Mitchell Grotkowski-McGill

Mitchell Grotkowski-McGill passed away peacefully at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton on December 16th, 2022.

Mitchell Brent McGill was born in Kingston, Ontario on January 15, 1959. He grew up in Brockville, Ontario. Many memorable summers were spent at Charleston Lake doing what he loved: Swimming, boating, and waterskiing, while spending time with friends and family. In his early years Mitch had various summer jobs which included: Working at a psychiatric hospital, picking apples, painting, and working for his dad in the moving business.

In his late teens, Mitch moved with his family to the Yukon Territory, settling in Whitehorse. Mitch got a job at the Coca-Cola Plant. It was only fitting, as anyone who knew Mitch, knows he loved his Coca-Cola. After a year in Whitehorse the family moved to Edmonton, Alberta. In Edmonton he worked for a short while in a Cole’s Bookstore, before finding employment with Sears Canada.

Mitch worked most of his adult life for Sears: Working his way up to Assistant Manager.

For a four-year period, while still working for Sears, Mitch also managed the Edmonton operations for The Clubhouse, a clothing outlet.

During his time with the Clubhouse and his many years with Sears: he met and maintained lifelong friendships with many of his co-workers.

While working for Sears as an Assistant Manager in the late 1990’s, Mitch moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta, for a three-year stint.

On May 4th, 2002, he met his future husband Lorne Grotkowski. Shortly thereafter, Mitch decided “to put down some roots”. Grande Prairie was going to be home.

A year after they met, Mitch and Lorne bought a house on the Southside of Grande Prairie, which was Mitch’s home until his passing.

From the day they met, Mitch and Lorne were inseparable, often being referred to as “The Boys”. They shared many great adventures and holidays together, as well as enjoying time with friends and family. Mitch was especially fond of cards, and few select board games.

Mitch and Lorne married on August 30th, 2008, and their adventures together continued. There were memorable trips to Salmon Arm, Mexico, the East Coast, Las Vegas, Liard Hot Springs, and many, many camping trips.

In 2017 Mitch underwent a double-lung transplant due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. It was a resounding success giving Mitch several more years to enjoy. Mitch was always optimistic and was incredibly thankful for the gift of his donor. Mitch’s daily motto became “Today is the Best Day Ever!” Sadly, in November 2022, Mitch suffered from liver problems related to the Hepatitis B virus. His lack of a natural immune system due to his lung transplant complicated matters. Ultimately, his liver problems claimed his life on December 16th, 2022, at the age of 63.

Mitch will be remembered for being “larger than life” in almost everything he did. He was a great friend to many and was a loving, supportive husband. He was vivacious and kind and truthful.

Mitch was predeceased by two infant sisters, his father, Ron McGill; mother, Ethel McGill (Gifford); and father-in-law, John Grotkowski.

Mitch leaves behind to honour his memory his husband, Lorne Grotkowski-McGill; brother, David (Timothy Hunt) McGill; sister, Brenda (Bruce) Bode; brother, Phillip (Silvana) McGill; sister, Heather (Kim Cline) McGill; mother-in-law, Elvera Grotkowski; sister-in-law, Barb (Lyle) Campbell; brother-in-law, Jim (Liz) Grotkowski; sister-in-law, Carrie (Brent) Watson; and sister-in-law, Niki (Darren) Badger. As well as numerous nieces and nephews, their families, and a vast array of special friends.

A Celebration of Mitch’s Life will take place, in the late spring/early summer of this year, at Mitch and Lorne’s Home. (Date to be determined).

Cremation has taken place at Capital City Cremation in Edmonton, Alberta.