Mitchell, Willard Gerald
WILLARD G. MITCHELL
Willard Gerald Mitchell, aged 84 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. Willard was born on August 13th, 1940, to Mervil and Pearl Mitchell of Rouleau, SK. He was a longed-for little brother to Clifton. Willard’s early years were spent on the family farm north of Rouleau, and he remained a farmer in his bones all his life. Rouleau had a tiny apostolic church his family attended, and from the earliest age he was shaped by a desire to serve the Lord and others.
When Willard was 7 his family moved to Regina, SK where he lived until he graduated from Scott Collegiate High School in 1958. At age 10 Willard was gifted with his first saxophone, and he never really put it down. He was always proud to recall playing in the Regina Lions A Band, and anywhere else he was invited. After high school Willard went on to complete 3 years of Bible College at the Full Gospel Bible Institute (FGBI), now Eston College, where he graduated as Student Body President and Valedictorian of his class. After FGBI, Willard returned to Regina to complete his education to become a school teacher.
In 1954 Willard met Arlene Haase at Trossachs Camp. Though a camp romance started at that time (with Willard making good on a threat to throw Arlene into the creek), they didn’t begin seriously dating until 1963. Willard and Arlene were married July 4th, 1964, and went on to have children Cameron, Karen, and Debbie. Willard always said that Arlene was a caring, supportive, and faithful companion whom he loved dearly.
Willard enjoyed teaching grade 6 in Eston, SK for two years while Arlene was attending FGBI. In 1967, Willard joined the staff at FBGI as Business Manager, a one-year position that lasted 40 years. In his years with the FGBI, Willard was in his element. He believed so firmly in the importance of “equipping young people with the scripture” and he impacted countless lives for Jesus.
In 2005, Willard retired from FGBI but continued to serve as Chancellor and in other capacities until 2015. In 2019 Willard and Arlene moved to Moose Jaw where Willard made new friends, enjoyed outings with the Senior’s Group at Hillcrest Church, and was an active member in his life group. He treasured walks in his “backyard”, as he lived just north of Crescent Park.
Willard enjoyed a beautiful family Christmas in December of 2024, with every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren present, for which he was very thankful (but then, he was always so very thankful) and he and Arlene won the 2024 Family Crokinole Tournament!
Willard went to be with Jesus on February 1st, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents Mervil and Pearl Mitchell, and his brother Clifton Mitchell. Willard is survived by his wife, Arlene Mitchell; children: Cam Mitchell, Karen MacNaughton (Sheldon), and Debbie Wilson (Andy); grandsons: Levi MacNaughton (Hannah), Max MacNaughton (Keira), Adam MacNaughton (Lexi), Finley Wilson, and Elliott Wilson; and great-granddaughters: Ayla, Willa, and Mabel MacNaughton. He always remarked that his loving family made him a “very wealthy man”.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Hilcrest Church, 1550 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK. Pastor Dave Wicks and Pastor Steve Atkins will officiate and interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to https://www.youtube.com/live/0Qpqj9zlo4g?si=8ZKt2pmhjnRTS46r. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eston College (formerly Full Gospel Bible Institute), 808 Assiniboine Ave E, Regina, SK S4V 0K6. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Sincere condolences to Arlene and all the extended family. Always remember his smile
Dorothy Bayly Venters
Grad of ‘60 FGBI
Saddened by Willard’s homegoing, but rejoicing that we will all dance around the Throne together some day. Growing up in Eston, Willard and Arlene were our youth leaders at church, then while attending FGBI, were our class sponsors. Many great memories we hold dear for the Mitchell family.
Prayers and thoughts are going your way.
Lots of love,
Mary Del and Cliff Mutch
Our condolences to Arlene and family on. Willard’s promotion to glory. We had the privilege of knowing both of you as teenagers and have many memories since. It was my (Jim) opportunity to work closely with Willard for many years while on the Board of FGBI-what a privilege!
Arlene I’m so sorry. I didn’t know Willard was ill. He was so caring, as were you, when Ray was ill. I think of that often and was always so pleased to see you both when I came for coffee or ran into you while walking in the park. Please call me if I can help at all. Much love, Judy
Heartfelt condolence to the Mitchel family on the loss of Willard. His relationship with the Lord shone brightly. His friendship with my father is not forgotten. May the Lord bless and keep you, may He make his face shine upon you and be gracious, may He turn His countenance upon you and give you His peace.
God bless
Doug and Sandi Mortensen
My condolences to the entire family. Loss of a loved one is challenging under any circumstance. Mr. Mitchell is a fond memory of growing up in Eston and then attending FGBI. He always had a smile and a word of encouragement.
We send our condolences to the family brother Mitchell will be missed by all who loved him and knew his love. God bless you, Don Ruth.
Willard was a good and godly man and I will miss him. His wisdom and winsomeness were such a gift to me and to so many.
May God comfort your family as you grieve and sustain you with the promise that death will one day give way to resurrection, all tears will be wiped away, and all things made new. May those hopes be kindled within you as you gather together with friends and family in the coming days.
Rest eternal grant to Willard, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.
Our deepest condolence to Arlene and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the coming days.
Love and prayers
Cecil & Glenda Lockyer
My deepest condolences to Arlene and family with Willard’s passing.
On behalf of my sister, Anna Wikman Matthews, I also want to send her sympathies to you.
My heart is full of treasured memories and love.
I’m sending a special heart hug to Arlene and please know you will be in my prayers, my friend.
My prayer is:
May God’s peace be with you, may His comfort carry you and may His strength flow through you.
Our sympathy and prayers at this time Arlene and family.
So sorry to hear the sad news My deepest sympathies to the Mitchell family. May the Good Lord bless you with His comfort and peace. Bro. Mitchell was a dear mentor and teacher at FGBI. His love and joy of the Lord shone through his ministry to be a blessing to us. Rest in peace joy cometh in the morning
Our condolences to you Arlene and your family.