Sask. poet and playwright Ken Mitchell dies at age 85

The province’s literary community is grieving a man who helped build writing communities in Saskatchewan.

Ken Mitchell passed away on Aug. 5 at the age of 85. The news was confirmed by his son on social media.

Mitchell was a published author of both novels and poetry, a playwright and a professor at the University of Regina’s English department, where he taught creative writing. 

The author was known for writing about the Prairies, specifically about Saskatchewan’s culture.

“It was very important to the province because it captured both urban and rural connections between readers,” said Bill Ursel, a fellow artist who connected with Mitchell since his wife worked in the English department with him. 

“I think that was very critical and his ability to capture really poignant, intimate moments and really hilarious and funny moments in his poetry.”

Ursel described Mitchell as an amazing storyteller who was curious about everything. Mitchell spent time with seniors, hearing about their stories of living in Saskatchewan back in the day. 

“I think he’ll be remembered by people in the province as a writer who could have gone to Toronto, as so many did,” said Robert Curie, another friend and fellow writer.

“But he stayed in Saskatchewan because he was very loyal to this province and he thought he could do it here and he did.”

Paving the way for other Sask. writers

Mitchell had a notable influence in promoting Canadian literature. He took part in the founding of the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild in 1969 and the Saskatchewan Playwrights Center in 1962.

Mitchell became the first chairman of the Writers Guild and was the first editor of Grain magazine.

He also presented his work at the Saskatchewan Festival of Words in Moose Jaw. Currie said those performances always impressed the audience.

“He was doing a session and he presented his story,’The Great Electrical Revolution’ entirely from memory,” Currie said.

“The audience was just wowed by it, he really was a terrific presenter.”

Mitchell was well known for his cowboy poetry, which featured stories of life in and around the old and current West. 

“He was a most versatile writer,” Currie said.

“He wrote short stories, novels, plays, a musical, serious poetry and very popular cowboy poetry … He could do anything he put his mind to.”

Mitchell was a passionate advocate for the arts and also helped create the Cathedral Arts Festival. 

Ursel said Mitchell talked often about grief and the importance of celebrating a life after one has passed.

“I think he’d want us to continue reading poetry, not only his but those of many gifted poets across Saskatchewan and celebrate life.”