Kenneth William Mitchell

Kenneth was born on the family farm January 13, 1937 to William and Ethel Mitchell of Preeceville. He attended school at Beaver Bluff and later Preeceville High School where he graduated in 1955.

     Kenny fell in love with Elsie Chornomitz in 1962 got engaged 1964 and married October 15, 1966 at Preeceville United Church to what he humorously referred to everyone as his “first wife Elsie”, always a partnership of life and love that lasted 49 years until moms passing in 2015. They had two wonderful sons, their first in 1973 Blair - daughter Avery and Colin in 1975 wife Belinda - daughters Morgan, Mia, Macey.

     Kenny farmed is entire life with his father and later with his sons when they were old enough. Out of high school he attended agriculture school in Kelvington. He also worked for a power company as well as in the bush at Fred Dalton’s camp. He was very involved with his community. He served on the School Board, Credit Union Board as well as many years on the Coop Board. His longest terms were as a delegate for the Sask Wheat Pool, and councillor for the RM of Preeceville. He was also on the History Book committee. Ken was the great grandson of Granny Preece whose family the town was named after, as well as grandson of Sam Mitchell an original pioneer and long-time reeve of the area. He was instrumental getting the Long Term Care Facility built as well as Parkland Regional Waste Facility. He loved politics and reading the Leader Post everyday as well.

     Ken grew up with a passion for baseball. Played it most of his younger years. As his sons grew up he got involved in coaching them in Minor Hockey as well. Many could hear him in the stands hollering from the bench “meet him, meet him”! He enjoyed curling as well. Saturday nights were lots of hollers and cheers when Hockey Night in Canada was on as he cheered the Toronto Maple Leafs to victory over the Montreal Canadians. He was a hard core Saskatchewan Roughrider fan too.

     Ken was lucky enough to have a strong pillar at his side his entire life his loving wife Elsie. They enjoyed going out to their family cabin at Nelson Lake every weekend in the summer months with their sons. They also enjoyed a holiday to Las Vegas and a family reunion to Sacred Heart, Minnesota where Kens mother Ethel was born. Elsie did her best keeping Kenny and the boys in line in what many nicknamed the “Funny Farm”.  Lots of stories could be told of the family farm which kept everyone on their toes. Ken was lucky enough to get drug across the pasture through willows and sloughs by one hundred feet of rope attached to a calving cow. He ended up putting his face through the front window of the tractor when the bucket dug in. As well as being in the tractor when it and the baler burnt and freon tank exploded on him.

     Later in life Ken’s health was an issue. He ended up getting shoulder surgery, false teeth, 2 pacemakers, pig valve, plastic hip, as well as 2 brain surgeries due to clots and strokes which eventually took his life. He was a very strong man physically and mentally. Never giving up always a fighter. He had a great sense of humour and loved to joke around. Was well known for his slightly dirtier jokes. He was a great father, and honourable man. He said what was on his mind and most times lacked a filter. He worked hard his whole life and loved spending time with his granddaughters always teasing them “whose boy are you”. He will be sadly be missed by all.

     Kenneth was predeceased by both his parents William and Ethel Mitchell, sister Doreen, wife Elsie of 49 years. He leaves to mourn his sons Blair, Colin (Belinda), grandchildren Morgan, Mia, Macey, Avery, brother in law John Pantiuk sister in law Vicki Chornomitz, god child Meldon Maksymiw. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

     The Funeral Service was held on March 21, 2020 at Trinity United Church with Reverend Miles Russell officiating. The pianist was Debbie Blender. The interment took place in the Preeceville Community Cemetery with Grant Peterson, Kelly Myden, Mark Tonn, Colin Masko, Thomas Michaluk, Ryan Prouse serving as casketbearers. Memorial donations may be made to the Preeceville Long Term Care Auxillary as gifts of remembrance.