John Harry Mitchell “Mad Dog”
Late of Warners Bay
Aged 63 Years
Passed away unexpectedly on 14th December, 2007.
Dearly loved husband of JOHANNE. Wonderful father of DOMINIQUE, GINA, SHELLEY, ANGELA, CHRISTIAN and MOSES. Father-in-law of WAYNE, BRIAN and SHANNON.
Adored dada to Darcie,Brooke, Molly, Phoebe, Jack, Ruby, Mia, Noah, Maya, Isaiah Grampa John to Lily, Isabelle, Ethan, Matilda
Brother of FRAN, SUE and ROBERT.
Precious memories of his love, laughter and happiness we will keep forever. He showed us how to live life.
Family and Friends were invited to attend JOHN`s Funeral Service and celebration of life held at Boolaroo Catholic Church on Thursday 20th December 2007 commencing at 11.30am
A cremation service was held at Macquarie Memorial Park after the church service with family and close friends attending.
The Strata Management of 339 Hillsborough Rd Warners Bay respectfully advise our members of the untimely death of JOHN MITCHELL , fellow owner and committee member.
Charlie Cameron
(Hunter Strata Management)
MACQUARIE SCORPIONS RLFC
All members and supporters are advised of the passing of JOHN MITCHELL , Macquarie Scorpions Number One Supporter and former long serving player. All members and supporters are advised that the Funeral for JOHN was held at Boolaroo Catholic Church, Main Road, Boolaroo , THURSDAY 20th December 2007
S. Woodbridge (Sec)
goodbye dear freind
laraine garry
Most people here today were touched by Dad, literally. A daughter a son, brother or sister a wife or grandchild, a cousin, niece or nephew, a friend or acquaintance. Whether it was his favourite tongue in your ear, or his famous head lock. Not everyone who knew Dad saw eye to eye with him, but they all respected him for the way he lived his life.
We will remember him for his greatest and proudest role, our father, he was so proud of his family. Christmas time we would all go to Dada and Nanna Jo’s for Breakfast, he was at his happiest when we were all together, you could see his joy and content, like a Cat that caught the Canary, he would sit back and enjoy all his Children together and his grandchildren jumping on him and running a muck.
Growing up with Dad was an adventure, some of the mischief he would find was endless. I hope we can raise our children with such love and devotion as he did, Dad had never ending love for his family, and as we grew at a rapid rate, so did his heart, he always had time for us, no matter how busy he was, if we needed him he was always there with open arms, a “Hi Darlin” and a big bear hug that mind you were sometimes so tight that you couldn‘t breath, but I would give anything to have just one more. He will always live on in our memories, through, us and his very cherished Grandchildren, We will miss him with such great heartache but remember him with such great joy.
I Love you Daddy and I miss you so much my heart hurts.
Your proud Daughter Shelley
Who else but our Dad?
Our Dad didn’t just embrace life.
He picked it up by the scruff of the neck, shook it around, and squeezed out every last opportunity to experience it all.
He always loved to work, play, tease and taunt. He always loved to laugh. He loved to read books, usually having three on the go at once.
In his later years, he softened and found the beauty of flowers and Jo’s garden. He even began to enjoy drinking cappuccinos and visiting art galleries. Who’d have thought?
Yes, he was a good son, brother, husband, friend, and sportsman. Yes, he was a wonderful father and grandfather.
But our Dad, oh, wasn’t he a funny bugger.
Who else, but our Dad, could transform themselves from a first grade thug of a footballer to a representative netball coach, badged umpire and player.
Everybody at netball knew Mr Mitchell by his akubra hat, his booming voice and his unorthodox, football style coaching methods.
Who else but our Dad could tell a very unfunny joke, get to the punchline, only to remember he had missed something, then go back, re-tell the joke stuff up the punchline, and still be rewarded with raucous laughter from anybody within earshot.
Who else but our Dad would make himself a cup of tea, as if the tea leaves were instant coffee, then use his teeth as a strainer as he drank.
