MITCHELL, BERT - 1928-2005 - On November 26th, 2005, Bert (John Herbert) Mitchell passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital. Bert battled Progressive Supranuclear Palsy for approximately 3 years prior to his death. Bert was born in Stockton, England on March 28th,1928 and is predeceased by his parents Herbert and Mabel Mitchell and his brother Foster Mitchell also from England. Bert was a devoted husband of 52 years to Mary Jones Mitchell and a loving father and dear friend to his two daughters, Margaret Henderson and Judith Mackin. Bert also had a strong bond with both of his sons-in-law, Russell Henderson and Peter Smit. He shared a deep reciprocal love with his four grandchildren Mitchell Henderson, Lauren Henderson, Robyn Mackin and Danika Smit. Bert also leaves behind a very special friendship with Lawrence and June Waller, from Hull, England. Upon leaving England shortly after his marriage to Mary in 1953, Bert and Mary traveled to Kenya to follow their calling from God to be missionaries. After eight years in Africa they traveled to Rothesay, New Brunswick where he and Mary both took on teaching positions. Bert taught at RCS Netherwood for 26 years. He was fondly referred to as "Grin" by his students from 1967 to 1993 when he retired. Bert was always involved in teaching the love of God to those who would listen. He worked tirelessly with both the Rothesay Baptist Church and the Kennebecasis United Baptist Church. After his retirement, both he and Mary spent a lot of time with the St. John's (Stone) Community Chaplaincy providing hot meals to ex-convicts and showing love to the poor and needy. The funeral for our Bert will be held on Thursday, December 1st at 2:00 pm at Kennebecasis United Baptist Church. We invite friends and loved ones for a one-night visitation at Castle Funeral Home, Kings Chapel, Rothesay (154 Hampton Road-849-1702) on Wednesday night, November 30th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any kind offerings to be made to the 'Child Evangelism Fellowship'. Bert's family recognizes the tremendous care and support that was given to him over the past two years at the Saint John Regional Hospital on 5CNorth/3CSouth. The staff treated Bert with respect and dignity and he enjoyed their humour and kindness. Their care and compassion made his illness more bearable. For the one week that he stayed at St. Joseph's prior to his passing, we also acknowledge the overwhelming sensitivity and comfort the nurses on the 7th floor provided to not only our father, but to Mary and our family. A special thank you to Fran Pugsley for being our special friend and nurse and to all our other friends who shared a special bond with our family. Bert Mitchell was all things pure and we were all blessed to have him as our husband, our father, our grandfather, our teacher, and most of all, our very best friend. Bert loved his family more than anything else in the world.