It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Richard “Rick” Mitchell’s passing. Rick left this world peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of Barbara Mitchell (nee McKay); cherished father to Jacqueline (Per) Matthews; Bradley (d. 2014) (Karen); and proud grandfather to Jefferey, Jason, Dylan and Kyle. Rick is survived by his sisters Barbara Mitchell and Betty Logan.
Rick Mitchell was hired by Carling Breweries in Vancouver right out of high school because he won a typing contest, with the prize being an office job. He rose up the corporate ladder and moved across Canada to become the President of Jordan Wines and Carling O’Keefe. Along the way he married Barb (who fraternized with him at work when this was a no-no in the day!), had two children and obtained his Certified General Accountant’s degree. When the brewery was sold, he was snapped up by Pepsi Cola as Vice President of Finance & Operations. When that franchise was sold, he made a very bold move to join Barb in her thriving Real Estate career. He was a natural and loved by all his clients.
Rick loved hockey and was one of the original members of the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Association. He had four Grandsons that shared his love of the sport by playing actively. They also all enjoyed the game of golf, which he introduced to them. His Grandsons were the love of his life, and many memories were made at our cottage on Lake Kashagawigamog in Haliburton. No-one ever tired of his ‘Dad jokes’, especially Dad, who laughed the hardest! He was extremely proud of both Brad and Jacqueline and what they accomplished in life. They followed his lead and became honest, kind individuals with integrity and compassion plus tons of ambition. The four grandchildren have done the very same thing and are outstanding individuals in their own right, with even more drive and determination, if that’s possible.
On June 24th, Rick would have been married to Barb for 65 years!! AND they said it would never last. We can’t forget the three dogs who he loved with all his might. Black Beauty, Jasmine and Lil Angel are united with him again.
We would like to thank all the staff in the Emergency Department at the Joseph Brant Hospital and Wards 5 & 6, plus the many PSWs that came to our home. They went over and above their call of duty in caring for him over the past six months. He was also genuinely loved by all the staff at Alexander Place in Waterdown during his short stay with them. We will never forget how over-the-top their care was. They made a comfortable home for him where he came first. He was made to feel valued, with dignity and respect.