Who else but our Dad would surprise his daughters each Christmas with presents, I’m sure he wanted for himself, such as scalectrics car sets, surf skis or a pool table.
Who else but our Dad would make one piece of chewing gum last a week, and think that was a good thing.
Who else but our Dad could command the attention of all 6 children in any public place at any time with his special John Mitchell whistle.
We won’t hear that whistle again. We won’t hear him laugh. We won’t see him smile or hear his “Hello Darlin” on the other end of the phone.
But we will never forget our Dad. He was so special to us. We will never stop loving you. Through us Dad, your memory will live on.
Gina Mitchell
Our Dad, Our friend, Our rock, Our hero.
Dad achieved so much in his life that was unexpectedly cut short. We are so sad he has passed away and he won’t be with us anymore, but we take comfort in the fact that he lived his life to the fullest. We will never see him get old. We will remember him in all his glory as the happy and fun loving father he was.
To the world he was one, but to us he was the world.
I love you Dad & miss you so very much,
Your baby girl, Angela xo
He’s Only Gone On
At last his gallant soul took flight,
Into the land where there is no night
His name is carved in our hearts to stay,
As we think of the things he used to say.
So he is not dead, he’s only gone on,
Into a brighter, more wonderful dawn.
For men like him were not born to die,
But, like the sun that shines in the sky,
They warm the earth and the hearts of men,
And in happy remembrance they live again.
So while he sleeps and his voice is still,
His spirit goes on and always will.
EULOGY OF JOHN HARRY MITCHELL
Dad was born at
They lived at
Dad attended junior school at St Josephs Catholic School Boolaroo and High School at Marist Brothers Hamilton.
He started his working career with Brother in law Kevin in his antenna business. His father John Victor then came out of retirement to apprentice Dad as an electrician. He briefly worked in Teralba quarry before commencing work in the coal mines, which included Chain Valley, Wyee, Redhead and Gretley until made redundant in 2000. Simultaneously he was running his own electrical contracting business, which he continued to build with Johanne after retiring from the pits.
Dad was an avid sportsman enjoying playing Rugby Union for Boolaroo in his younger years and excelling at Rugby League for Macquarie United, Kurri Kurri and later as a player/coach for Southern Lakes Dora Creek Swampies. He was a well known player and commanded both fear and respect on the football field. Not surprisingly his career included 13 send offs and countless judicial appearances.
Dad enjoyed his cricket and his highlight was taking a hat trick. He proudly displayed his trophy by the bed for many years. Even more he enjoyed Friday pub night with the cricket boys right up until last week. He also dabbled in Baseball and later in life became involved in his daughters Netball pursuits coaching, umpiring and even playing. When the boys came along he was involved in their cricket and basketball activities.
Dad met Diane in 1963. They were very young but married five years later in 1968. I was born in 1970. Unfortunately Diane passed away in late 1970 and Dad’s sister Fran helped Dad raise me until he met Christine.
A strapping, handsome young footballer could not be resisted.
After a whirlwind romance Dad and Chris were married in 1971 and Chris became my mum.
Dad and Mum wasted no time and soon a huge Mitchell clan were in the making, with Gina arriving in 1972, Shelley 1973, Angela 1977, Christian 1981. Surprising most people, they then adopted Moses from
Life was hectic with 6 kids, 2 jobs, sport and family life. Holidays every year and lots of fun times with friends and relatives.
After separating in 1992, Dad began the next phase of his life. A difficult phase which was brightened by the birth of his first grandchild, Darcie, in 1993.
Around this time Dad explored the world and welcomed the new challenges he faced.
In 1994 Dad met Johanne and found his soul mate.
The grandchildren started to flow with Brooke in 96 and then Molly, Noah and Jack in 2004. In 2006 Ruby, Maya, Mia and Phoebe arrived, and then Isaiah in 2007.
Dad mellowed considerably in Johanne’s company and they built a life together. Dad became Grampa John to Johanne’s grandchildren Lilly, Ethan, Belle and Tilly. Dad and Jo married in 2005 and continued to follow their dreams.
From all my heart, love you always Dad, Dominique
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