Ronald Edward John Mitchel

Formerly of Deep River, in Cityview Retirement Home, Ottawa on Monday, March 17, 2025 at age 83, from Parkinson's disease. Beloved husband of the late Liz Mitchel (nee Salter). Loving father of Brent Mitchel (Pamela) of Whitby and Marnie Mitchel (Brian Gray) of Ottawa. Cherished grandfather of Emma, Corinne, Lauren and Daphne Mitchel and Vivienne and Camilla Gray. Dear brother of Maureen Lapointe of Kelowna, BC and predeceased by his brother Garry Mitchel. Also survived by sister-in-law Mary Ann Fleury of Havelock and brother-in-law David Salter of Vernon BC., and their families. 

Born in Estevan, SK, Ron moved with his family to Vancouver as a teen and completed his PhD at UBC. He and Liz moved to Los Angeles for his post-doc, then to Deep River where he lived and worked for the rest of his career. Winner of the 2003 WB Lewis medal for his ground-breaking research into the health effects of low dose radiation, he mentored many scientists during their PhDs and early careers. 

Outside of work, Ron had a wide range of interests. He learned to scuba dive at the Sea Hellions club in Vancouver., where he met Liz (thanks to her brother Dave). When they moved to Deep River, he and Liz earned their pilot's licenses, bought a motor boat, and learned to waterski, sail, and downhill ski. He could fix (almost) anything that broke - which came in handy when he bought - and re-built - a falling down cottage in Laurentian Hills. He and Liz travelled extensively with family and friends after retirement, enjoying adventures across the globe.

Respecting Ron’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life to honour both Ron and Liz Mitchel will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 1 to 3 pm at the Deep River Shoreline Sports Club. In memory of Ron, donations to the Deep River Community Foundation would be gratefully appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Valley Funeral Home, Deep River.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ronald Edward John Mitchel, please visit our Tree Store.