Rev. Francis Gordon Waugh Mitchinson

Tunbridge - Reverend Francis Gordon Waugh Mitchinson left us in body but not in spirit on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 in his home in Tunbridge, Vermont.

Born on November 6th, 1937, at the parsonage of Sambro, a small fishing village fifteen miles south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was the son of a minister who attended seminary while serving the local church. At just eight months old, his family-including his older brother-returned to northern Newfoundland, where his father served five outposts, traveling between them with a sled and team of dogs. When Gordon was five, they moved to serve a parish north of Ottawa, then on to Montreal and Howick, Quebec, before ending up in Port Henry, New York, when Gordon was twelve.

Their ministry later brought them to Hudson, Michigan, where Gordon, at sixteen, met the love of his life, Shelia Sprague, who was fourteen at the time. When his parents moved to California, he stayed behind to finish high school and attended Adrian College. On July 25th, 1959, Gordon married Shelia, beginning a lifelong journey together.

Ordained in the Methodist Church, Gordon served in various communities throughout southern and northern Michigan, moving as the needs of his ministry changed. Over the years, they were blessed with five children. In 1976, the family transitioned to the United Church of Christ (Congregational) and moved to Quebec, serving churches in Rock Island, Stanstead, and Beebe. After a short period of time they settled in Vermont, where Gordon served the Cornwall-Weybridge parish for eleven years, and later the Hinesburg-Monkton parish for fifteen years-a total of forty-nine years in the ministry. Even after retiring to Tunbridge, Gordon continued to preach whenever he was needed. He often joked about retirement, once coming inside after a day of yard work saying, "I thought I could relax when I retired," to which Shelia replied, "Forget it!"

Gordon's love knew no bounds, and he approached each relationship with a deep and genuine interest in others. He was always quick to ask how you were doing, truly listening to the answers, and offering words of encouragement or understanding. Known to end phone calls or goodbyes with a heartfelt "Love ya, love ya!" he made sure those around him always felt cherished and loved.

One of Gordon's greatest joys was spending time with Shelia, especially at the Tunbridge World's Fair-a tradition they held dear. His presence there, alongside his beloved wife, was a reminder of his unwavering devotion to her and the community he loved. Gordon also had a well-known sweet tooth, delighting in all kinds of treats. Sundaes and rhubarb pie were his favorites, and he never missed a chance to enjoy a sweet moment, whether shared with family or enjoyed quietly on his porch in Tunbridge.

Gordon is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Shelia, and their children and spouses: Francis Brodie and Thatsney Mitchinson of Essex Jct.; April and Barry Burnham of Middlebury; Dawn Arnold and Scott Shirley of Gaysville; Toby Mitchinson and Theresa Ko of Swanton; and Brooke Milo and Steve Messier of Westford. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren Angela, Evan, Brodie Lee, Amber, Rayce, Owen, Leif, Ivy, Avery, Grady and Carter; and five great-grandchildren Liam, George, Lilah, Montgomery, and Emerson.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 18th, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home, 300 VT Route 110, Chelsea, VT. A funeral service will take place at the Tunbridge Church in Tunbridge, VT, on Saturday, October 19th, at 2:00 PM. All who wish to honor Gordon's life and legacy are welcome to attend.

A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.