I remember the good times we had over our twenty years together. Bob had a way of making life fun. In the summer of '92 we camped at Round Lake. It was cold and rainy most days; but, we had a wonderful time in spite of the weather.
Bob introduced me to fishing for pickerel: from worming up to netting the catch-we were a team! I always tried to out-fish Bob and his American friends. Watching the sunlight dance like diamonds on the lake in mid-afternoon or the glorious red sky of the evening - Bob gave me these memories!

As the summer moved along, we noticed a FOR SALE sign on a cottage just down the beach from the camp site. So we phoned the number and met with Keith Scanes,the owner. Bob wanted this cottage so badly - and I began to think it would be the beginning of building a life together. And so we purchased the property in the fall of '92 and began our adventure.

The children and grandchildren were to play a big part in our life at the cottage, as well as Garry Levair and his family of thirteen. Together we had the privilege of experiencing the years of growing  - with all these children and grand children.

Bob always kept them entertained and scared half to death with his stories.  He played with them,teaching them to : tube,water ski,fish,target shoot and even drive his truck. He had them playing "Black Jack" well enough that any one of them could have become a dealer.

At night we would pop corn around the fire,and at times Bob played the guitar and sang. And we studied the stars and watched the moon come up. Such was the life!

Bob taught me many things throughout our years together. He was constantly "preaching" to me and he said he wanted to get me "under the sound of the Gospel". Well, you just couldn't say no to Bob and so began our connection with the Peoples Church. And now I have Bob to thank , not only for a beautiful family,but for my relationship with our Lord and Saviour. Bob knew the secret to being a good friend : he made people feel good about themselves. He also witnessed to everyone who sat still long enough to listen. He extended his love and belief to all.

Bob: Thank-you for being my friend, my love and my husband.

"Until we meet again"
Bette xo

For the short time that I had known Bob, he was always a cheerful person with a positive attitude on life.  He will be dearly missed by all of us.

Well, I've dreaded this time coming (facing life without Dad), and reading these tributes to him, how he cared for and touched others even outside of family, as a second father, like a father, and as a guide or teacher, I'm reminded just how fortunate and blessed I have been to have him as a father, to call him DAD.

He liked to put salt on his apple, the apple was good and sweet on its own but the salt he said enhanced and multiplied the flavour. That's what he did, he enhanced and multiplied the flavour of life. He was fun to be around, larger than life because he lived life to the fullest. Everything he did he was good at, if not gifted. In his wisdom, he knew how to comfort and what to say to set my mind at ease and to improve my overall sense of well-being, even to prepare me for this time.

In the last few years, he didn't complain when physically he couldn't do the things he was once so good at. He stayed up beat, funny and thankful to the Lord for what he still had and the life he lived. He said he has done everything that he wanted to do. He knew the Lord as his Saviour, and where he was headed, so no worries or fears. In fact, he was looking forward to it. He knew he had, as he called them his “faults and short comings”, but he hoped he would be thought of and remembered as being, as close to, as good a man, father, husband and friend as his father was. This was no small task since (my grampa) his father was well known and well loved. Dad said he left big shoes for him to fill.

I was blessed with the opportunity to sit for hours and listen and talk to both. Grampa, when I was a teen spending summers, and Dad now on my lunch hours. Both had a strong, wise character, were very loving family men. They were well known and had lots of true friends. They were witty and at times could be funny characters. Dad got the bonus of having sisters to make him a loving brother as well.

Dad you filled those big shoes, as a dad even stretched them a little.

The last thing he said to me before his usual “I love you” was, “Go on home and take care of your family.” He loved his grandkids.

Miss you Dad. Happy Father's Day.

Always love you, your son Dale

Bob will be greatly missed by family and friends.  We didn't realize how talented he was in writing such beautiful poetry and how many lives he touched. 

When meeting his family, we saw how much he was loved and what a great family he and Bette have. 

Bob's memory, spirit and love will live on in his loved ones and dear friends.

