Mitchell receives Queen’s medal
Longtime Kamloops resident Bill Mitchell received a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal from Sen. Nancy Greene Raine during a ceremony at Vernon City Hall on Sept. 12.
“I’m proud of my career working with children and others,” said Mitchell, 64.
Mitchell was a registered nurse for 32 years and it began by helping troubled youth in Edmonton and Calgary.
In 1979, he took up duties at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
“I worked with student nurses as a mentor,” said Mitchell, who specialized in emergency nursing.
He has also been involved in the army reserves for more than 30 years and has taken a keen interest in youth cadets.
“That’s where our future leaders are. If they are good productive citizens in their teens, they will be good productive citizens as adults,” he said.
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has led to involvement with the Parkinson’s Society.
“We are working with newly diagnosed patients on what will happen and what help is available,” he said.
Mitchell moved to the Vernon area in March.
“I certainly plan to get involved with the cadets in Vernon and I have contacted the local Parkinson’s group,” he said.
Greene Raine says the contributions of individuals like Mitchell are critical to community.
“He’s a great example of a giver,” she said.
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