George's 'golfing dynamo' passes away

GEORGE NEWS - Local businessman John Mitchell sadly passed away on Monday 3 September after a long battle with cancer.

In a tribute to Mitchell a friend, Niel Haycock, said that he was one of the best golfers ever produced in the Southern Cape. In the '70s he was referred to as "George's golfing dynamo" and the "pride and joy of Eastern Province Golf" in newspaper articles.

He was also said to have "the essential blend of natural flair and tough temperament of a true champion", to which his more than 20 wins in major amateur tournaments in the Southern Cape and Eastern Cape in the '60s and '70s bear testimony. He was the George Golf Club champion on 10 occasions.

Mitchell played provincial golf for more than 40 years. He was unlucky not to obtain Springbok colours. The general opinion was that, other than packing up his goods and chattels, leave George and live in the (then) Transvaal, there was precious little he could do to obtain Springbok colours.

Mitchell was very popular and had many friends. He had a great sense of humour and was devoted to his family. He expressed his regret at not being able to spend more time with his family and grandchildren, Ayden and Hunter, when he realised that he had lost the battle against cancer. His family and friends will miss him dearly.