Mitchell Mckenzie Sharp
November 5,1965 – March 18, 2025
Mitch was born November 5, 1965 at Calgary, Alberta, to Norma and Noel Sharp. The family was living in Calgary while Noel completed his BEd. Mitch was named for his paternal grandfather (Mitchell William Sharp) and his maternal grandfather (Matthew Mackenzie Fraser). Mitch is predeceased by his grandparents, Matt and Mildred Fraser, and Mitchell, Daisy and Jeanette Sharp, as well as his father, Noel.
Mitch was an excellent son to Norma and Noel, providing all manner of love and support whenever needed. He was an outstanding brother to Erin (Russ) and Dana (Glenn), pitching in whenever and wherever needed – whether it was travelling, building a house, providing electrical advice/services or contributing to one of our many family dinners, always with his trademark sense of humour and a great new dish to share. He was an involved and loving uncle to his 5 nieces (Emily, Catie, Leah, Lindsay and Hilary). When the nieces started having children of their own (Corbin, Eli, Fiona, and at least two more to come), Mitch said he went from being a good uncle to being a great uncle.
Mitch was also a strong and gentle support to the Lloyd family. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by Odette, Anne, Damian (Renee), Carmel, and Dominic (Erin, and their beautiful daughters Scarlett and Alys).
Mitch grew up in Bassano, Alberta, where he had close ties with his Fraser cousins and many lifelong friends. Upon graduation from Bassano School, Mitch moved with Norma and Noel to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he did some upgrading and attended a French Immersion program at the University of Saskatchewan. During his time in Saskatchewan, Mitch first thought about joining the military. After a brief stint at the University of Lethbridge, Mitch ultimately decided to sign up for the Army.
Mitch did his Basic Training at CFB Cornwallis in Nova Scotia, before serving with 1 Field Ambulance, based in Calgary. The bonds from his military years stood the test of time, with many of those friendships lasting nearly 40 years.
Once he had completed his military service, Mitch started an apprenticeship as an electrician. He jumped at the opportunity to take a 3-month job in Whitecourt, Alberta – over 30 years ago! Mitch served as journeyman to several apprentices over the years, some more memorable than others. He was always willing to share his exceptional trouble-shooting, problem-solving and puzzle-solving skills with anyone eager to learn. Mitch worked the past many years at Greystone Electric, with his dear friend, Alvin (Linda) and together they built a solid, trusted business in the Whitecourt area.
Mitch was a man of many interests and talents. He was very politically engaged and active, and social media provided him an opportunity to connect with like-minded Albertans. Through “Tweet-ups” with members of the Twittersphere, Mitch met his love, Odette, who became his partner in life and other adventures. Initially, they connected over music, memes and unpopular political opinions. However, they truly cemented their bond during the #MarchOnFernie to #MakeAlbertaRectanglyAgain (if you know, you know). Odette and Mitch shared a love of travel, concerts, camping, cooking, and word play. Mitch faithfully and unwaveringly supported all of Odette’s causes and crusades.
Mitch always supported the people, politics and causes he cared about – quietly, confidently and with a willing heart.
In keeping with the spirit of Mitch’s dedication to community, donations may be made to the following organizations in memory of Mitch Sharp:
• Soaring Eagle Support Society, Whitecourt
• Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund
• STARS Ambulance
• Kid’s Help Phone
A gathering to celebrate Mitch’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, at the Whitecourt Seniors Circle. Doors will open at 3:00 pm. There will be a short program at 4:00, followed by great food and great music. We will have a memory book where you can share any or all of your favourite “Mitch-isms”. Please wear whatever you want, but we would love to see your best sarcastic / humorous t-shirts.
To my military brother Mitch; thank you for all the smiles and good times throughout the years. Your great sense of humour coupled with your genuine endearment to friends was legendary. I’ll miss “bum” nights in Calgary – sharing bottles of wine, drunk out of a paper bag, sitting on the curb in front of the shacks with you and the boys. God speed old friend!!!