WARNING: This article deals with mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to cmhavernon.ca or call the Suicide Crisis Helpine at 988 (text option available)
Five years ago, the community lost a legend.
Glenn Mitchell, former longtime editor of this newspaper, died Dec. 17, 2020.
Survived by his wife, two sons, parents, brothers, niece, nephews and so many adoring readers, his unexpected death hit hard.
Mitchell wasn't just an editor, he was a mentor to many.
But his words of wisdom are not lost.
A book is being published, and set to hit the shelves Tuesday, Dec. 23, full of Mitchell's Musings.
Morning Star readers may recall his weekly columns, infused with humour and warmth, touching on various topics from sports to politics and family.
"So many people told me, after he was gone, they said they read his column every Sunday and loved it," brother Kevin Mitchell said.
Glenn had always wanted to put a book together after he retired, and had asked for help from long-time friend and former colleague Colleen Hadland.
"It was our last conversation," said Hadland, who worked with him for approximately 20 years at The Morning Star.
After his passing, Hadland took it upon herself to scour copies of the newspaper and put together a collection of top Mitchell's Musings.
With the help of Kevin, and some former Morning Star colleagues now at Wayside Press (Lisa Stensrude's graphic design skills and Trent Dansereau's help getting it to print), the book is born.
Just in time for Christmas, the book is available at The Morning Star, which is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but closed Dec. 25 and 26.
Featuring 180 pages of columns, the book will also help others struggling as all proceeds are going to the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon branch.
"Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough; masking it can make it even harder," the book's afterword reads. "Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a mask to protect themselves from judgment and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated they feel."
In any given year, one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness, "and all require an open door, connection to community and access to programs to experience a sense of belonging and purpose."
Glenn struggled with depression and anxiety, and although he sought help, he still lost and ended his battle by taking his own life at just 60 years old.
"He was sick, not weak," Kevin's foreward reads.
"This will keep his legacy going," said Kevin, who when editing the book said when he wasn't laughing, he was crying.
"He was such a great writer."
Mitchell's Musings is $20, cash only at The Morning Star, 4407 25th Ave., after Tuesday, Dec. 23.
"We know he would be forever grateful to you for your interest in this book," his sons Justin and Lucas say in the introduction. "We hope that, through this collection of writings you can appreciate his witty humour, creative story-telling, and genuine care for the people around him. We all miss his presence daily, and this book allows us to bring a piece of Glenn back into our homes."