General News
26 August, 2026
Remembering Don Mitchell
A life of poetry, art, and community service: Don Mitchell leaves behind a lasting legacy in Horsham, fondly remembered by his wife, Jan, and the many community groups he supported. From Horsham Arts Council to Rotary, his kindness and creativity touched many lives.
THE Rotary Club of Horsham East is mourning the loss of long-serving member Donald “Don” Mitchell, who passed away peacefully on August 21, aged 88.
Mr Mitchell was a highly valued Rotarian for 14 years before retiring in 2018 due to ill health. He made a significant contribution to the club, particularly through his artistic abilities and involvement in its annual Art Fair.
He was also involved in several Rotary committees and projects and was a regular participant in the club’s working bees.
Beyond his service to Rotary, Mr Mitchell was well known for his love for Australian Bush poetry, often entertaining fellow Rotarians by reciting poems and sharing a yarn at meetings.
His wife, Jan, described Don as “very theatrical” and a “wonderful poet”, with a deep appreciation for history.
“Don was very theatrical, a wonderful poet; he respected history. He was very kind and gentle,” she said.
Jan said Don was known for his “fabulous sense of humour”, often delivering jokes with a straight face.
“He could do it with a straight face, and you’d think, ' Are you fair dinkum?” she giggled.
He had a strong command of the English language and was always particular about finding the right words.
“He was a great master of the English language, and he always wanted to have the right word,” she said.
Don also had a strong connection with the RSL and was passionate about supporting its work, despite never having served in a war himself.
“He didn’t go to war himself, but he really respected that,” Jan said.
“He loved working with the RSL.”
Music and dancing were also an important part of Don’s life.
Jan said he loved Irish music and played with several bands throughout his life, with Shades of Troopers Creek being the band he finished his musical career with.
“He loved music. He loved Irish music,” she said.
“Just any music; he loved dancing. We danced a lot.”
Jan recalled one particular night before they were together, when Don encouraged her to dance at a party, while respecting her wishes following the passing of her first husband, Richard.
“He came over to me, and the music was so good, and he said, ‘I can see you tapping your feet; surely you want to dance?” she recalled.
“And he said, ‘I’m very respectful of you, and if you can’t bear the arms or hands around you, I’ll respect that.”
The pair danced that night, which Jan described as a beautiful memory.
Don’s artistic talents were another defining part of his life. Before the widespread use of vinyl business signs, he hand-painted signs throughout the community.
Jan said Don designed the sign for the Craft for a Cause and was responsible for Trev’s Bargain sign, including retouching the lettering.
“He was a wonderful artist,” she said.
“Nearly every place with signs, before the vinyl signs came in, he did them all by hand.”
She said Rotary had also played an important role in Don’s later years, with fellow Rotarians making a special effort to support him as dementia began to affect his life.
“He loved Rotary,” Jan said.
“The Rotarians did a beautiful thing. Two or three years after he left Rotary, they presented Don with a ‘This Is Your Life,’ and that was when he had the beginnings of dementia.”
For Jan, Don’s kindness and caring nature remain among her strongest memories.
“He was terribly caring to me; he really cared,” she said.
Reflecting on what she would say to Don now, Jan said she would reassure him that she would be all right.
“I’ll be OK, dear.”
The Rotary Club of Horsham East has extended its sincere condolences to Jan and the Mitchell family, remembering Don for his service, artistic talents, good humour, and contribution to the local community.
Don was a loving father and father-in-law to Scott, Hamish, Cam, Jessi, Al and Dee, Cath and Mark, Lil, Andrew and Teagan, Chris and Tara, Pauline and John, Kerry and James, Michelle, and Brett and Sarah.
He was an adored “Donny” to Jesse and Lucy, Meg and Will, Olivia, Jarrod and Katie, Stella and Amelia, and a much-loved “Great Donny” to Theodore.
The funeral of Donald "Don" Mitchell will be held at St Andrew's Uniting Church, Horsham, on Wednesday, September 2, at 1:30 pm, followed by a private cremation.
Don will be remembered as a respected community member, a life member of the Horsham Arts Council, and a man whose love for poetry, music and art, along with his generosity and humour, will leave a lasting impression on those around him.