November 7, 1959 – December 18, 2024
It is with heartbreaking sadness that we announce the passing of Geoff Mitchinson. Geoff died unexpectedly in his sleep of a cardiac event, at home, on December 18, 2024. He was 65. Geoff was predeceased by his parents Jack and Sally Mitchinson. Geoff will be forever loved and missed by his wife Nicola, his siblings David Mitchinson (Ann), Kathy Mitchinson (Tim), Lori Mitchinson-Bailey (Joseph), by his nieces and nephews Jaime Mitchinson, Scott Mitchinson (Heather), Scott Macdonald (Jennifer), Laura Macdonald (Ashley), Marla Bailey-Viscoff (Paul) and Mitchell Bailey (Mike), and by his great nieces and nephews Mason and Madison, Isla and Mackenzie, Jax and Forest, and Dorian and Blair. Geoff will be deeply missed by his cousins, Nicola’s family, and by his many dear friends, some of whom he’s known since childhood.
Geoff was born and raised in Barrie’s east end. He attended Steele Street Public School and Eastview Secondary School. Geoff graduated from Georgian College in 1982 with a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology. Geoff served as a Vice Chair and Chair of Georgian College’s Environmental Technology Advisory Committee.
Geoff began his career with the City of Barrie in 1982. He retired in 2016 after 34 years during which he held a variety of positions. His last role was as a Technical Operations Supervisor leading a team responsible for traffic, parking, and railway operations, as well as the development and oversight of City infrastructure and technology programs and contracts. Geoff was the City’s lead for the Barrie Collingwood Railway. He was also a Chair of the City’s Standards Committee. Geoff was committed to the citizens of Barrie. He was a tireless advocate for process improvements and service excellence, a dedicated team member, and a staff mentor.
Geoff was a gifted athlete. He loved all kinds of snow sports (downhill, telemark, back-country, cross-country, snow boarding), mountain biking, hiking, and of course, anything involving water … canoeing, white water kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing, kiting, and most recently wing foiling.
Geoff grew up skiing and racing at Snow Valley where he later instructed. His style was fluid and effortless. He joined Rob Butler’s Northwoods Ski School in 1986 where he taught for 16 years. During that time, he also instructed snowboarding with the Night Riders at Snow Valley. Geoff’s most magical skiing experiences included back-country touring with Rob in the Eastern Townships and with Rob and Nicola at Mount Assiniboine, as well as downhill skiing with Nicola and her family at Mount Washington (BC) and Sun Peaks.
While Geoff loved skiing, it was the water and wind which touched his soul. He danced on the waves with exhilaration and joy. Geoff’s passion for windsurfing started in the late 1970’s. He was a successful racer with the Ontario Windsurfing Association and in the late 1980’s became a competitive team rider for Fanatic and ART Sails. He was a founding member and Chair of the Barrie Windriders windsurfing club. Geoff and Nicola joined the Barrie Yacht Club in 2012. Geoff was happiest when flying across the waters of Kempenfelt Bay, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay.
Geoff had a remarkable intellect and a voracious appetite for knowledge. He could talk about anything. He enjoyed a diversity of interests including astronomy, history, politics, photography, music, nature, F1 racing, cooking, and making ships in bottles. He was very creative and derived pleasure from improving things. One of Geoff’s favourite mantras was “always leave something better than when you found it”.
Geoff and Nicola met at a Barrie Windriders’ event in 1991. She was captivated by Geoff’s warm smile and his poetic description of the moonrise over the ocean in Cape Hatteras. The fact that Geoff was tall, handsome, and athletic was simply a bonus. They were inseparable from that day forward. They married in 1993 and celebrated their 31st Anniversary in 2024.
Geoff and Nicola shared a wonderful life together. They were best friends. They adored each other, their rescue dogs, their activities, and interests. They deeply loved, and were embraced by, an amazing community of family and friends who enriched their lives and inspired them everyday.
Above all, Geoff was a people person. He was kind, eager to help, respectful, inclusive, and a loyal friend. His smile glowed. He had a fantastic sense of humour and was so much fun. He was interesting and interested. Everyone has passions, but for Geoff it wasn’t just the passion of doing, it was the joy of sharing his passion. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Geoff’s sudden passing is a devasting loss. It’s hard to imagine the world without him, and it’s difficult to capture and honour the essence of Geoff in words. Each of you will remember him in your own way with your own special memories. Hold those memories close and let them fill your heart.
The Mitchinson family, and Nicola in particular, are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of heartfelt condolences, love, and support from so many people during this sad time. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for being a special part of Geoff’s exceptional life and legacy.
According to Geoff’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Simcoe or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie, Ontario. Online condolences and memories may be left via www.adamsfuneralhome.ca