where Vance and Chris enjoyed life on the mountain. Vance stayed at Sun Peaks after Chris passed away in 2015 and was well supported by friends from the mountain, especially Tom and Carol. Due to medical concerns, Vance moved to Ian and Erin’s house in 2021. We are thankful for their love and support.

“He was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” Winston Churchill.

Vance was so many things to so many people. He was a gifted surgeon; a loving husband and devout family man; a quiet, peaceful man; a funny, gregarious host; an avid sportsman; an impatient man; a patient man; an introvert and an extrovert. He had a finely honed Irish sense of humour and loved to tell stories. His children inherited their unique sense of humour from him. Outside of the operating room, Vance enjoyed golfing and fishing (and tying flies), but his happiest times were with his family.

Vance’s family is warmed by memories of card games, family gatherings at Sun Peaks and “woo”ing through the trees whilst skiing at Tod Mountain.

Tremendous heartfelt thanks go to the compassionate and exceptional nurses and doctors at Royal Inland Hospital and Kamloops Hospice. And many thanks to his primary care aide, Rya, who provided much more than comfort to him; they shared so many laughs.

There will be a casual gathering and celebration of Vance’s life on October 2, 2022 from 1:30 pm to 5 pm at Ian’s residence. For those who are unable to attend please raise a glass of scotch in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation or Kamloops Hospice in memory of Vance Mitchell.