Obituary of Mitchell Manus Conaghan

December 8, 1962 – Toronto, Ontario

December 18, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

With endless tears and broken hearts, we celebrate an amazing man, father, and husband. Mitch Conaghan passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.  He was surrounded by his boys; Kieran and Dylan, his brothers; Duffy and RJ, his sister Shannon and sister-in-law Sue, and the love of his life, soulmate and best friend, Kim.

Mitch is also survived by his mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and friends. 

Mitch’s family was his pride and joy. An amazing, loyal man, Mitch built his life with his partner, Kim. Together, they were a true team, getting the boys to and from all their activities, as well as loving and supporting each other in their partnership. Mitch loved coaching his boys throughout their youth and adolescence; baseball in the summer, and hockey in the winter. For him, it was just as fun as watching and cheering them on.  Many winters were joyfully spent skiing at Panorama Resort in BC. Summers were always filled with swimming, golfing, and spending time with our Panorama family in BC. As a dad he mentored his sons to be good sports, athletes, and humans.

An accomplished athlete and most notably, an Ironman triathlete, Mitch loved and excelled in sports. He competed in hundreds of races and was involved in six decades of Ironman races. Most of his Ironman races were in Penticton, BC. The highlight of his athletic career was competing in the Ironman World Championship in beautiful Kona, Hawaii. Mitch loved having his family by his side, cheering him on. They always made him smile bigger, run harder, or cycle faster.

Mitch graduated from Western University in London, ON with a degree in Political Science, later completing his requirements at the University of Calgary in Calgary, AB to be a Chartered Accountant. He went on to have a successful and passionate career in that industry. Several of those years were notably with Deloitte, and the last 15 years of his career were with SMART Technologies under the title “Tax Director”. Mitch loved his work; he had a high personal commitment to his team. He built relationships, mentored, and always took the time to help people. His larger-than-life personality, quick wit and sarcastic sense of humour, and passionate opinions made him a cherished colleague.  SMART was where he found another family- and we thank them for all their support in this trying time.

Mitch was a fighter. Not only on his racecourses, hockey rinks, ball diamonds, golf courses and ski hills, but in life. Mitch fought a tough but valiant battle with cancer. He fought until the very end.

Mitch, we are incredibly proud of you, grateful for you and we will miss you immensely. Thank you to the palliative team and the compassion we received from the Southwood Hospice in Calgary, AB.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Mitch Conaghan asks that you please support a local sports team or see a game with people you love. Ride your bike in a park, go for a walk, or a run. Take time for your friends and family, and please hug the people you love a little more often.

A Private Service will be held. The family would like to invite you to join them for a Celebration of Mitch’s Life at Canadian Brewhouse (Legacy location, 80 Longview Common SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Mitchell’s family here.

In living memory of Mitchell Conaghan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to view the Memorial Card for Mitchell Conaghan