Obituary of Mitch Townsend

TOWNSEND, J. Mitch New Glasgow Born in Halifax on November 19, 1952, James Mitchell ‘Mitch’ Townsend was welcomed home to New Glasgow by his loving parents, Dr. Henry and Janet (Mitchell) Townsend, both predeceased. Dad enjoyed recounting stories of his youth, spending time with his family at the cottage in Pictou Landing, surviving sailing adventures, trips to Lawlor Lake fishing with his father, and venturing across the US and Canada with his sister Isabel MacVicar (predeceased) and her family. He was also predeceased by his oldest sister, Mary Newell MacFetridge. Dad attended Acadia University, studying business before moving to Quidi Vidi, NL, with his then-wife Carolyn (Smith) Townsend to be General Manager for Mitchell Furs. There they welcomed son, Henry (Amber Rehill), later returning to NS, welcoming daughter, Christina (Neil Lovitt). Dad spent time in Gibsons, BC in the 90s, sharing tales of adventures in the epic forests or on the farm with his brother Alexander ‘Sandy’ Townsend. We know Dad’s greatest pride and joy were us, his children, and his grandchildren, Grace, Edison, Adeline, and Dalton. Appreciating the simple things in life, Dad enjoyed listening to the radio, reading history, playing crib, nature, walks, and spending time with family. An ‘Open House’ style Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity United Church, New Glasgow, in the Multi-purpose Room from 1:00-3:00 on Sunday, July 21. Please come share with us. Burial will occur at Brookside Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made to the Pictou County VON or Cape Breton VON. Dad, we never got to write our book, but we know how the story ends. A happy man passes peacefully at home at 71, fondly loved and always in our hearts.