Obituary of Jack Rule Mitchinson

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Jack Rule Mitchinson

*May 29, 1925 - June 9, 2024*

Surrounded by family, Jack Mitchinson passed away peacefully at the age of 99 at the Chatham Kent Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls on May 29, 1925, Jack led a life full of service, dedication, and love for his family and community.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of 74 years, Helen (nee Low), Jack was also preceded in death by his brothers Norm, Harry, and Don, and his sister Annabelle.

Jack is survived by his five children: Wendy Twigge (late Barry), Don (Tammy), Jack (Louise), Brian, and Colin (Lo). He was a proud grandfather to Colin (Paula), Jodi (Evan), Jennifer, Brittany (Nate), Nick (Ruby), Evan (Laura), Sarah, Arielle (Brock), Connor, Sean (Emma), and Madison (Joel). Jack was also blessed with great-grandchildren Caleb, Zander, Zoey, and Langley.

Jack's life was marked by his service in the WW2 Royal Canadian Navy, where he served on HMCS Lachute and HMCS Charlottetown as a stoker conducting North Atlantic Convoy escorts. Following his military service, he joined Immigration in 1952 in Niagara Falls, later he assisted new arrivals to Canada in various cities, including Goderich, Chatham, Belleville, London, and Hamilton.

During his tenure as an Immigration Officer, Jack played a pivotal role in aiding the Istrian community and numerous foreign workers. In Chatham, he was instrumental in community development through the Chatham Jaycees, contributing to institutions and events such as The Tecumseh Rose Garden, the Chatham Cultural Center, the Jaycee pool and ball diamonds, and various Jaycee Fairs.

After leaving Chatham, Jack continued his work with new immigrants in London, Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa, ultimately retiring as the District Administrator responsible for all border crossings from Windsor to Niagara Falls. His expertise was further recognized as he toured the world as an auditor, ensuring the effectiveness of immigration programs.

Retiring to Chatham in 1990, Jack remained active in the community. He helped form the Chatham-Kent Royal Canadian Naval Association, participated in the St. Thomas Anglican Church, Grande River Line, Dover Township, and maintained connections with many individuals he had assisted throughout his career.

Jack's extended family was of utmost importance to him. Each year, he would host family reunions attended by more than 60 family members and friends, fostering a close-knit family bond that will be cherished for generations to come.

Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Friday, JULY 26, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. A Legion Service will be held on Friday at 5:30pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home at 11:00am on Saturday, JULY 27, 2024. Interment to follow at St. Thomas Anglican Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of The Village on the Thames, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Jack Mitchinson's legacy of service, community involvement, and family dedication will be remembered and honored by all who knew him.

Please share a condolence at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040