WILLIAM “Bill” Mitchell lived every minute of his 83 years of life fully and with gusto.
His life had many facets – butcher, miner, sportsman (there were few Collie sports he didn’t try), bushman, fisherman, talented dancer, Dockers supporter and devoted family man.
He was a life member of the Collie Darts Association and the Club Hotel darts team.
He was described as a “pentathlete”, the five sports being golf, shooting, euchre, bowls and darts.
At his funeral on Tuesday, bowling club members formed a guard of honour as his coffin went to the hearse.
Bill’s early life was closely connected to Lyalls Mill, and he delighted in showing his children and grandchildren around the area, especially where the cockeyed bob levelled a path through the forest.
Apprenticed to a butcher, he later opened his own shop, and his kindness in dealing with customers who were facing hard times was noteworthy.
When he changed from butchering, he entered the workforce at Griffin, cementing many long-lasting friendships, but still from time to time turning his knives to his first trade.
He married the love of his life, Lyn Davies, and their partnership of 59 years included many turns on the dance floor, especially jiving at Noggerup Hall.
Holidays at Amblin surrounded by family and friends featured many seafood feasts, including one epic catch of 191 crabs for a joint celebration.
He loved country music, and travelling the country, with many trips to the North West, but also to the snow fields of the Australian Alps, where he learnt to ski.
Above all, he loved his family, and being surrounded by close and extended family members.
Bill was diagnosed with cancer, but fought the disease, with the devoted support of Lyn, for nine long years with courage and fortitude.
His funeral at the bowling club showed his standing in the community, as the room was packed with those whose lives he touched.