Obituary for Leslie Lloyd "Les" Mitchell
Mitchell; Leslie Lloyd - Born March 9, 1929, New Liskeard, Ontario.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Leslie Lloyd Mitchell, at The John M. Parrott Centre on Thursday, October 27,2022 at the age of 93 after a very brief illness. Les was married to the late Mabel Merol Mitchell (nee Smith, 2014) for 57 wonderful, adventure filled years.. Les was a kind, supportive father to Steven of Napanee, Keith (Vicki) of Hartington and Judy Janzen (Ronald) of Bath. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Erich, Lynsay, Laura and Kevin (Miranda) and great grandchildren Hunter and Hayden. Predeceased by his twin brothers Rodney(Gloria) and Reginald(Shirley). Les is survived by sisters-in-law Lois Schmidt and Shirley Mitchell. Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families.
Les moved from New Liskeard with his parents to West Ferris in the early 1930’s where his twin brothers were born several years later. School was not easy for Les and he left in early high school to form a construction company with his childhood friend Ken Saunders. They promptly named their company George’s Construction so when an angry customer came looking for George, he was never on site! Les left the company for Ken to run as he found the work was too much for him. He used the skills he had learned to build a wonderful cottage on 4 Mile Lake where the Mitchell’s and Steed’s shared a private island and he completely renovated the family home on Jane Street. In fact, the family home was always in a state of deconstruction or reconstruction which, at times, sorely tried Mabel’s patience.
Les spent the majority of his working years with Canada Post where he made great friends and had nights full of fun and hijinx. In fact, there is nothing Les loved more than a joke and a laugh. When heading to Quebec city to see the tall ships with his best friend Bob Burton, he walked out of the motel room dressed as Jacques Cartier, telescope and all and much to Mabel’s amazement and embarrassment, he spent the entire day visiting the ships in full costume!
He took early retirement at the young age of 56 and Mabel and Les spent many winters in Florida enjoying the sunshine, the beaches and the wonderful friends they made in the trailer park in Sebring. Les loved the fun of the trailer park life as there was always someone to chat with, play golf with or share a joke with. Calls to the trailer often had the sounds of a party in the background and conversation was hurried so he could get back to his friends. However, if one of his children needed him, Mabel and Les would jump in their car and return to the cold, icy weather of Canada to help out instantly. Numerous times they were called and numerous times they responded.
The final chapter of Les’ life was spent in the small town of Napanee. Here he again made good friends with whom he played hours of cards and enjoyed local theater and restaurants. In a theater, Les’ hearty laugh could be heard throughout the theater. Whether he was watching a show at the Selby Theater, the 1000 Island Playhouse or his granddaughter in a children’s production he enjoyed himself immensely and his enjoyment spread to all, cast and audience alike.
Les was very concerned about the state of the world and was always up on the news of the day. He enjoyed good conversation and was deeply interested in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He was greatly loved by the workers and other residents of the John Parrot Centre in Napanee where he spent the last 8 years of his life and the 4 years before that as a daily visitor caring for Mabel. He could often be found chatting with anyone looking for a conversation. He advocated for other residents and ensured that those around him who couldn’t voice their concerns, had their issues heard.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the John Parrott Center for the care and support they gave Les in the last years of his life. They made the Residence a home for him with familiar faces and love for the person he was. We especially wish to thank the staff of Orchard Trail/Lilac Knoll and the front door staff for the last 2.5 years who have chatted with Les many, many evenings. Profound thanks to Dr Pierre Robichaud and the nurses at the Parrott Centre for their patience, care and respect Les received in his final years.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Lennox Community Theatre and will be remembered with appreciation by the family . This theatre brought many nights of joy and laughter to Les. Online condolences and donations at www.wartmanfuneralhomes.com
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Leslie Lloyd Mitchell, at The John M. Parrott Centre on Thursday, October 27,2022 at the age of 93 after a very brief illness. Les was married to the late Mabel Merol Mitchell (nee Smith, 2014) for 57 wonderful, adventure filled years.. Les was a kind, supportive father to Steven of Napanee, Keith (Vicki) of Hartington and Judy Janzen (Ronald) of Bath. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Erich, Lynsay, Laura and Kevin (Miranda) and great grandchildren Hunter and Hayden. Predeceased by his twin brothers Rodney(Gloria) and Reginald(Shirley). Les is survived by sisters-in-law Lois Schmidt and Shirley Mitchell. Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families.
Les moved from New Liskeard with his parents to West Ferris in the early 1930’s where his twin brothers were born several years later. School was not easy for Les and he left in early high school to form a construction company with his childhood friend Ken Saunders. They promptly named their company George’s Construction so when an angry customer came looking for George, he was never on site! Les left the company for Ken to run as he found the work was too much for him. He used the skills he had learned to build a wonderful cottage on 4 Mile Lake where the Mitchell’s and Steed’s shared a private island and he completely renovated the family home on Jane Street. In fact, the family home was always in a state of deconstruction or reconstruction which, at times, sorely tried Mabel’s patience.
Les spent the majority of his working years with Canada Post where he made great friends and had nights full of fun and hijinx. In fact, there is nothing Les loved more than a joke and a laugh. When heading to Quebec city to see the tall ships with his best friend Bob Burton, he walked out of the motel room dressed as Jacques Cartier, telescope and all and much to Mabel’s amazement and embarrassment, he spent the entire day visiting the ships in full costume!
He took early retirement at the young age of 56 and Mabel and Les spent many winters in Florida enjoying the sunshine, the beaches and the wonderful friends they made in the trailer park in Sebring. Les loved the fun of the trailer park life as there was always someone to chat with, play golf with or share a joke with. Calls to the trailer often had the sounds of a party in the background and conversation was hurried so he could get back to his friends. However, if one of his children needed him, Mabel and Les would jump in their car and return to the cold, icy weather of Canada to help out instantly. Numerous times they were called and numerous times they responded.
The final chapter of Les’ life was spent in the small town of Napanee. Here he again made good friends with whom he played hours of cards and enjoyed local theater and restaurants. In a theater, Les’ hearty laugh could be heard throughout the theater. Whether he was watching a show at the Selby Theater, the 1000 Island Playhouse or his granddaughter in a children’s production he enjoyed himself immensely and his enjoyment spread to all, cast and audience alike.
Les was very concerned about the state of the world and was always up on the news of the day. He enjoyed good conversation and was deeply interested in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He was greatly loved by the workers and other residents of the John Parrot Centre in Napanee where he spent the last 8 years of his life and the 4 years before that as a daily visitor caring for Mabel. He could often be found chatting with anyone looking for a conversation. He advocated for other residents and ensured that those around him who couldn’t voice their concerns, had their issues heard.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the John Parrott Center for the care and support they gave Les in the last years of his life. They made the Residence a home for him with familiar faces and love for the person he was. We especially wish to thank the staff of Orchard Trail/Lilac Knoll and the front door staff for the last 2.5 years who have chatted with Les many, many evenings. Profound thanks to Dr Pierre Robichaud and the nurses at the Parrott Centre for their patience, care and respect Les received in his final years.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Lennox Community Theatre and will be remembered with appreciation by the family . This theatre brought many nights of joy and laughter to Les. Online condolences and donations at www.wartmanfuneralhomes.com