Canada West Foundation Blog

In Memoriam: David E. Mitchell (1926-2010) 

The Canada West Foundation was very saddened last week by the loss of long time supporter, friend and member David E. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was a patron of the Foundation, expressing keen interest in the research we were doing and always encouraging the Foundation with thoughtful words of support. 

The Canada West Foundation was very proud to have Mr. Mitchell, a man of integrity, intelligence and wisdom among its Members and he will be missed. 

Mr. James Gray, Honorary Chair of the Canada West Foundation, a close friend of Mr. Mitchell shares his memories of this remarkable man. 

I first met Dave Mitchell in the late 1950s. He was running the engineering and production department at Great Plains Development Company and I was a summer student in the exploration department. Within a year the company’s then CEO, Nick Nichols, drowned in a swimming accident in Hawaii and Dave was prematurely thrust into the responsibility of CEO in his early thirties. 

 From that point, Dave never looked back. His technical knowledge together with his strategic vision were of the highest calibre. What set Dave apart, however, from other industry leaders was his outstanding ability to connect and communicate with virtually everyone he met. He valued family, friends, community and country and in all aspects he “walked the talk.” 

Once Dave identified young leaders he loaded them with responsibility and offered advice and support—he believed in strong teams. Dave also believed strongly in community and country and served both with resources and personal commitment. 

Finally, Dave believed deeply in both family and friends. He was immensely proud of his family and was always loyal to his friends. Dave had every right to be proud of his accomplishments but he never, ever brought praise onto himself. At every opportunity he insisted that others be congratulated, that others be given the credit. Dave is one of the very few who truly left this place substantially better than he found it. 

I have always considered myself among the blessed to have known Dave Mitchell for over 50 years. We have lost a dear friend and a great citizen. 

 (David E. Mitchell was a Member of the Canada West Foundation from 2003-2010)