Always remembered,

Sister-in-law & Brother-in-law
Heather & Peter Cunningham & Family
Caledonia On

Hi Bob;

It's "Just Me"; that's how I started out every conversation with you when I phoned your house. You always replied back; "I know it's "Just Me", and then you would laugh.

We had some great conversations about life and you were always so happy and positive. When we talked about religion, I was always amazed how you knew so many verses from the Bible, that you would quote to me.

I have now met your Family, who are absolutely wonderful. I know that they love you so much and you loved all of them.

I promise you I wll be there for Bette because I know how much you loved eachother and I know she will always miss you; until you meet again.

From your sister-in-law & brother-in-law,

With Our love; we will always remember you.
God Bess You,

("Just-Me")  Gail & Domenic
xxoo

Dear Bob ... 

from your sister-in-law Sharon

Thank-you for all your smiles, chats & stories
Thank-you for always giving me a warm welcome when I visited your home
Thank-you for for all the treats ... 
especially Halloween night
Thank-you for always being so kind, caring and grateful
Thank-you for loving our family
These are just a few of the many, many thank-you's 

But most of all ...
Thank-you for loving my sister, as she loved you ..

You will forever be in our hearts ...

Sharon.

 Hello I'm Bob's boy! 
 I learnt early in life, that to introduce myself as David was pointless, because as "Bob's boy" I was "Somebody". Today, as in every generation my children idolize the sports heroes, or movie stars of the day. But for me... my hero has always been a 5 foot, 7 and 3/4 inch tall giant of a man, Bob Mitchell.
 Bob Mitchell could do everything. That is not a boast, it is a fact. He was gifted at sports. When he played baseball, the scouts came out to watch. Even later in life, after he had thrown his rotator cuff out, and could only throw underhanded, he could throw so hard that I was afraid to play catch with him. Only Cameron, my younger brother, was brave enough to squat down and try to catch his fastball. When he played hockey as a teen, he was good enough to play against a young phenom name Bobby Hull, who came to town to play an exhibition game. In the Elmdale public school and St.Thomas High school his name is literally on every trophy, except for the one for girls volleyball.
 It was not just in sports that he excelled, he was gifted with his hands as well. He had an eye for beauty. He could paint, sketch, or draw beautifully. His handwriting was absolutely artistic. When he worked with his hands, he could create the most beautiful things. When he worked building wood fences, his "eye" was so good, that he didn't need a level to make things straight. When he was done,  they we're a work of perfection, and beauty. 
 Dad had a gifted mind to go along with his hands. He could write the most elaborate stories into the most beautiful poetry. Then with his guitar, he would turn it into a song, and sing it for everyone. I can remember on several occasions seeing him up on stage playing guitar and singing, and thinking to myself in disbelief "That's my Dad".
 None of these can compare to his heart, he loved... He was a hopeless romantic. He loved children, and they could feel it, and loved him back. He could sit for hours and tell them stories from the past. He loved and enjoyed people of all walks of life, and genuinely empathized with them through their trials and tribulations. 
 You see Bob Mitchell not only could do it all, he could do it better than most, and he didn't need a lesson. On top of all of these gifts, he was a gifted public speaker, in demand at all public functions, weddings, and Christmas parties. He was the most popular man I have ever met. He was the "Brown eyed handsome man" that women dream of. He was the "tall dark handsome man" that mothers tell their daughters to marry. As if all this was not enough, he was a fireman by trade, the job that what every boy grows up, dreaming to be. 
 I would like to say he was perfect, but he was not, but he loved me, and I knew it. When your hero loves you back, that is as close to perfection that anyone needs to come. You have to understand that for a boy to live in the shadow of a man like this, would have been a daunting task, if he had not been my hero. I will love him forever... As Bob's boy, I am somebody. 
                 David E. Mitchell

Memories of Daddy

When my daughter, Hannah came home from Bible School so excited, she went up to Grandpa and asked him to help her learn her memory verse.  He read it for her -

Psalm 8:1
   O Lord, our Lord how majestic is 
   your name in all the earth!  You 
   have set your glory above the 
   heavens.

