Tribute to George Mitchell by District 12
Toastmasters
It is with great sadness that District 12
announces the passing of one of our dear friends and fellow Toastmasters,
George Mitchell, DTM; (a.k.a.: George “Georgy Porgy” Mitchell.)
A memorial service will be held for George
on Tuesday, January 16th at 2:00 p.m. at the Religious Science
Church of the Desert; 45630 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, California.
George joined Toastmasters over twenty
year ago in Moorpark, and earned the designation of Distinguished
Toastmaster in July 1992. George was a prime example of a great leader,
mentor, coach and friend. George exemplified what the Toastmasters program
is all about.
As District Governor I don’t think I
ever met anyone who was so extraordinary in his ability to humor and
entertain an audience, be so genuine, personal, warm, and approachable.
George was a Toastmasters legend!
Legendary coach John Wooden once described success as the realization that
you have done everything you are capable of doing to become the best you
can be. George Mitchell not only typified that by his own great
leadership, he inspired that in everyone who is lucky enough to have known
him. We are each very fortunate to have had that privilege.
George was a
master of humor, and taught many classes on that subject at Toastmasters
Leadership Institute events. In recent years you would find George
accompanied by his companion, chief cook and limousine driver Carol
Chiveral. George was a great mentor and source of encouragement to Carol
as she stepped into District leadership.
In 1991-92
George served as an Area Governor and won the Area Governor Speak-Off,
speaking on the International President’s theme: “Unleash Your Potential.”
As the winner, George kicked off the 1992 District 12 Spring Conference
with his winning speech. In 1991-92 George also earned the Area Governor
of the Year honor as the Area D-3 Governor when Chuck Weck was District
Governor. In 1995 George won the Humorous Speech contest at the 1995 Fall
Conference with his speech title, “The Wild One,” going on to represent
District 12 at regional. In 1995-96 George was the runner-up “Toastmaster
of the Year” when Bill Cortus was District Governor. Most recently, in
2006-07 George won the Division D Humorous Speech Contest and entertained
us all with his outstanding speech titled, “The Ups and Downs,” and moved
forward to represent Division D at the District 12 Fall Conference on
November 11, 2006.
In my
opinion I believe what we need to remember most is that George was
enthusiastic and passionate about everything he did! He entertained,
educated and engaged each of us with his energy and optimism for life. To
George the Toastmasters Program equaled Life! George was dedicated to
changing lives and making our world a better place through the Toastmaster
Program. I am certain that each of us has similar memories that we would
like to share. A special time to reflect upon these fond memories is
presently being discussed.
To honor
George and to carry on his legacy, District 12 encourages you to make a
tax deductible donation to the District 12 Trust Fund in Memory and Honor
of George “Georgy Porgy” Mitchell. The District 12 Trust Fund supports
the membership of Toastmaster members and persons wanting to participate
in the Toastmasters program within District special clubs.
If donating by check or money order,
please make payable to: “Toastmasters International” and please mail to:
Special Environment Toastmasters Clubs, Post Office Box 77734, Corona;
California, 92877. All donations will be
used to carry on the communication legacy of George Mitchell through the
District 12 Special Environment Clubs.
We will
all miss our beloved George Mitchell very much, and we thank him for
continually energizing our lives!
Click here to visit the District 12
website |