Kevin Leigh Mitchell

With heavy hearts we share the passing of Kevin, who died on August 26, 2025, at the age of 70, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was a loving and spirited husband, father, grandfather, uncle and a beloved friend and leader in the Cowichan Valley recreational hockey community.

He is survived by his wife, Jeri and children Angela (Billy), Robert (Jessie), Pamela (Darin), Lora (Adam) and Sierra (Evan); granddaughters Aubriana, Lainey and Autumn and grandsons Brennan, Kolby, Mitchell, Griffin, Levi, and Oakley. He is also survived by his brother Mark, sister Charonne, sister-in-law Sharon, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Gord and his beloved grandson Wilder.

Born in Calgary, Alberta on December 31, 1954, he faced many childhood adversities and became independent and resilient at an early age. Kevin spoke fondly of the Fisher and Upshaw families in Alberta who welcomed him into their homes during his teen years and became second families to him.

Kevin moved to Vancouver Island in 1981 with his first wife, Teresa, and their daughter Angela while working in arctic exploration services in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. He and Teresa went on to raise four more children — Robert, Pamela, Lora, and Sierra — creating a large and lively family that was always at the heart of his life.

After settling on the island, Kevin took up recreational hockey at Kerry Park arena in Mill Bay. He quickly became immersed in the hockey community and secured the 11PM ice time at Kerry Park arena in 1989, singlehandedly managing “Friday Night Hockey,” a staple drop-in ice slot, for over 20 years. He later organized other drop-in and weekly ‘old timer’ ice times and is fondly remembered as the ‘supervisor’ and organizer of popular events like the ‘Nacho Cup’ and ‘Turkey Bowl’. Many remember his sacred ‘corner office’ in the locker room where his charisma was on full display - sizing up and serving up players with a mixture of ribbing, witty banter and - if you were special - a signature nickname.

Kevin held the designation of Canadian Residential Appraiser with the Appraisal Institute of Canada for over 30 years. After starting as a real estate agent, he secured a position with Palmer and Chubey Appraisals and went on to purchase his own firm, Astro Appraisals, in 1994. He loved his work and was widely respected as a dedicated and ethical professional whose insight and guidance were often sought by colleagues. Travelling through the Cowichan Valley with Kevin often meant an impromptu tour of the many properties he had appraised.

Kevin had a gift for bringing people together - at the rink, at work, and around the table at home. A skilled cook, his turkey dinners became a cherished tradition that brought family and friends together, filling the room with warmth and laughter.

Later in life, Kevin found new love, meeting his wife Jeri in 2020. They married in 2025 and together they enjoyed golf, wine, travel, concerts and created a loving and peaceful home. Their deep connection and love for each other filled his final years and remains a guiding presence for Jeri.

During his illness with cancer, Kevin remained active, resilient and optimistic and formed many strong bonds with the compassionate teams of health professionals at Royal Jubilee and Cowichan District Hospitals and the BC Cancer Agency. He faced his illness with humour, hope and strength that lifted the spirits of family and friends who supported him through his journey.

In recent years Kevin developed a writing practice that reflected his profound appreciation for everyday moments. While not religious, he felt a connection to nature and spirituality which he expressed personally and poetically. In the aftermath of losing his grandson Wilder, Kevin wrote:

On the day of his passing Wilder looked to the sky as if it was his next quest; fearless, curious and ready for his next adventure. We love you Wilder, and are with you as you explore the world beyond.

While Kevin’s physical presence is deeply missed by friends, family and the community he served so well, his stories, humour, and quiet wisdom will live on in our hearts. We are with him, and he with us, on the next adventure.

We invite you to remember him at a celebration of life and reception at Kerry Park Recreation Centre (1035 Shawnigan/Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay, BC V8H 1A8) on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Further details to follow.

Memories, poems, photos and condolences are welcome to be shared and viewed here.