Duncan James Mitchell

July 1, 1935 - January 18, 2026

Survived by the love of his life and best friend, Tinky (née Galway), in their 67th year of marriage. The greatest Dad to Brandon James (Sonia) and Briar (Andrew), and Granddad to Harrison James (Hendrick).

Duncan was born in Montreal,Quebec during the family's emigration from Scotland to Ontario. Son of Elizabeth (née Dickson) and John Scott Mitchell, Duncan was the youngest of three boys. He was pre-deceased by his brothers George and Scott.

Duncan proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy (stoker) and enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures and antics when he had travelled the world. The majority of his working career was spent in management with Canadian Tire, and even after retirement he was rehired to greet and chat with his favourite longtime customers on Saturday mornings (he thought this was the best job ever). He couldn’t go anywhere without someone recognizing and remembering him from his Navy years or his Canadian Tire years and stopping to say hello. He treasured time with friends and his favourite neighbour, Mike, rarely did he turn down an invitation for coffee with any of them.

After almost 70 years together, he loved to spend time with Tinky, hold her hand, give her a kiss, a hug... he was still a romantic at heart. They ventured out no matter what the weather for lunch or coffee or just a drive together almost every day.

He enjoyed quiet, ‘zen’ moments in the extensive Japanese-style garden and waterfall that he and Tinky created together. He tended to the pond and the many fish, and loved relaxing early mornings, sunny afternoons and warm evenings on the back deck.

Duncan’s passion for dirt biking and watching motocross was shared by his son and he was even embracing the hot rod culture his daughter married into. He loved to hear the stories and see the photos from Brandon, Briar and Harrison when they returned from travelling, camping or adventuring near and far. He loved to laugh, and loved his family dearly including his sidekick Sugar .

"Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure; loving you always, forgetting you never".

It was Duncan’s wish to be cremated and to have no formal service. A celebration of life will be organized at a later date, and in the meantime feel free to raise a glass and enjoy a toast, “Here’s mud in your eye” as Duncan would say. Messages of condolence and stories are welcome online www.hulseandenglish.com.

A big thank-you to all of the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Catharines Hospital for the care he received. Special thank-you to his Respirologist, Dr. Nolan.

Friends & family can make donations to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara https://www.hsgn.ca/