During the 2011 Imperial Session – held in Denver July 3-7, George A. Mitchell of Jordan Station,
Ontario, Canada, passed the title of Imperial Potentate of Shriners International to Imperial Sir Mike Severe. Mitchell is now serving as Junior Past Imperial Potentate, part of the 13-member body that helps govern the Shriners fraternity.
Mitchell is the president and owner of Mitchell’s Bunsmaster Bakery and Deli and Maple Leaf Investments, and was involved in the motel business and real estate development for several years. He attended St. Catharine’s Collegiate and Vocational School and majored in business at Niagara College. He is a member of St. Catharine’s Business Club and a Kentucky Colonel of Niagara.
Mitchell served as Potentate of Rameses Shriners in 1997 and is a life-member of several Shrine clubs. He is an emeritus member of the Board of Governors of Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Erie and is a former Chairman of the Membership, Budget, Investment, Protocol, Insurance and Ritual committees. He has also served on the Special Purpose Funds/Fundraising Evaluation Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
Mitchell is a life member in Adanac Lodge #614. He is a Past Master of the Lodge of Perfection #616 and an Honorary Past Grand Senior Warden of Canada in the Province of Ontario. In addition, he was also the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Grand Master’s Award of Kansas. Mitchell is also a life-member of Seymour York Rite College #185, a member of the York Rite Sovereign College and a life-member of the Knights Templar. He is a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Cabiri and the National Sojourners, Milwaukee Chapter #27. He is also an honorary member of the Order of International Supreme Council of DeMolay International.
Mitchell and his wife, Deanna, have two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren.