Bob Mitchell was a highly educated man though he only achieved Grade 10. He consumed books and especially loved all things poetic. He was equally comfortable quoting Robert Burns, the Bible and other works. He viewed the poet's writings as gospel, but was more skeptical about the Bible.
Bob's roots originated in Scotland generations earlier. On his only trip overseas in 1978, he scoured the Royal Mile in Edinburgh until he found some authentic Mitchell tartan. Framed pieces were immediately given to his children and living siblings.
When travelling to the mainland, Bob always said he was going to Canada, even after Confederation. While he was a proud Newfoundlander, once in a moment of meteorological frustration not without humour, he suggested that King Henry VII should have had John Cabot beheaded for his bleak discovery instead of paying him.
At 16, Bob started work sweeping the floors at Dicks and Co. Ltd. in St. John's. Dicks was a printing and book-binding company that also had, to Bob's delight, the best bookstore in St. John's at the time. He retired 49 years later at the age of 65 from the position of general manager of the printing division. He never discussed his work at home except for the odd anecdote, such as the time a new industrial stapler arrived. Bob was showing someone where not to put fingers - literally, as seconds later he lost the top of one.
Bob was a loyal husband of 63 years to Cynthia and a father of two, Sheldon and Jill. While Jill was expecting his one and only grandchild, Bob had his first heart attack at 69. After the birth of his grandson, Mitchell O'Reilly, Bob's one wish was to see him go to school. He not only saw that but provided exceptional daycare for him in his parents' home through the first 14 years of his life. School events, hockey games, swinging in the park, learning to drive - Bob was there for all of it. Mitch is now 23.
Although he had no confirmed religious beliefs, Bob always joked he was with King John at the signing of the Magna Carta, suggesting an understated belief in reincarnation. It had an impact. When Mitch saw a depiction of this event at Madame Tussauds in London some years ago, he returned home and told Bob he had seen his "buddy." Recently, Bob enhanced his idea of reincarnation to transmigration, as he stated that next time he wants to come back as Mitch's dog.
Bob's death notice started with the phrase "died roaring," as was his wish. He disliked the idea of "passing peacefully away," and wanted to leave full of enthusiasm. He also suggested that he wanted his remains blown from the old noonday gun on Signal Hill in St. John's. He was cremated.
Sheldon Ross Mitchell is Bob's son.