Obituary of Mitchell James White

WHITE: Mitchell James, (July 9, 1957-December 10, 2012). Mitch passed away in Brandon, MB on Monday, December 10, 2012 at the age of 55 years. He was born on July 9, 1957 in Portage la Prairie, the second of three born to Alan and Hilda. He followed Murray, and was in turn followed by Tara. Mitch was always a sportsman, involved in hockey and baseball, winter and summer. Hockey started for Mitch at age four, and he was part of a number of city and provincial championship teams in his day. Highlights of his hockey years included playing for the Ft. Garry Warriors as a Pee-Wee, and representing Manitoba in the Western Canadian Pee-Wee tournament – which they won. He also played for Portage in Jr. B and Jr. A hockey. He was shortstop and 2nd baseman in baseball and softball, which occupied a lot of summers. When he got a little older, he enjoyed golf and water-skiing, as well. Mitch graduated from Arthur Meighan High School; but years before he graduated, he got his start in what would turn out to be a career with Canada Safeway. At age 19, work with Safeway took Mitch to Thompson, where he met Vickie Cooper. Dustin was born in August of 1981, three days after they moved to Brandon. Mitch and Vickie were married in May 1982 in Thompson. Michael was born in March of 1984 and not long after, Mitch found himself caught up in a slowdown at the Safeway. It was then that Vickie decided to go back to school, and she started studies to become a nurse. It was quite a role reversal for Mitch, to find himself being the primary parent; but he really took to it and was always there for his boys. When they got old enough for hockey, Mitch was at the rink, serving as timekeeper, or team manager, or goal judge. Both boys were goalies, Dustin playing until AA Bantams, and making the travelling team; and Michael playing into High School. Of course, Mitch knew everybody at the rink. Mitch shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his sons as well, and Vickie put up with his need to camp. Vickie tried to civilize him a bit by taking him out to see live theatre, which he was surprised to discover that he enjoyed. If Vickie put up with camping, and Mitch with theatre, they shared an interest in travel. There were three trips to Portugal, a few more to Mexico, a trip to the Maritimes, Cuba, Holland, and Vegas, always with friends. Last year, with Mike working in China, Mitch and Vickie were able to go all the way to Vietnam, where they met up with him. Mitch, who always had an interest in history, found that a really fascinating trip. As a parent, Mitch always wanted the best for his sons. He was proud of Michael's success in school, and the way his career took him around the world. He was thrilled to be Poppa to Dustin's daughters, Riley and Brooklynn, who were a real joy to him, especially in these last months. Mitch leaves behind his mother, Hilda, brother Murray and spouse Heather, sister Tara, Vickie, his wife of 30 years, and his sons, Dustin and Michael and his partner, Lesley. Mitch is also sadly missed by his granddaughters Riley and Brooklynn, and their mother Jen, as well as his in-laws, Al and Joyce Cooper, his sisters-in-law Debbie and husband Dennis, Penny and husband Lyle, Pam and husband Steve, his brothers-in-law Brent and wife Nancy, and Kim and wife Marilyn, and a countless number of nieces and nephews. Mitch made friends wherever he was, and from Portage, Thompson, Brandon and beyond, many will miss his company and treasure the memory of this man. A memorial service was held at Central United Church on December 15, 2012 with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K8.