Mitchell Edward Hamilton Ho �" 11 years, passed away peacefully due to heart failure on May 28, 2008 in Canuck Place Hospice.  Born in Vancouver, BC, Mitchell was an extremely active young gentleman.  He attended Vancouver College School and was a popular Grade 5 student.  He did not allow a pre-existing cardiac condition to preclude him from playing sports.  In particular, he enjoyed Rep Hockey this past year.  Mitchell’s conduct as a gentleman on and off the ice demonstrating sportsmanship and fair play was an inspiration to his teammates, coaches and parents.  He was the team player that could be relied upon, placing the interests of the team over his own.  He was not the star player nor did he need to be.  He believed his role to be a supporter, content to allow others to shine.  He was keen to play basketball with his classmates on the school team and baseball with his buddies in Dunbar Little League.
He faced his many challenges with dignity and dedication.  His heart condition mandated many painful procedures including open-heart surgery in 2003.  Yet he chose to pursue life at full speed infecting those around him with his joie de vivre.  He challenged himself in his favorite discipline of Shito-Ryu Karate.  He worked conscientiously to reach his own high standards in academics and was recognized on the Honour Roll.  He remained humble and actively practiced his Faith, serving as an altar boy at Saints Peter and Paul Parish.
Mitchell touched many people in his journey through life.  He was passionate about his down time, enjoying his favorite movies and his Wii.  He loved his grandmother’s cooking, especially her soups.  He idolized his big brother Spencer, who shared adventures in shinny and road hockey, Guitar Hero, Nerf guns and pool amongst many fun times.  In the late afternoons, he could often be found cuddling with his Mom in their favorite comfy kitchen chair.  He cherished the frequent visits by his Nanna and Pop from Edmonton.  Early Sunday morning was precious cartoons time with his sister Marysa.  He would always have a heart-warming hug for his auntie Ruth.  He loved all of his aunts, uncles and cousins, each with their own fond memories of time spent together.  He loved just being with his Daddy �" on the ice, holding hands on the way to a Canucks game, comforting him during times of need and pain, or simply sitting on his lap anytime.
Mitchell is survived by his parents, Sarah and Stephen, siblings Spencer and Marysa, grandparents Edward and Anne Parkinson, Francis and Mary Ho, uncles Chris (Lana) Ho, Nick (Jodi) Parkinson and Pius (Jennifer) Ho, aunts Sue Parkinson and Ruth (George Verghis) Parkinson, cousins Courtney, Matthew, Sydney, Grayson, Parker, Trevor, Ryan, Kelly and Julianna.  He was predeceased by his twin cousins Mackenzie and Reid Parkinson, who welcome Mitchell as another angel.
The family thanks all who participated in Mitchell’s journey.  His coaches and mentors, especially Coaches Dan and Max, managers, and teachers, in particular Ms. Herb and Brother Conti, all had a place in his heart.  Drs. Kuttner and Human, and the entire cardiology team at BC Children’s Hospital helped sustain Mitchell for the past eight years.  Most recently, the medical team at BC Children’s Hospital ICU and Canuck Place Children’s Hospice provided expert, compassionate care in his final days.
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully appreciated to the Vancouver College Millennium Foundation Mitchell Ho Memorial Fund.
For the Vancouver College Elementary School, a celebration of Mitchell’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 10 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 1430 West 38th Ave., Vancouver.
Prayers will be offered Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 7 pm in Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 9:30 am at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, 646 Richards St., Vancouver, Rev. John Horgan celebrant.