Obituary of Derek Mitchell
The family of Derek Mitchell of Sturgis, beloved husband of Adele Jackson, sadly announce his passing on September 28, 2025. He was 80 years of age.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Summer of 2026 in Sturgis.
Memorial donations in memory of Derek Mitchell may be made to the Preeceville & Sturgis Wildlife Federation Habitat Trust as gifts of remembrance.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home and Cremation Care.
Derek Mitchell
November 13, 1944 – September 28, 2025
Following a battle with sepsis, Derek passed away on September 28th, He will be deeply missed and mourned by his family: Del, his loving wife of 43 years, whom he adored beyond measure; his beloved children, Cheryl (Justin) and Darcy Mitchell, and their mother Geraldine Mitchell, Derek’s former wife and lifelong friend; his sisters, Donna and Judy Mitchell; many nieces and nephews; his closest feline friend, Max, and the rest of the clowder; as well as the valued friends that have managed to outlive him.
Derek was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Beda Mitchell; brother Bob; sister Sandra (Armitage); nephews Dorne and Bryce; niece Stephanie; and too many close friends.
Derek was only two years old when the family moved to the newly established Sturgis Co-op Farm, where he lived and worked until its dissolution, and later farmed with his father until he retired. Derek loved the land and the animals that he tended. As a young teenager, he particularly enjoyed his years as a jockey on the local circuit… until he got too big! He maintained his heartfelt connection to his home and the barn and pasture beside it throughout his many years living in Saskatoon. He was never happier than when he and Del were able to repurchase the family home and settle beside his pasture land. He took great pride in reestablishing a ‘home’ for his whole family to return to and in hosting family gatherings. He had a deep reverence for his natural habitat and happily roamed his land and the property around the Sturgis hill on his quad for years, including when helping with setup and security for Sports Day.
In recent years, Derek endured chronic arthritic pain and many health issues with remarkable grace, always remaining optimistic and grateful for all the benefits that life and mother nature bestowed upon him. He will be remembered for his strength of spirit (as well as his physical strength – his nickname “Tuffy” was well chosen), for his generosity and fierce loyalty, and above all, for his big, loving heart! And when he smiled… well, we all basked in it! He will remain in our hearts forever.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for family and friends when the summer sun returns to his land.
