Tributes / Former Bristow chief pilot leaves behind legacy of commitment to community
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Bristow chief pilot and southend councillor Gordon Mitchell who died earlier this month, aged 87.
Originally a pilot with the RAF for 14 years, Capt Mitchell was instrumental in setting up the coastguard helicopter search and rescue unit (Oscar Charlie) at Sumburgh.
Flying the search and rescue helicopter at the time, Mitchell and his crew were the first on the scene of the tragic Chinook accident in November 1986 in which 45 people died just two and half miles of Sumburgh.
He was able to winch the only two survivors of the disaster to safety and transfer them to hospital in Lerwick.
Capt Mitchell, who lived in Bigton, had a distinguished career in public service, being a councillor for eight years from 1999 to 2007, as well as chair of the local Citizens Advice Bureau for many years.
As a member of the Lib Dem group that brought party politics to the council chamber in the early 2000s, he served as the SIC’s spokesperson for transport.
He was one of 40 unlucky passengers on board the Hrossey who endured a 42-hour ordeal when the vessel sailed from Lerwick into a hurricane in December 2002 and was forced to shelter off Burra before returning from where she had started.
Capt Mitchell was outspoken in his harsh criticism of NorthLink and said at the time that no sailor would willingly go out in such conditions.
He also was a dedicated committee member of Hjaltland Housing Association for over 40 years, a board member of the Federations of Scottish Housing Associations and helped set up the Shetland Credit Union.
Southend councillor Allison Duncan said Capt Mitchell was well liked in the community and would be sorely missed.
“I knew Gordon very well and would call him a good friend. He was a very popular man in the community, and served local people well both as a councillor and with Hjaltland Housing Association for many years,” he said.
“He was also on the Citizens Advice Bureau and did an outstanding job there.
“He will be sorely missed, and I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to all his family.”
A spokesperson for Hjaltland Housing (HHA) said Mitchell is leaving behind a “legacy of commitment and service to the community.”
HHA said he was known for his dedication to improving housing standards and ensuring better management of properties. His efforts have significantly contributed to the transformation of HHA into a flourishing, financially strong organisation with high-quality housing.
Mitchell previously said that HHA staff’s “dedication and commitment over the years has transformed the association into an organisation to be proud of”.
A spokesperson for HHA said Mitchell resigned from the board in September 2020, but “his impact on the association and the community will be remembered for years to come”.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Gordon’s family and friends during this difficult time,” they added.
He also expanded his housing experience by serving on the board of the Tenant Participation Advisory Service, Scotland (TPAS).
A representative of TPAS said: “Gordon was on the management board from 2000 until 2014.
“He was a much-liked board member and in addition to his knowledge brought a wry sense of humour. The board and staff of TPAS were saddened to hear of Gordon’s death and wish to send condolences to his family and friends.”
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