Robert (Bob) Leslie Mitchelson passed from this world on August 30, 2025, at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with Jeannie by his side. Bob, son to Leslie and Dorothy, was born in Fort William on December 19, 1937, and he spent his childhood in Westfort, along with his older sister Beverly (McCritchie) and younger sister Kathy (Wasylyk). Bob attended Francis Street School and Fort William Collegiate.
He started his work life at a young age, delivering groceries while riding his bike through the streets of Westfort. As a young man, he worked in various book keeping roles including Laskins’ Furniture before eventually earning his professional accounting designations. In 1967, Bob became the eighth person hired at Confederation College and would go on to work forty-one years in the College system. He served as the Vice President of Finance & Administration for Confederation College until 1989. Following his tenure at Confederation College, he was appointed Vice President, Finance & Administration at Algonquin College in Ottawa where he worked until his retirement in 2000. After retiring, he enjoyed applying his skills by serving on the Board of Trustees for the Ontario College Pension Plan. On a daily basis, Bob demonstrated a straight-forward and honest approach in his professional working relationships.
He was a humble guy, usually the first to arrive at work in the morning and the last to leave. Bob made the coffee for the staff and cleaned the pot before he left to go home. Bob was dedicated to lifelong learning in his personal and professional life. He enjoyed nothing more than having two or three books, “on the go.” Bob was recognized for his professional work contributions, becoming a life-long member of the Canadian Professional Accountants.
During his lifetime, Bob was very active in the Thunder Bay community. He was a member of the World Nordic Bid Committee; he served as Chair of 1981 Canada Summer Games Athletes Village; from 1985-1987 he worked on the Organizing Committee for the Ontario Winter Games; in 1988 he was a member of the Senior Cross Country National Ski Championships Committee; and he was a Founding Member and President of Thunder Bay Big Brothers. Bob also enjoyed many years coaching AAA hockey within the Thunder Bay Rangers hockey program alongside his friend Dave Simpson. Throughout his lifetime, Bob remained committed to healthy living and fitness. He enjoyed running marathons, cross-country skiing, and paddling the lakes and rivers of NWO with his brother-in-law and nephews.
In May of this year, he took what would be his final 22km bike ride along Rainy River, a route he cycled every second day each spring until his last year of life. An Offensive Guard, he was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame along with his teammates of the 1958 Fort William Redskins National Senior Football Team. He was the standard for which many in the family and friends measured their own fitness-a standard which was difficult to achieve.
Bob was a man of deep faith. For twenty-five years he was an active parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances. In 2009, he received the Diocesan Medal from Bishop Coli for his work in the construction of the new foyer addition, Church meeting rooms, and basement renovations.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife Jeannie Bujold; Jeannie’s siblings and their spouses and families: Angela (Peter Bishop), Kathleen (Terry Mueller), Rita (Cameron Moorhouse), Rochelle (Blair Rydberg, John Bujold (Patty), James Bujold (Laurie), Louis Bujold, (Shari), and Paul Rene Bujold (Maureen). He was a beloved ‘Uncle Bob’ to many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children.
Bob is survived by his children Lori Mitchelson of Vancouver, Janice Knox and sons Philip and Brandon of Thunder Bay, and Rob Mitchelson (Kaatje) and their children Hayden, Lauryn and Owen of Vancouver.
He was predeceased by his parents and sisters and his in-laws Gertie and Clarence Bujold.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held on September 10, 2025, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church Fort Frances. In lieu of flowers, should you wish, donations in Bob’s honour can be made to St. Mary’s Church, Fort Frances Technology Centre, the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, or your local Alzheimer’s Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home.
