Gary Mitchell of Victoria, Past President of British Columbia Historical Federation, passed away on 9 February 2026 in his 82nd year. He was born in Langley Township and raised on a strawberry farm. He earned a B.A. in History from UBC in 1976 and a Master of Archival Studies there in 1985. He enjoyed a 30-year career at BC Archives, retiring as Provincial Archivist and Vice-President Collections and Research of Royal BC Museum.
He volunteered with many organizations related to archives, museums, and heraldry. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. He also was awarded numerous marks of distinction for distinguished leadership and exemplary public services. His love of Canada, its heritage and protocols, was profound. He brought conviction and energy to the founding in 2021 of the highly successful BC Historical Federation Legacy Fund, established to aid local archives, museums, and historians. Donations in his memory may be made to BC Historical Federation Legacy Fund.
Barry Gough, Past President, BC Historical Federation
15 February 2026
