in Memoriam

Doug Mitchell’s family and his work at The Rent-it Store were the two most important facets of his life.

We regret to announce that Doug Mitchell passed away unexpectedly at his home in Saskatoon on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at the age of 58. He was the co-owner of The Rent-It Store in Saskatoon.

He is survived by his loving wife Janice and their three children: Deanna (Chris) Schreiner, Greg (Michelle) Mitchell and Mark (Naomi) Mitchell, as well as his five grandchildren Justin, Brianne and Kyle Schreiner, and Cole and Beau Mitchell. He also leaves behind his sisters Sharon (Stan) Sopczak of Outlook and Heather (Marvin) Funk of Carrot River; his mother in-law Agnes Saunders of Prince Albert, sisters in-law Sandra (Richard) Reutz, Barb (Doug) Jackson, Gail (Gord) Lyons and brother-in-law Don (Delores) Saunders, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Doug was predeceased by his parents Sherwood and Elizabeth Mitchell, father-in-law Don Saunders and sister-in-law Myrna Doig.

Doug was born in Saskatoon, attended St. Phillips Elementary School, Holy Cross High School, and the University of Saskatchewan. He met his wife Janice in Saskatoon in 1970 and they were married on July 22, 1972.

He first began his rental career in 1974 working at The Rent-it Store. He worked there for 36 years, eventually having the opportunity to become partners with Doron Broadfoot in 2005, as co-owners of The Rent-it Store on 45th Street in Saskatoon. Doug’s family and his work at The Rent-it Store were the two most important facets of his life.

Doug was also very involved in the Saskatchewan local, the Canadian Rental Association and the American Rental Association. Doug held many positions on the board of directors, including the position of President for the Canadian Rental Association and was instrumental in organizing the yearly Saskatchewan Trade Shows. He took pride in his work and was a very well-respected and well-known member of the rental community throughout North America.

“Doug Mitchell could be considered the consummate professional,” said “Bobcat” Brad Wiliams, during the eulogy he delivered at Doug’s funeral. 
“Although his chosen profession was in the rental industry – it would not have mattered what business he was in, Doug would have excelled at it.  That was because Doug was, first and foremost, a people person. He instinctively knew that once you looked after the people aspects of the business, whether it be fellow team members, or customers, all the rest would fall into place and the business end would take care of itself.  Many co-workers and customers…consider Doug to be a true friend.”

If desired, donations in memory of Doug may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to John Janex at
306-955-1600.

Suk Dosanjh: April 29, 1967 – August 4, 2010

Suk Dosanjh’s larger-than-life personality was well known in the rental industry.

It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Suk Dosanhj. Suk had been a part of the rental business for many years, working at the Cat Rental Store in Langley, British Columbia, and recently as a director on the board of the Canadian Rental Association’s B.C. chapter. Suk passed away of a heart attack on August 4, 2010.

Don McEachern of the Cat Rental Store worked with Suk for the last six years.
“Suk was a dedicated sales professional with a strong work ethic and a passion for the business. He delivered a straightforward honest approach, never compromised his integrity or values for success,” says McEachern. “For an industry based on relationships and providing solutions for customers, he did it better than most. Suk’s huge smile and larger-than-life personality was well known in the industry, and few that ever met him ever forgot him.”
Jim Clipperton is the president of the CRA B.C. chapter. He recalls Suk as a well-known and well-liked member of the industry.

“He was the kind of guy, as soon as he walked into the room, you knew you would be smiling or laughing in a few minutes,” says Clipperton. “He was great to have on the board, because he was great at getting people to come out to events.”

Suk is survived by his wife, Stacey, and their two children, Dylan and Hailey. Local rental professionals have started an education fund, and a number of donations have already been made. In addition, the proceeds from the silent auction held during the annual CRA B.C. golf tournament will be donated this year. Those wishing to donate to the education fund should contact Jim Clipperton at jim@nor-val.com.