WILLARD G. MITCHELL
Willard Gerald Mitchell, aged 84 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. Willard was born on August 13th, 1940, to Mervil and Pearl Mitchell of Rouleau, SK. He was a longed-for little brother to Clifton. Willard’s early years were spent on the family farm north of Rouleau, and he remained a farmer in his bones all his life. Rouleau had a tiny apostolic church his family attended, and from the earliest age he was shaped by a desire to serve the Lord and others.
When Willard was 7 his family moved to Regina, SK where he lived until he graduated from Scott Collegiate High School in 1958. At age 10 Willard was gifted with his first saxophone, and he never really put it down. He was always proud to recall playing in the Regina Lions A Band, and anywhere else he was invited. After high school Willard went on to complete 3 years of Bible College at the Full Gospel Bible Institute (FGBI), now Eston College, where he graduated as Student Body President and Valedictorian of his class. After FGBI, Willard returned to Regina to complete his education to become a school teacher.
In 1954 Willard met Arlene Haase at Trossachs Camp. Though a camp romance started at that time (with Willard making good on a threat to throw Arlene into the creek), they didn’t begin seriously dating until 1963. Willard and Arlene were married July 4th, 1964, and went on to have children Cameron, Karen, and Debbie. Willard always said that Arlene was a caring, supportive, and faithful companion whom he loved dearly.
Willard enjoyed teaching grade 6 in Eston, SK for two years while Arlene was attending FGBI. In 1967, Willard joined the staff at FBGI as Business Manager, a one-year position that lasted 40 years. In his years with the FGBI, Willard was in his element. He believed so firmly in the importance of “equipping young people with the scripture” and he impacted countless lives for Jesus.
In 2005, Willard retired from FGBI but continued to serve as Chancellor and in other capacities until 2015. In 2019 Willard and Arlene moved to Moose Jaw where Willard made new friends, enjoyed outings with the Senior’s Group at Hillcrest Church, and was an active member in his life group. He treasured walks in his “backyard”, as he lived just north of Crescent Park.
Willard enjoyed a beautiful family Christmas in December of 2024, with every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren present, for which he was very thankful (but then, he was always so very thankful) and he and Arlene won the 2024 Family Crokinole Tournament!
Willard went to be with Jesus on February 1st, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents Mervil and Pearl Mitchell, and his brother Clifton Mitchell. Willard is survived by his wife, Arlene Mitchell; children: Cam Mitchell, Karen MacNaughton (Sheldon), and Debbie Wilson (Andy); grandsons: Levi MacNaughton (Hannah), Max MacNaughton (Keira), Adam MacNaughton (Lexi), Finley Wilson, and Elliott Wilson; and great-granddaughters: Ayla, Willa, and Mabel MacNaughton. He always remarked that his loving family made him a “very wealthy man”.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Hilcrest Church, 1550 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK. Pastor Dave Wicks and Pastor Steve Atkins will officiate and interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to https://www.youtube.com/live/0Qpqj9zlo4g?si=8ZKt2pmhjnRTS46r. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eston College (formerly Full Gospel Bible Institute), 730 1st St E, Eston, SK S0L 1A0. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
