It is with a heavy heart that PG Buzz announces the sad passing of popular independent retailer – Chris Mitchell. Together with his wife Lynn previously ran Heart to Heart in Wantage and Didcot for many years.
Chris died on Friday 29 September 2017, aged 69.
Three years ago, while on holiday with Lynn, Chris had an accident, falling over in the shower, which left him paralysed from the neck down, yet despite this he remained in good spirits.
Jacqui Wright, territory manager of Noel Tatt, who spoke to Chris a few days before his untimely death pays tribute:
‘I think that anyone that had to describe Chris Mitchell would probably all say the same thing: A true gentleman, kind, honest, funny and honorable.
Since Chris’ accident three years ago which left him paralysed from the neck down I visited him on many occasions and always found him a joy to be around. Never once did I hear that lovely man complain about the situation he had found himself in.
Chris was definitely one of my most favourite customers to visit. He was always genuinely very interested in people; he wanted everyone to be happy – and he also made very good tea. His staff always said he was a really good boss and always treated everyone with fairness and integrity and would always put his staff before himself.”
Due to the accident Chris had not been involved in the greeting card trade for several years although his wife Lynn is manager of Cardzone’s Hungerford branch.
“Yet Chris remained always very interested in what was going on and his greeting card knowledge regarding the industry was vast – I have picked his brains on many an occasion,” said Jacqui. “Chris never lost his positivity and zest for life.
Chris truly was one of the kindest, most genuine human beings that I have ever met. I will so miss seeing him, talking to him and laughing with him ….and I will never forget him. He will always be a true inspiration to us all.”
