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MITCHELL ISAAC FUNK Obituary pic

MITCHELL ISAAC FUNK

Born: Jul 17, 1959

Date of Passing: Dec 02, 2024

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MITCHELL ISAAC FUNK

July 17, 1959 - December 2, 2024


It is with the heaviest of heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, son and friend Mitch Funk.

Mitch is survived by his mother Joy Schenkeveld (Funk, nee Forsyth), brother Aaron Funk, niece Chelsea Wharton, great-niece Nova Garcia Wharton and his beloved dog Annie. Mitch was predeceased by his father Isaac (Ike) Funk, sister Cynthia Wharton (nee Funk) and partner Evelyn Soper.

Mitch and family grew up in the north end of Winnipeg before moving to Windsor Park in the 1960s. He attended Pierre Raddison High School where his favorite subject was art.

Mitch was the renowned vocalist for the groundbreaking Winnipeg punk rock band Personality Crisis (1979-1984), performing throughout Canada and the US. From 1987 to 1998 he fronted Honest John, a band he formed with members of Stretch Marks, performing locally and abroad. Mitch was known for his booming baritone voice and exhilarating stage presence, a truly unstoppable force!

Mitch had a long career at the St. Boniface hospital as an orderly, doing deliveries and finally in laundry before his retirement. He made many lifelong friends at St. B who he enjoyed socializing with.

Mitch and partner Evelyn spent many years living and entertaining in their home in Lipton in the Wolsley area of Winnipeg. Their home was a warm gathering place for many, and they hosted countless parties for friends and family.

Mitch loved his dog Annie, he called her his baby and was happiest when she was by his side.

Mitch, a lifelong artist, returned to his love of painting in later years with a prolific output of abstract art.

His kindness and presence will be truly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him in this life, friends and family alike. Mitch was one of a kind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Nicolino's, 2077 Pembina Highway, on Sunday, December 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an animal rescue or CancerCare Manitoba.

Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2024

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • I have lived in Vancouver for many years but would often see Mitch at social events when I’m in Winnipeg. Most recently, I was at a group lunch for his 65th birthday. I am also writing this on behalf of my younger sister Erin who was a long time friend of Mitch as well as Evelyn. Erin is in a care home suffering from a form of dementia. When she was still able, we would visit with Mitch and Evelyn on a Saturday and always had a great visit. They were both a tonic. Mitch always enquired about her when we could no longer visit. He was definitely a very unique individual with a great sense of humour, a kind heart and a lot of talent. His absence will be noticed in many situations. You’ve been through a lot Mitch. Time to rest now. My condolences to all of his close friends and family. - Posted by: Kelly Moorhead (Friend) on: Dec 17, 2024

  • Met Mitch and Ev in Barbados. For many years we ate fish at Big George's, and sipped rum at the Friday night Oistins fish fry. Also Mitch did his best to explain the rules of play during Super Bowl. Watching the Blue Jays, I was converted. You will be missed and it is with a heavy heart Kay and I say "goodbye" after many happy times in Barbados and our visits to Winnipeg. - Posted by: Anthony Loizou (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2024

  • Dear Auntie Joy, and family - We were sad to hear the news of Mitch’s passing last week. Though we have rather lost touch as grownups, we certainly have fond memories of Mitch as a boy, all arms and legs and feet that liked to get in the way of smooth progress in a forward direction. Mitch could be a bit of a tease but was never unkind. I was always slightly in awe of the city cousins, but we did have good times together, at Grandma and Grandpa’s in Gretna and on those occasions when we came to Winnipeg for visits. It was nice to read the kind words about Mitch in the news stories. We’re remembering his family and friends and trust that good memories shared bring comfort. Our condolences. - Posted by: Rudy and Rosanna (Funk) Enns (Cousin) on: Dec 14, 2024

  • My sweet cousin you always had the greatest smile and coolest voice out of rock star family, I hope to see you in the heavens again where we can jam again 🫵🏾👊👋💥love you always ❤️rest at peace my sweet brother 🙏🏻❤️ - Posted by: ian forsyth (Cousin ) on: Dec 14, 2024

  • Sending love to all who are mourning him. He was my neighbour who became a good friend. So many amazing times together, from dinner with him,Ev and many friends on Lipton, The honest John reunion shows, the lake, and just so many good laughs. I will miss him, he really taught me so many cool things- about so much. Music, food, life. I am trying- through a broken heart- to be thankful I got to be a friend of his. A legend, who will be dearly missed. And thought of often. Let’s remember him well. - Posted by: Tara Evans (Friend and neighbour ) on: Dec 10, 2024

  • Being a part of the subculture scene in the 80's in Winnipeg would not have been the same without bands like PC. Memories of Wellingtons lol. What a time that was! Thanks for the songs, thanks for the memories. Those who were there will remember always. I know I will. - Posted by: Robert Skelly (Fan) on: Dec 09, 2024

  • I met Mitch back in the early 1980s in Calgary and remember him as a sweet, intelligent, extremely funny guy and a complete maniac on stage. Very sad to hear that he has died, much too soon. All my condolences to his family and friends, and I'd like to think that he's now rocking in the otherworld with other friends who have gone before him. - Posted by: Janis Warne (Friend and fan from back in the day) on: Dec 09, 2024

  • Mitch sang The Green Green Grass of Home at my dad's funeral - my dad would have loved it, and I will never forget hearing him sing it that day. As John Campbell's younger sister, Mitch was an absolute giant when we were kids - he always put a smile on our faces when we saw him. RIP, Mitch. - Posted by: Joanne Campbell Nash (Sister of John Campbell) on: Dec 08, 2024

  • Thank you for being our friend, creating fabulous memories and a never ending beauty of your soul and talents....your spirit lives forever...Love Ya Mitch!!! - Posted by: Brenda Williams (friend) on: Dec 07, 2024

  • Hello, I went to high school with Mitch and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I didn't know that Mitch became a musician and I wish I could have seen him perform. It sounds like he had an amazing, fulfilling life. To his family and friends: Please accept my sincere condolences. - Posted by: Kim Semonick (classmate) on: Dec 07, 2024

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