MITCHELL , Group Captain Eric Martin Marty Mitchell Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp, War Medal 1939-45, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953 and Canadian Forces Decoration & Clasp Born in Halifax Nova Scotia October 25, 1912, Marty grew up in Wolfville and was educated at Acadia University and Nova Scotia Technical College graduating with a B.Eng in 1934. On June 13, 1935 he enlisted in the RCAF as a Provisional Pilot Officer training at Camp Borden. During WWII he served at Croughton, Wellesbourne Mountford, Topcliffe, Leeming and Croft England. In 1944, as Wing Commander, he was appointed Commanding Officer No. 431 Iroquois Squadron with No. 6 Bomber Group. He flew twenty-seven operational sorties in Halifax and Lancaster bombers. He remained in the RCAF after the war, served as Commanding Officer of 14 Training Group Winnipeg and was promoted to Group Captain as Commanding Officer Goose Bay Labrador from July 1955 until August 1957. His final posting was RCAF Headquarters Ottawa where he retired February 8, 1963. During his service career he proved himself to be "a fearless and courageous leader, and at all times showed outstanding ability". He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross April 5, 1945 "for his superb captaincy and airmanship, his undoubted courage and devotion to duty and his magnificent leadership of his squadron". Marty died on July 2, 2004, predeceased by his beloved wife Geraldine Mary McCarthy June 10, 1980. He is survived by his five children, Peter of Calgary Alberta, Barbara Dunnington (Thomas) of Dover New Hampshire, Kathleen of Ottawa Ontario, William of Waba Ontario (Pamela), Elizabeth Carscallen (William) of Ottawa Ontario, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre and in particular the staff of Gatineau 2 North, as well as his personal care givers Mira, Fresia, and Orquedia for their loving care and attention over the past five years. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod St on Tuesday July 6, 2004 from 7-9 p.m. Services will be held at the Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, 1750 Russell Road Ottawa on Wednesday July 7, 2004 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Capital Memorial Gardens Highway 16, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Foundation. The Ottawa Citizen