MITCHELL, MILLARD J. Well-known gospel singer and retired insurance businessman, Millard John Mitchell of Fredericton and Brown's Flat, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the Veteran's Health Unit. Millard was born on January 29, 1920 in Marysville, NB to William and Hildred (Savage) Mitchell. During the Second World War he proudly served his country in the RCAF. He married Willo Marion Cliff in 1944 and they have two daughters, Gail McGeorge (Ken) and Willo Ann Symonds (John), both of Fredericton and one son Cliff Mitchell (Hoa) of Moncton, NB. Following the war, he and his brother Irvine Mitchell and brother-in-law Bill LaPointe formed the Gospel Trio and sang in area churches and on local radio station CFNB. Later known as The Gospelaires, the group traveled extensively in eastern Canada and the U.S, had a weekly radio and TV Program and recorded over 30 albums. In 2002 The Gospelaires were the first group to be inducted into the New Brunswick Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Millard was a charter member of Corbett Avenue Wesleyan Church and long-time member of First Wesleyan Church. He also served with the Gideons, distributing Bibles locally. He and long-time friend, the late Lawrence Harvey, volunteered their time to visit inmates in local prisons, ministering to bring hope to those who needed it most. "Grandad" was a source of delight and inspiration to his grandchildren, Scott McGeorge (Alicia), Dacia McGeorge-Jackson (Adrian), Brock Symonds (Rhonda), Nicole Symonds-White (Rev. Michael), Katy Beth Symonds-Gildart (Andrew), Matthew Mitchell (Joy), Benjamin Mitchell (Kim Copp), Melissa Mitchell-Clarke (Clayton) and Naomi Mitchell- Justason (Michael) and to his great-grandchildren, Brooke and Connor McGeorge, Jaden and Ethan Johnson, Trent Jackson, Austin White, Jack and Tessa Symonds, Livia Gildart, Jackson and Austin Mitchell. Millard was pre-deceased by his parents and sisters Gertrude Davidson, Geraldine Crawford also brothers Murray, Irvine, Billy and Dale and one great-grandson Jordan McGeorge. He is survived by siblings Warren Mitchell, Mae Johnson (Donald), Helen Riley (Pat), Faith LaPointe (Bill), Shirley Saunders (George) and Merville Mitchell (Gail). Millard has left behind a legacy of love and hope for his family and the many people to whom he ministered. The service in celebration of his life will be held at Corbett Avenue Wesleyan Church, 55 Corbett Avenue at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 13, 2009 with visitation for family and friends also at Corbett Avenue Wesleyan Church on Sunday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Interment in the Brown's Flat Cemetery Monday at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial gifts to the Gideons or to The Atlantic District Wesleyan Church for Beulah Campgrounds or Bethany Bible College. Online condolences may be expressed through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com