And she said, "What does that mean?"

That day I was shocked to find out that: he knew exactly what it meant, he could explain it beautifully and simply for a small child to understand, and he totally enjoyed the whole experience.

I was eavesdropping, and started to cry with joy - for never before had I heard Dad discuss a Bible verse.

It was less that a couple of months later when he called and shared the happy news that he had rededicated his life back to Jesus!  That was fifteen years ago.

Since that time, Jesus kept leading him and Dad happily followed.  His love and friendships became deeper.  The peace and joy in living for Jesus had to be shared:  Dad became an Evangelist - and the Lord will harvest all the seeds Dad planted.

Obviously we all know that Dad was a story teller.  He was also very affectionate!  He total everyone that he loved them and was always willing to help all.  Dad was a fabulous teacher - from how to pitch a ball, swing a gold club, catch a fish, play hockey  and learn a verse - he was there.

My husband Daniel, once spent half the night talking with Dad - and woke me up with, "I love your Dad!"  Daniel is looking forward to "the forever" with Dad.

The last time we spoke - Dad shared with me that he wouldn't be here very much longer.  At the end of the conversation, I said, "I love you!"  He said, "I love you MORE!"  And I
said, "No, I love YOU more!"  He replied, "No dear, I love you THE MOST!"  

I tell you today - that he was the best Daddy ever!  I do not think I could have loved him more.  Now he is able to stand straight and run again - and tease our little sister Eva, who has been waiting for him all these years.  Mom will be overjoyed!

Grampa and Gramma are so proud of their son - and together they praise Our Lord, "How majestic!"

Lovingly, Robert David Mitchell's daughter Esther Szukalow

I'm going to miss you Bob, And all those great stories you used to tell tell to pass the time away all those long nights at the fire hall,You'll be forever in my thoughts.     Your Friend  Ray Sova

Sorry to hear about the passing of uncle Bob. Just found out a little while ago. My condolences for the whole Mitchell family. My dad Gord Jackson, would tell me stories from time to time. I'm sure he will be missed.

I have the fondest memories of Bob and his family at Round Lake over many summers as a child. Bob was the kind of person who's kindness and generosity of spirit leaves a permanent mark on one's heart forever. Fondly remembered.

Bette, You and Bob gave us so many wonderful memories to cherish on our vacations to round lake. Your generosity and kindness made last year the most special of all. Bob and Bonni Remy

Bob, my heart is aching as I write this.  You were so very special to me throughout the 35 years we have been friends.  You see, you were much more than just a friend.  You were the brother I didn't have.  You always treated me with the utmost respect & allowed nothing more in your presence from anyone.  You watched my children grow and treated them like one of your own.  You guided Billy while he was learning to play pool in spite of his handicap.  You were truly amazed at well he learned the sport...thanks to you:)  You were so appreciative of all the little things in life.  I remember just after my mom's passing, I gave you her walker, and oh how appreciative you were to have just an old walker.  God has taken you to be with Him but I will all cherish the wonderful times we all shared together.  All the laughs at such silly little things which mean so very much to me now.  Bob we love you and will miss you....until we meet again......

Love Maddy & Vince xoxo

(Due to the distance we are not able to attend your service in person, but our thoughts and our hearts are with you.  We are sending Bette & the family our love at this most difficult time)

Bette,Stephanie&the Levair family and the Mitchell family,  There are people that come into your life and make a difference and he was one of them.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.Rest in peace Bob.    Lynda and Bill

Bob,

The first time I met you was in 1992 when you purchased the cottage in Round Lake. At first you were a stranger but soon we became friends very quickly. You were there to watch me grow up, you taught me how to fish, you taught me how to drive, you taught me how to water ski and you taught me how to enjoy the little things in life. I will always remember the many stories that you shared with me ie: your childhood and my dad & family. When visiting you at the cottage, you always had a smile on and a welcoming heart. Even though the cottage sometimes got crowed you always said "grab an extra chair" and made me feel welcome. Whenever I hear any type of old country classic's (Ants On A Log) I will always think of you. You were and always be a second father to me. 
This past weekend when I came up to Round Lake, I was excited to be able to see you and visit like old times. Thats when I received the phone call saying that my great friend, second father, has passed away. I went to the cottage just to walk around, just to remember those good times. 
You will always be in my heart and I will greatly miss you. I look forward to telling my children someday about my great friend, second father, Bob Mitchell. 

