MITCHELL, Stewart George,
Passed away on 14 March, 2026, aged 89 years.
Much loved and loving father and father-in-law of Heather and John, Rob and Kate, and Andrew.
Husband of Christine and Rosemary (both deceased), and partner to Joy.
Grandad of David and Aimee, Ross and Nikki, Julie, Josh and Taylah, and Charlie.
Great-grandad of Freddie, Amelia and Archie.
Son of George and Anne (both deceased).
Brother and brother-in-law of Barbara, Michael and Elspeth.
Stew will be sadly missed by all his extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at The Oamaru Club, 32 Severn Street, Oamaru, on Saturday May 2, 2026 at 2pm.
Messages can be left on Stew's page at http://www.whitestonefunerals.co.nz where a Live stream of the service is also available.
Service details
Messages
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I first met Stew through his friendship with dad, and we became friends through many years of rowing and work (he had a hand in my marriage as he got me a weekend job at Placemakers where I met my now husband!). We were even flatmates for a while as he took me under his wing when I needed somewhere to stay. A warm, funny, and generous man. Hope you’re singing songs with dad somewhere… xx
Stew was a wonderful man, dedicated rowing coach and a great connector of people. Many great memories with him as my rowing coach for Oamaru and St Kevin’s from 1998 through until 2002. He always made the effort to stay in contact and we caught up for dinner in Melbourne many years later. He really cared and his dedication to people and the rowing community was just amazing. The world needs more people like Stew. Sympathies to all of Stew’s family and friends - we were all so lucky to have known him. Tara McHardy (nee Hickey), Christchurch
Port Chalmers Rowing Club will remember Stew with a great deal of fondness. He was a gentleman with a keen sense of humour, and he was a joy to be in the company of. In the rowing world he will be sorely missed. Our condolences to the family.
In steady strokes, he carved the stream, A rower’s heart, a timeless dream. With every pull, the waters knew, The strength and grace that Stewart drew. His oars would dance, the river’s song, A journey proud, a spirit strong. Though now he rests beyond the shore, your heavenly coxswains guiding you forward, last catch, drive and finish, Your legacy will row forevermore.
Thinking of you Stew A real gentleman who will live on in our memories always Pauline & Tony