Sidney Harrison "Sid" Mitchell

Mitchell, Sidney Harrison “Sid” - passed away peacefully at his home in Dartmouth on Friday, September 16, 2011 with his wife Joan at his side. Born in 1933 to parents Marguerita (Ingram) and Ira Mitchell, Sid began his life in Halifax where he and his twin sister, Shirley, became the 7th and 8th children of a family of 10. After attending Chebucto Elementary School, Bloomfield Junior High, and Halifax County Vocational School Sid had several employment opportunities in purchasing departments. He began as a customs clerk at the Halifax Shipyards in 1953, after which he was employed by Volvo Canada, National Sea Products, and the City of Halifax from which he retired in 1993. In addition to his parents Sid was predeceased by a special uncle, Sidney Ingram, brothers Stanley “Bud”, Ronald, and sister Barbara Matthews. He is survived by an extensive family including his sister Josephine (Owen, deceased) Orr, Marie (Mel) Hunt, Douglas (Evelyn) Mitchell, Florence (John) Karlich, Shirley (Denis) Mitchell, and Ruth (Olof) Backman. He is also survived by sister-in law Mary Mitchell and brother-in-law, Ted (Denyse) Matthews as well as Joan’s sisters, Mary Bryant and Pat Weese, and their families. Sid was devoted to his family - to his best friend and wife of 53 years, Joan (Forbes) Mitchell, and to their sons Grant (Deborah), Sault Ste Marie and Ronald (Susan), Waverley. His grandsons, Connor (Tammy) and Ryan and his granddaughters Samantha (Devon) and Sydney, also became “lights of his life”. He recently had the joy of welcoming into the family his twin great grand daughters, Zoey and Melody Richardson. Although restricted in physical activity due to a heart condition developed in his youth, Sid was a keen sports fan, noted for his enthusiastic support of the Toronto Maple Leaf and Blue Jay teams. He encouraged his sons in baseball, XC skiing, hockey and football, attending every game he possibly could. Many hours were spent umpiring and coaching baseball for Woodlawn Recreation as well as taking his turn chairing the baseball committee. Sid greatly enjoyed the chances to watch his grandsons play soccer and hockey, and his granddaughters compete in wrestling and soccer. Sid found great enjoyment in socializing. His presence at various gatherings of family and friends was a guarantee of conversation, laughter and jokes as well as sometimes lengthy stories. Sid loved to dance, especially favouring the waltz and jive. He and Joan participated in square and round dancing. So great was his enjoyment of both music and socializing, he participated in not one but three Dartmouth choirs in the early 60’s. He was a member of the Woodlawn United Church, and, in earlier years sang in the choir, taught Sunday School with his wife Joan and enjoyed activities with the Couple’s Club. Sid enjoyed playing cards and always “played to win”. At family gatherings card games were quickly organized with the younger set asking whether they were playing regular rules or “Sid’s Rules”. For thirty- five years one group of men played together once a month. Tuesday nights were reserved for dinner and bridge with family. Sid and Joan were avid campers with their children as well as grandchildren for over 50 years during which time they shared their appreciation of the natural world. They enjoyed visiting with family and friends in various parks and beaches in Nova Scotia and other Atlantic provinces. Sid became an avid birdwatcher sharing his “find” with family and friends. In the winter of 2010-2011 he was rewarded by the sight of two new birds at the feeders-the elusive Cardinal and an American Chat. After heart surgery followed by retirement in 1993 Sid continued his efforts as a community volunteer. In Dartmouth he spent Wednesdays at the East Dartmouth Food Bank, assisting other volunteers to package and store donations. For 17 years he volunteered at the IWK Health Centre, always coming home bubbling over with enthusiasm about the people and children he met. Quite typical of Sid’s volunteer efforts he often said he gained more than he gave. Sid will be remembered by all who had the privilege to meet him as a family man who supported his wife Joan and his sons, Ronald and Grant, in their education and in sports. All three appreciated his devotion to family when, in 1981-82, they were all attending university. Sid’s family will receive friends 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday September 20 at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth. A service will held at Woodlawn United Church at 2:00 pm Wednesday Sept 21 with Rev. Phillip Kennedy officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Family flowers only please. Donations to the East Dartmouth Food Bank, c/o Pat Rodenhiser, 9 Brian Drive, Dartmouth, B2W 3N2, or a charity of choice would be welcome. Online condolences may be viewed or sent through: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com