Love Forever & Always,
Jordan and Sarah-Jean Levair

You were more than just BOB to me you were like I had a second father. You always treated me and all my family like one of your own ;) I wil always remember the stories at the cottage, all of us outside. On the porch , you taking us out on boat rides, put ANTS ON A LOG randy Travis singing times , you driving us out on the boat and tubing , me just walking over and spending time with u on an afternoon talking about life and listening to old country classics, our campfires ! U making us popcorn , and each one of your birthdays that we've celebrated . I love it when u always told the story to me over and over again of when I was born and u and Bette and my family got that phone call saying its a girl and everyone was so happy , and everytime I would see u and give u a hug. That beard would always scratch me ; Ii would always love that hat of yours and going to miss putting on the pins for u that  u always collected. I am going to miss combbing ur hair and makinf different hairstyles to suit u like the mohawk lol. The time where jon and i would always wait for hours til u came home from toronto to come up to the cottage and me and jon wouldd bike around every 10 min to see if u were home<3 i was so happy for u to come down this year especaiily cuz i wanted to tell u and show u my certificate for school. and i was very excited to cut ur hair cuz u promised ud let me:) I loved how u used to call me ur little spoiled brat andhow i sat across the table from u and i used to copycat everything u did and play stariung consests. Our Canadian idol nights and baseballl nigths were fun and the BLUE JAYS ALWAYS had to win;p Each time i came down those stairs i would always hear u saying HERE SHE COMES and u and i had the biggest smiles on our faces and just being there with u and bette would always make my day. i loved going for a swim there cuz we had the best beach :)clam free! and u and doctor bertte would always be there right away if i got hurt. I will never ever forget the first time i got to walk acorss the road by myself and i remeber everyday after that i was practiacally living with you and bette. I would remeber each thunderstorm or if it was nighttime you would always have to calll someone to come get me cuz i was afraid fo bears and the dark<3 I apprecaite every thing u did for me, and u watching me walk down those stairs since i was just born in your arms to me driving down that road, and i know u were happy to experience that, i am very happy that your in a better place and that u will be able to run freely again

You were more than just BOB to me you were like I had a second father. You always treated me and all my family like one of your own ;) I wil always remember the stories at the cottage, all of us outside. On the porch , you taking us out on boat rides, put ANTS ON A LOG randy Travis singing times , you driving us out on the boat and tubing , me just walking over and spending time with u on an afternoon talking about life and listening to old country classics, our campfires ! U making us popcorn , and each one of your birthdays that we've celebrated . I love it when u always told the story to me over and over again of when I was born and u and Bette and my family got that phone call saying its a girl and everyone was so happy , and everytime I would see u and give u a hug. That beard would always scratch me ; Ii would always love that hat of yours and going to miss putting on the pins for u that  u always collected. I am going to miss combbing ur hair and makinf different hairstyles to suit u like the mohawk lol. The time where jon and i would always wait for hours til u came home from toronto to come up to the cottage and me and jon wouldd bike around every 10 min to see if u were home<3 i was so happy for u to come down this year especaiily cuz i wanted to tell u and show u my certificate for school. and i was very excited to cut ur hair cuz u promised ud let me:) I loved how u used to call me ur little spoiled brat andhow i sat across the table from u and i used to copycat everything u did and play stariung consests. Our Canadian idol nights and baseballl nigths were fun and the BLUE JAYS ALWAYS had to win;p Each time i came down those stairs i would always hear u saying HERE SHE COMES and u and i had the biggest smiles on our faces and just being there with u and bette would always make my day. i loved going for a swim there cuz we had the best beach :)clam free! and u and doctor bertte would always be there right away if i got hurt. I will never ever forget the first time i got to walk acorss the road by myself and i remeber everyday after that i was practiacally living with you and bette. I would remeber each thunderstorm or if it was nighttime you would always have to calll someone to come get me cuz i was afraid fo bears and the dark<3 I apprecaite every thing u did for me, and u watching me walk down those stairs since i was just born in your arms to me driving down that road,i am very happy that your in a better place and that u will be able to run freely again i love you bob mitchell<3 love your munchkin <3 xo

