Black Watch and RCR friends:

It is with deepest regret that I report the passing of a good friend and a great soldier, Ken Mitchell, early this evening (16 June) in the Kentville Hospital. Ken finally succumbed to the cancer that has plagued him in recent years.

Ken served with 1st Canadian Highland Battalion and 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada from beginning to end, and with 2nd Battalion, The RCR from 1970 until his retirement.

Ken was well known to all members of the Regular Force Black Watch family. He was one of the originals, having joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) in 1951 to serve in 1st Canadian Highland Battalion. He served with 1CHB/1RHC in Germany (Hannover), Aldershot, Germany (Fort St. Louis), Gagetown and Cyprus, and was probably best known for his successes as First Battalion’s Welfare Officer – an appointment that he continued after 1970 in 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
Ken was also one of the originals in the Atlantic Branch of our Black Watch Association, having served in most of the elected, executive positions in the Branch.
A more complete rendition of Ken’s accomplishments can be found in Canada’s Red Hackle, #16 (Winter 2011) in Craig Cameron’s “The Heart and Soul of 1RHC”.
Ken will be greatly missed. The memorial to The Black Watch in Camp Aldershot, the dedication for which Ken was largely responsible, will be a constant reminder of this faithful Black Watch soldier.

Details for memorial service will be distributed when known.


________________________________________
With thanks to Atlantic Branch Secretary, Eric Journeay, for the foregoing.


R. I. P.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit Pro Patria