Gary Allan Mitchell

June 27, 1954 - February 09, 2026

Gary died peacefully in Victoria Hospice on February 9, 2026. He was born in Murrayville, Township of Langley to Allan Ardiel Mitchell and Mary Teresa (nee Kochmarski). He was raised on the family strawberry farm in Sperling District, Langley.

Gary attended UBC, earning a BA (History) in 1976 and in 1985, a Master of Archival Studies from the university's newly created and first archival school in Canada. He enjoyed a distinguished 30 year career at the BC Archives, eventually retiring as Provincial Archivist and Vice-President, Collections & Research at the Royal BC Museum.

As well as being a lifelong Canucks and Whitecaps fan, Gary pursued interests in Canadian history, vexillology, public administration & heraldry. He volunteered with many heritage organizations, including the BC Historical Federation (President), the Archives Association of BC (President), Association of Canadian Archivists Foundation (Director & Secretary), the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada (named a Fellow) and the Royal BC Museum Foundation. His commitment to the goals of heritage organizations was unwavering and he was recognized with several awards including: the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for "Services to Heritage Preservation"; the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for "Exemplary Public Service Leadership"; the BC Museums Association "Distinguished Leadership Award" and Provincial Archivist Emeritus, Royal BC Museum. He was a strong advocate for community-based museums, archives & historical societies, always promoting heritage and its relevance to future generations of British Columbians.

Gary was actively committed to his Catholic faith and volunteered for many years at St. Patrick's Parish and on the archives & records management committee of the Diocese of Victoria and the Sisters of St. Ann. At Mount St. Mary Hospital, he represented the Bishop and the Sisters as a member of the Marie Esther Society.
Beyond all his professional accomplishments and more importantly, Gary was such a fine person: loyal, genuinely caring, selfless and kind. He quietly believed in a life of duty, integrity and humility. He shared his wisdom generously and demonstrated strength of character in his work and personal life. He was proud of his Langley and agrarian roots and his Polish and Scottish ancestry. And he loved deeply: his country, his province, his community and most of all, his many friends and family.

After retirement, he and Irene travelled, gardened and enjoyed many happy times with friends and family. His greatest joy was the arrival of Max Gary Kavan in 2020, much loved son of Annelies and Dan.

In 2024, Gary was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Over the following two years, Gary faced this challenge with grace and dignity, always positive, never complaining and always thanking everyone involved in his care. He was deeply touched by the many visits, emails and calls from friends near and far, wishing him well and sending messages of gratitude and love.

Gary is survived by his wife, Irene; Annelies & Dan and grandson, Max; his much loved cousins, Gail & Darlene; godson Matthew Isaac and friends and family too numerous to list but no less loved and appreciated.

Thanks to Dr. Laura Asplin for her attentive compassion; Dr. Caroline Holloway for guiding us through with such kindness; Drs Michael Metcalf & Darren Biberdorf, without whose surgical skills Gary would not have had this last wonderful year; and the truly compassionate and skilled care of the staff at Victoria Hospice, who made his final journey one of peace and beauty.

Donations in his memory: BC Historical Federation Legacy Fund.

Funeral: Tuesday February 17th, 2pm.
St. Patrick's Parish (2060 Haultain Street Victoria, BC)