Obituary of Harold Logan Mitton
The Reverend Dr. Harold L. Mitton died peacefully on September 1, 2024, at home in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, at the age of 104 years. Son of Clifford and Eva Logan Mitton, he was born and grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick. After four years in business at Swift & Company following High School, he entered Acadia University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1944 and a Bachelor of Divinity in 1946. While at Acadia he was Editor of the Athenaeum, played Junior Rugby football, was Class Valedictorian and served as Field Secretary to President F. W. Patterson during summer recesses. In 1966, Acadia awarded him an Honorary Doctorate - at the time the youngest person ever to receive such honour.
Harold's beloved wife and partner of 66 years, Marguerite, died in July 2010. He was predeceased by his older brother, Donald, in 2003. He is survived by his son Ronald (Susan) of Halifax, his daughter Ruth (Robert Clish) of Halifax, his grandchildren, Julia Mitton and John Mitton (Heather Moffatt), his great grandson, Benjamin John Mitton, three nephews and a niece residing in the U.S.
Following ordination in 1946, he served churches in Aylesford-Morristown, Windsor, N.S., Charlottetown, P.E.I., Fredericton, N.B., and Calgary, Alberta. In 1975, he was installed as Principal of Acadia Divinity College and Dean of Theology at Acadia University. Upon retirement in 1985, he was named Professor Emeritus and Director of Supervised Field Education, which position he held until 1991. Harold served as President of the Atlantic Baptist Convention, Vice-President of the Baptist Federation of Canada, on the Acadia University Board of Governors, and as a member of the University Senate.
Harold was a man of deep and abiding faith. His steady manner, depth of understanding, and pleasant mien revealed an inner strength, rooted in a faith that defined his life. Intellectually curious to the end, he spent countless hours reading, and was extremely well-read on a diverse range of subjects. He had a wonderful sense of humor and invariably included a witty story in his sermons and lectures. Well into retirement he enjoyed his routine of swimming and exercise at the Acadia Fitness Centre, attending lectures and sports events, and keeping in touch with his friends in Wolfville and beyond.
Together with Marguerite, he set an example when it came to giving to church and community with generous support to education, not-for-profit organizations, and charities, and was a lifelong supporter of Acadia University. He remained involved in the Wolfville Baptist Church, serving on committees, and participating quietly in pastoral work within the community. He will be remembered as a kind, considerate and compassionate man to all who knew him over a long life.
Harold was essentially a modest and private man yet had a full and distinguished life in church leadership and in the seminary. A compelling preacher, thoughtful teacher, able administrator, and devoted friend, Harold influenced many lives. He was an inspiration to, and enjoyed and cherished, his children, grandchildren, and great grandson, and they will miss his participation in their lives and his encouragement, guidance, and support.
To Denise Snyder and the staff at Wickwire Place, thank you for filling his final years with kindness and warmth. A special thank you to his friends Gale Colpitts, Penny Lakes, George Lohnes, Bill Storry, and others whose help and friendship he greatly appreciated.
A private cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be at Wolfville Baptist Church on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Acadia Divinity College or to a charity of choice.
