Mitchell Brian Wilson

His age 75, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at Juravinski Hospital.

Mitchell Brian Wilson was the beloved husband of May, loving father of Kristyna (Ben) and Brycklin (Carolann), proud Gung-Gung to Victoria, Ashton, and Sage, loyal companion to Echo, and a cherished brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by siblings Glen, Kathy, Linda, Lisa, and Marty, and was predeceased by Ric, Anita, Al, Mike (his twin), Debbie and Dennis.

Born in Hamilton on December 19, 1950, Mitch lived a life rooted in family, hard work, generosity, and a love of the outdoors. He was athletic, adventurous, and happiest when he was outside. Whether he was swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, or sitting around a campfire, he found joy in simple moments and loved sharing them with the people he cared about.

Mitch married the love of his life, May. Together they built a beautiful life in Hamilton and at their cottage on Lorimer Lake. Before marriage and children, they spent their time travelling, camping, and exploring together, creating memories and dreams for the future. Later, they poured their hearts into raising their family and filling their home and cottage with laughter, adventure, and traditions that will live on for generations. Mitch adored May. Nothing made him happier than making her happy. He took immense pride in the life they built together and especially their children: Kristyna and Brycklin. Friends and family often remarked that they could see the spark in their eyes whenever they looked at one another. After more than four decades together, they truly felt they had it all in each other.

Mitch worked as an ironworker until the age of 45, when a catastrophic workplace accident caused by equipment failure left him with a severe acquired brain injury. His survival was nothing short of miraculous. The injury left him with chronic pain, mobility challenges, double vision, and debilitating migraines that he carried for the rest of his life. Yet through it all, he was determined to continue savouring life’s simple moments as he always had. When reflecting on his accident, he remarked that it gave him the opportunity to be present for the people he loved, especially his children and his mother-in-law after she suffered a stroke. He took immense pride in watching Kristyna and Brycklin grow, pursue their goals, and build lives of their own. He was so proud to celebrate any of his children’s accomplishments and share his skills and passions with them, teaching them to find happiness in simple moments and family and to solve problems with confidence. Each day they shared was a testament to his resilience.

In recent years, becoming a grandfather brought him even greater happiness. He loved spending time with Victoria—dancing with her, colouring together, playing outside, and exploring the cottage. Although Ashton and Sage were still very young, he treasured every moment he had with them and looked forward to watching them grow. He always said, ‘being a grandparent is simply amazing’.

Fishing and cottaging were some of Mitch’s greatest passions. An accomplishment he was most proud of was building the family cottage on Lorimer Lake, a place that became the heart of countless family memories. For decades, weekends in the spring and fall and summers at the lake brought the family together. It was there that Mitch could often be found with a fishing rod in hand, children or grandchildren nearby, and a smile on his face. When the cottage was closed for the winter, Mitch volunteered several days a week at Fishing World in Hamilton. For more than 30 years, he shared stories, advice, and friendship with generations of customers and fellow fishing enthusiasts.

Mitch loved country music, especially Dwight Yoakam, Crystal Gale, David Allen Coe, Linda Ronstadt, and Hank Williams Jr. Mitch would often reminisce about the nights he would rock Kristyna to sleep as a toddler to the strains of Dwight Yoakam. It is a memory that captures who Mitch was: a strong man with a gentle heart whose greatest happiness came from caring for his family. Mitch’s love was steadfast, selfless, and unconditional. He measured his success not by what he had, but by the happiness of the people he loved. Knowing his family was safe, fulfilled, and happy was all he ever needed.

His family will forever smile when they remember the phrases that became uniquely his: “Don’t trust anybody,” “It’s a jungle out there,” “I’ve got big shoulders,” “Get off my lake,” “Ha,” and his heartfelt reminder, “Take care of my baby.”

The Wilson family would like to thank everyone who supported Mitch throughout his life and especially during his later years. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held on September 25th from 4 – 8p.m.  at the Royal Canadian Legion Hamilton Branch 163.