(Michael) Mitch Loreth passed away September 11, 2022, at Royal Jubilee Hospice, with family present and close by. He defied almost a lifetime of liver disease; yet we are so sad to part with him this soon. He loved his family deeply and boasted about us often. Mitch was a thoughtful man, a kind soul. He was a confidant to many, and always took time to chat or reach out to those dear to him and others less fortunate. He offered compassion, humour, integrity, and wisdom. In his work life, he was dedicated to the community living movement. He was a gifted speaker and educator and with his passion could hold the attention of a full lecture hall. He had an excellent memory for facts, and he loved his music, knew all the lyrics. He had a flare for drawing, design, and architecture.
Mitch was born in Vancouver on November 8, 1949, to Ann and Arnold Loreth. He leaves behind his wife Judy of 47 years together, daughter Chelsea, and sons Tyson (Julia), Joey (Crystal), and his four beautiful grandchildren, Kate, Luke, Madison, Cooper; as well as brother Joel (Liz, Patricia, Christopher), and sister-brother-in-law Jill, Byron (Michael) and his extended family. He was a great friend, and loved his besties, you know who you are! Mitch celebrated life, he was an outside man – loved the beach, skiing, soccer, watching his Raiders, fishing, horses, travel, adventures, yard work, fixing things, and cleaning things, especially the kitchen at days end! But most of all, he celebrated and was present for us, his cherished wife, family, and friends.
Our family sends much thanks to his Doctors who took such dedicated care of Mitch. Donations to Inspire Health would be appreciated. https://inspirehealth.ca/donate/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
I am so sorry to hear of Mitch’s’ passing. I knew him on two fronts, as a fearless advocate for community services and as a devoted and passionate supporter of Joey and soccer. My sincere condolences to his family.
Our family was saddened by the passing of this beautiful man but we rejoice in his positive impact on so many lives.
Mitch was passionate and unwavering in his pursuit of equality and social and legal justice for individuals and families. He often remained invisible and anonymous in his role as a friend and advocate as he deeply believed the other was more important than the self.
Mitch exemplified an intentionality of heartfelt support that went far beyond the traditional service delivery system. He clearly recognized the importance of establishing personal relationships as the foundation from which folks could move beyond the entrapment of service models to chosen lifestyles .
Whenever I needed his advice and council, he was always available. Regardless of the seriousness of the situation, he would commence our dialogue with his penetrating smile and his favorite quote from the Eagles
“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.”
Sound advice of which we rarely followed.
Over the many years I hung out with Mitch, our best times together happened when the system failed. Alternatively we committed to forming personal support networks and shared our life (24/7 ) with folks in dire straights who found themselves living on the streets, homeless or in a referral nightmare of institutional lock downs. Mitch was a passionate leader in these situations and with heart, drive, and determination found pathways for upward movement to a better life for these folks.
He touched my heart in many ways and I will always have fond memories of his riveting and powerful messages coming from a gentle and loving soul.
Our condolences to Judy, Chelsea, Tyson and Joey. In all my involvement with Mitch, his love of family always came first .
My deepest condolences to the Judy, Chelsea, Tyson, Joey and the extended family. When I moved to Victoria and met my father-in-laws friends, I immediately was drawn to Mitch. He was funny, smart, a great conversationalist and so positive. We shared eastern European heritage and we often spoke of our cultural experiences. Mitch left a mark on me and I always looked forward to the parties on Robertson or the wonderful dinners I attended your home on St. Francis Wood. Over time I unfortunately saw less of Mitch, but when I did bump into him (typically at Fairfield Plaza) he would embrace me, take the time to catch up and always wore that beautiful smile. I regret not having more opportunities to connect, but I know that Mitch has left a mark on me and he will be held in my memory for eternity. Rest in peace ‘brate’. To the family, the healing process will be a journey, I know you’ll all be there for one another to hold each other up when one is feeling down. You’re Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and Friend is looking down on us all and waiting for us to join him one day. For now we have the memories and pictures and video’s to celebrate this man’s wonderful life.
Our condolences extended to all. We always enjoyed Mitch when we had the chance to be around him and know he will be missed dearly. He is in our hearts.
Judy and the whole clan,
Thank-you for sharing Mitch with all of us. I know that so much of the joy and wisdom he so generously shared with the world came from the strength and love of his family. To say I will miss him just isn’t enough. He meant the world to me, and I think he knew that. I want you to know that all the hours Mitch and I spent together were full of wonderful stories of you all. His children and now grandchildren were everything to him and Judy… in the words of Mitch Loreth with reference to you “I know I am punching way above my weight”. Your love story is one for the books.
Love to you all.
A lot of hearts broke when this news emerged, not the least and most importantly those of your family who were his dearest and continually bolstered the size and power of Mitch’s heart and energy in this world. Mitch and I reminisced earlier this year about how long we had known one another…and the shenanigans that were part of that history! Almost 40 years. He was a teacher, a mentor, a challenger when he felt I had lost the plot, and always a comrade in arms in the literal and figurative fight for the rights of folks who were marginalized and made invisible by systems, policies, and procedures. He was absolutely true to his values and helped others remain true to theirs. I send my deepest condolences to you Judy and your family. You cannot have too many people who love you (may have been a Mitchism) and this man had many who do and will continue to. Holding you all in my heart.
Mitch was simply a legend. A wonderful legacy he leaves behind.
Judy, I was deeply saddened to learn of Mitch’s passing and wanted to express my most sincere condolences to you and your family., I have only the fondest memories of being a colleague and friend of Mitch’s. His gentle spirit, deep commitment and compassion for others was a gift that will be greatly missed. Bruce
This is very sad news. Our heart goes out to you Judy, Chelsea, Tyson, Joe, and your families. Mitch was a force with such a big heart and commitment to justice. He was and will remain, an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Such a loss, and one which will resonate for years to come. His influence is profound and will remain at the core of the many social justice movements he was passionate about.
On a personal level, Mitch, you were just as extraordinary. You were one of those few individuals one meets in a lifetime who was in the world as you truly were — you were authentic. What you thought, you were happy and comfortable to speak. What you thought, you felt deeply about and shared freely. In conversation, you engaged us — listened attentively, valued us, had fun with us, gave us license to take a load off, to see the humour in things. Your inside Mitch was your outside Mitch. You were Mitch, one of a kind Mitch and one of the most charismatic, entertaining, deeply-thinking, beautifully-opinionated and coolest individuals we ever had the pleasure to befriend. How we shall miss you, dear friend.
Our arms around you all! Randi Mjolsness and Peter Bruce.
I was very sorry to hear this sad news, Judy. Mitch was a warrior, whether it was his ongoing health challenges or a variety of social causes that he held dear. He touched many lives during the course of his travels, and will be remembered fondly by many.
My condolences to you and the family.