“Missing someone is sadness wrapped in the blessing of having known them”.
Bill Mitchell passed on August 14th, 2026. He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and from the time he was a young man he was interested in journalism and wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting. He studied (via correspondence) how to become a reporter, radio, and media personality.
His broadcasting career began at a small radio station in Amherst, Nova Scotia where he called play by play for the Amherst Ramblers Senior hockey team. From there, he moved to CTV and CBC in Halifax, then became a national reporter for Newfoundland with CBC. One of his most memorable assignments was his interview with French actress Brigitte Bardot, conducted on an ice floe as she protested the killing of baby seals – a story that made the national news; the seal pup kill eventually shut down after that.
From St. Johns, NFLD onto his appointment as manager of CBHT television station in Halifax. His career then took him west to Edmonton, as executive producer of the CBC supper hour news and then to Toronto in a management role with The National, followed by becoming the station manager in Saskatoon, and then back to Edmonton to oversee both the Edmonton and Calgary television stations. He finished his career in Victoria, where in 1994 he took on a Senior Communications position with the CBC Host Broadcasters for the Commonwealth Games – closing out a career that took him to 10 provinces.
After retirement Bill went to UVIC to complete a degree he had begun back in Newfoundland and Halifax. He also studied Spanish as a second language. He never stopped learning. His love of sports was a lifelong passion both as a participant and spectator. He was a goalkeeper for Juvenile, Junior, and Senior teams in Nova Scotia for many years. He also excelled in fastball as a pitcher and in his prime many of his pitches clocked at 100 mph. He never missed watching a Blue Jays game. He retired to a life of golf; often playing 3 times a week at Royal Colwood where he was a member for 32 years.
Retirement also allowed Bill to focus on his passion for cooking. He became known for his thoughtful care packages of homemade seafood chowder and mushroom soup. His culinary gifts left a lasting impression, prompting one close friend to declare it “the best meal I’ve ever eaten”, although they said this each time they ate one of Bill’s meals.
But his most important passion was sharing his journey in life with the love of his life, Cheryl. They created lifelong memories together that included trips to Europe, Mexico, USA, and throughout Canada.
Please raise a glass of your favourite and toast Bill – to the life he lived and excelled in! – To the love of my love – his favourite saying was always “just you and me Babe” – forever my love – may you rest in peace. I will love you forever!!!!
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of ‘Cheryl Bejcar’ and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
15 Responses
So sorry to hear of Bill‘s passing. I first worked with Bill in St. John’s later in Halifax and still later in Toronto may he rest in peace.
Dear Cheryl, we spent a lot of time without news and wondered… and now we know! I’m so sorry for your loss. But we carry with us all the great memories of having known both of you. Sincere condolences… hope you are well!
Cheryl, my sincere sympathies on Bill’s passing. I remember him well. We first met when I joined CBC Edmonton as a TV Director. Afterwards our paths crossed many times: Saskatoon, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver with a final meetup when we both worked the Commonwealth Games in Victoria. During my CBC years, I was fortunate enough to play several rounds of golf with Bill. He lived life well. He lived life long.
Bill Mitchell changed my life. In the early 1980’s Bill was on my board for a job at CBC Calgary. I was working at CFCN but even then I didn’t have the education or background that the CBC typically requires. I got the job. Over the next year or two Bill and I corresponded and we had a few lunches. He was also on my board for a job at CBC Vancouver, and I believe he was the reason I got that position. I spent about 8 years at the CBC, but overall I went on to spend almost 40 years in broadcast news. It was a good career. I last saw Bill perhaps 20 years ago at Royal Colwood Golf Club where my son was a junior. We talked briefly about the CBC and then went on our way. If he hadn’t advocated for me all those years ago I’d probably have gone back to construction. Thanks Bill.
Dear Cheryl, family and friends, we are so sorry for your loss. Bill will be remembered fondly by all of us at Baker Tilly. Best wishes to you all during this very difficult time.
What an interesting life
Bill had a saying that typified his golf game in his later life. 5 net 3. He had an amazing ability to get the ball in the hole when he had 2 strokes (which he had a plenty)
He will be missed
Bill was elected Mens Captain of the Royal Colwood Golf Club and also a charter member of the Saturday Boys. The Saturday Boys is a group of 12 members who meet every Saturday for a spirited game of golf. Bills contribution to every Saturday was a high handicap, the ability to hit a golf ball off the deck and a uncanny sense of when to press.
If the reader is not familiar with golf, every Saturday Bill took our money. It is a honour to be one of your victims Luv YA Bill…
You will be
Missed my friend
Great memories of you and I at the Port Angeles Calcutta
I knew Bill for most of the 32 years he played at Royal Colwood. A fierce competitor at both golf and Lambsy to say the least. He will be truly missed by many friends at the course.
I’m going to miss you my friend. Enjoying happy hour and joking about your day at the office (Golf) will never be quite the same.
Charles