Angus joiner and swimmer who moved to the US

Alexander Mitchell, a joiner who crafted the interior of fishing boats in Arbroath before transferring his skills to the United States, has died aged 91.

He was an accomplished swimmer in his youth, did his national service with the RAF and retained strong links with his home town.

Alexander Whyte Mitchell was born in Arbroath on December 29 1929 to Alexander Whyte Mitchell and Elizabeth Shepherd.

He was educated first at Parkhouse Primary School and Abbey school before going on to Arbroath High School.

On leaving school, Alec followed family members to the harbour.

He qualified as a master joiner and worked for Gerrard’s boatyard, building the interior of fishing vessels.

During his youth, Alec was a member of St Thomas Swimming Club in Arbroath where he cultivated many lifelong friendships.

Between 1951 and 1953, he undertook his national service in the Royal Air Force as a military policeman.

In 1964, he made the decision to leave Arbroath for a new life in the United States of America.

Alec settled in Naperville, Illinois, near to where his uncle, Graham Shepherd and cousin, James Stewart, lived.

He began work with Kroehler Manufacturing and later worked for Moser Lumber.

Alec had a great love for precision woodworking and was known for his meticulously hand-crafted projects.

He was a long-time member of the Euclid Masonic Lodge in Illinois and became a Master Mason in 1984.

In 1974, he met Patricia Walker and they remained devoted life partners until her death in 1991.

He was a loving father to her daughters Eileen (David Lackland), Diana (James Smith) and Sharon Walker, a friend to Patricia’s son Steve Walker, an adoring grandfather to three and a greatgrandfather to two.

In addition, Alec is survived by his cousins James Stewart, Robert Smith and Elizabeth Cargill, nee Stewart, of Arbroath.

A private celebration of Alec’s life was held last month in Downers Grove, Illinois.

His family intends to hold a memorial service in Arbroath during 2022.

ACTIVE LIFE: Arbroath-born Alexander Mitchell eventually settled in the United States.