You were more than just BOB to me you were like I had a second father. You always treated me and all my family like one of your own ;) I wil always remember the stories at the cottage, all of us outside. On the porch , you taking us out on boat rides, put ANTS ON A LOG randy Travis singing times , you driving us out on the boat and tubing , me just walking over and spending time with u on an afternoon talking about life and listening to old country classics, our campfires ! U making us popcorn , and each one of your birthdays that we've celebrated . I love it when u always told the story to me over and over again of when I was born and u and Bette and my family got that phone call saying its a girl and everyone was so happy , and everytime I would see u and give u a hug. That beard would always scratch me ; im happy to have had so much memories with you and bette-your munchkin

Thanks for giving me my very first pocket knife on my 10th birthday, whenever I use it I will always remember you and all the memories you shared with me. I will also remember when you would take me out driving around the cottage area and would let me steer the truck. I remember the time when you came to my hockey game and when we played pool together. You were exited when you found out that I made a baseball team as baseball was your favourite  sport, I always loved it when you told stories to my family and I. I will definitely miss you. 
Love your grandson Nathanael xoxo

Grampa,
You taught me so much throughout my life. You gave me my 1st guitar I learned to play on; my 1st pocket knife. Took me fishing, boating, and tubing at the cottage. You and your stories helped to teach me how to act in this world and love God and others.
Thanks for being my Grampa.

Love John

DEAR DAVID, CAROL AND FAMILY.........PRECIOUS MEMORIES HOW THEY WILL LINGER......PRAYING FOR YOU AS YOU WALK THIS PATH OF SORROW.........
BLESSINGS AND LOVE, 
LYLE & YVONNE BENDER ( NEWCASTLE ON )

I have been truly blessed to have grown up with the greatest Grampa in the world! There are so many amazing experiences we have had, some that I may not even remember but I know he did. Every time we visited I looked forward to learning something new, because Grampa always had so much wisdom and advice to share. Also, my favourite memories are mostly from the cottage, whether it be getting WAY too excited when he sent us with money to get ice cream or when the power was out during what he called a "Round Laker," and we all sat around the table while he told us scary stories and funny stories to pass the time.
 I always looked up to Grampa and still do as I know he was a great person and he was always full of joy and stories. I always remember how excited I was when I got good marks in school, because I knew Grampa would be excited too. He always told me how proud of me he was, but it didn't matter how smart or talented we are, Grampa was always so proud of all his grandchildren.
 Even though I selfishly wish he were here and truly miss him, I know that it is better now that he is in Heaven, free from all health problems and pain.I hope you are having a great time in Heaven with all of your family and friends that have passed. I'm sure you ran and jumped for joy now that you are free from your canes and walker. 
I couldn't have asked for a better Grampa and I can't wait to see you in Heaven! I love you and miss you Grampa!
Love your granddaughter,
Sabryna

Bette and family, I send my love and prayers and sincere empathy. I know you will all miss him so much.  I have many wonderful memories of all the good times we had at Round Lake.  I am so glad I came up last summer to stay in the cottage and visit with the two of you,and say my last goodbye until we meet again in heaven.

Thanks for giving me my first pocket knife. I will always remember receiving your gift on my 10th birthday.
Love, your grandson,
Ethan

Grampa, I remember all of the times you took us fishing and the pocket knives I have will always remind me of you.  The memory of you will always stay alive in me and your grandkids, and in every jar of peanuts I see.  I just wish you could be here to influence my future kids just as you have with me.
Will miss you dearly.

