Mr. John Alfred Mitchell

MITCHELL, John Alfred “Jack” 83, Elmsdale, formerly of Halifax, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on July 17, 2009. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late John and Mabel (LeDrew) Mitchell.

Jack was a Veteran of the Second World War, having served with the North Nova Scotia Regiment. He was employed with the CNR as a Car Inspector for 48 years. For many years, Jack was a first aid instructor with the railway and in 1979, he was given the honour of becoming a Serving Member of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ottawa, by the Governor General.

Jack had a great love for God which was lived out in faithful service in the church and community. He sang in choirs for many years, served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister and found many ways to help those in need. Jack loved to sing and he shared his love of music with family and friends at weddings, funerals and variety shows. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Stephen's Branch #8666.

Jack had a love for life and enjoyed sports, especially harness racing. He had a great sense of humour with a twinkle in his eye that brought joy to all who knew him. He was a true gentleman with a gentle and generous spirit. His strength and compassion will long be remembered by his family and all he touched. He will be greatly missed.

He will be greatly missed by his sons, Gregory (Sharon) Brookside, Rev. Michael (Holly) Lunenburg, John (Mary) Brookside and daughter Deborah (Kevin) Wilson, Elmsdale. He is survived by a brother, Ernest and brother-in-law Harry (Pearl) Gregory, with whom he and his wife Ruth shared more than 50 years together as family and best friends. He had a special love for his nine grandchildren, Christy, Trina, Michelle, Crista, John, Matthew, Stephen, Stephanie and Haley, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ruth; infant grand daughter Chelsey, brothers Alfred(infant), Ronald and sister Marie.

Friends are invited to celebrate Jack's life at a Visitation today, Monday, July 20, from 7pm - 9pm at Snows Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 21, at 10am from Blessed Mother Teresa Parish (St. Stephen’s) Normandy Dr., Halifax, Father Gilbert Bertrand, OMI, officiating. Following the reception, interment will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's name can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie. Friends and family may visit Jack’s Everlasting Memorial at www.MeM.com where you may sign the guestbook and leave a message or remembrance to honour him.