Dear Grampa,
I hope with all my heart that you knew how important you were to me and I wish that I had reminded you every time I got to see you.  The memories that I have with you are cherished and will never, and could never, be forgotten.  Like the time that I rode between you and Dad in your old white truck, and you told me to climb up on your lap and take the wheel.  You were the first to ever let me get behind the wheel.  Though I much preferred to ride in the back, even if it was only to the end of the driveway.  You wouldn't leave until my brothers and I had jumped in the back for the short trip, which we looked forward to each time you told us you were going to town.  After my first driving lesson, you took Dad and I to that small restaurant on Round Lake and bought me a sundae which I stirred until it was smooth and creamy.  That was the day we discovered that we loved to eat our ice cream the same strange way.  I miss you Grampa and wish that I could hear you play the Billy Goat song one last time, but I know that you are happy where you are.  I will always be thankful that I had one last moment with before you had to go, when you told me that I make you and Gramma very proud.  You will always be the great, caring man who gave me the best gift I have ever, and will ever, receive.
Loving you forever and for always,
your granddaughter Victoria

Dear Dave, Carol and Family:

Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your dear dad - we pray that God will grant his soul Eternal Rest.
Yours in sorrow - Mena & Cliff D'Lima

While we cannot take away your pain, be comforted that your taichi friends are sharing your sorrow Carol.  Nicole for all of us.

I know that Bob will be truly missed.  I have so many good memories of summers spent at Round Lake.  Maybe he's fishing with my Dad now, in heaven. My deepest sympaties go out to the entire family.  You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dad, I wish you were still here to watch your grandchildren grow up, get married and make you a great grandfather.  But that is selfish of me.  Our Lord and Saviour called you home to Heaven to be with Him and loved ones who went before you.
I cherish all the memories I have of time spent with you.  So glad that recently we enjoyed dinner out with you and Gramma.  You may not have made it to become a great grandfather, but in the eyes of all your family, who loved you dearly, YOU WERE THE GREATEST GRANDPA!
Love your daughter (in-law) Carol Lorraine

I will always remember the times spent with Grandpa. The summers at the cottage going fishing and swimming. Getting my head stuck in the inner tube and Grandpa speeding up the boat while Mom was freaking out. Taking trips to the dump and going out to a little diner with Grandpa on the way home. He was great friends with everyone he met from the dump attendant to the restaurant owner. Grandpa taking my brother and I to the gravel pit to shoot his air gun. Grandpa helping keep a steady aim and ricochets coming back at Grandpa's truck. Everyone gathering around the table with Grandpa to watch the Jays game or play cards and eat peanuts.

Grandpa taught me many things and always had advice to share. He had many grandchildren, but took interest in each one, always checking in on how school was going or how many goals I had in hockey. He lived a more than interesting life and had plenty of stories to prove it. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend one summer living in Grandpa's house and he was always willing to share his tales with me.

We will all miss our dear Grandpa. He has gone on to a better place and  reunited with old friends.

Grandpa was a great guy! Always knew exactly what to say no matter what. I will always remember his stories and the great times we've had together. All the memories at the cottage and going there with him and gramma last year. All the memories we had spending time at their house or ours.
He always would say that all his children and grandchildren were his gems and jewels, it is true! We will continue to shine just for him!!
He will be truly missed! But we know he is in a better place with the Lord and can walk around with him and be with his parents! I love you Grandpa <3 and I will see you one day again! :)

We extend our sincere sympathy.  Bob's fish fries and camp fire sing-a-longs will always be a part of our Round Lake Memories.

Jack, Elaine Bruce, Heather, Susan Chalmers(Petawawa, ON)

Bob had a positive attitude in life and was a great inspiration to me. Will be sadly missed.                                             

                                                                       April Pender and  Norm Michaud

OBITUARY

Robert David Mitchell

May 17, 1939 – May 17, 2012

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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