Mitchell Avril Steck was born in Montreal QC on 14 Nov 1955. In 1956, he moved to New York City with his family and welcomed a younger brother while there.  In 1958, the family moved to Winchester Ont, where his Dad owned and operated the Town IGA store.  Mitch started in the store at 5 yrs old, sorting bottles.  For the next 15 years in the store, he worked as a shelf stocker, carry out boy and then as he goes older, a Grocery Delivery driver, cashier and floor washer.  Also, during that time, Mitch attend and completed Public School and High School, graduating from North Dundas District High School with an Honours Diploma.
 On 20 Apr 1976, Mitch joined the RCMP and started a 25 yr career with the Force. He work primarily Traffic Related Duties during that time, as well as a few years in General Duty operations.  He was stationed in Kimberley, Golden, Smithers and finally Vernon, all in BC.  In addition to those duties, he was also a Member of the Emergency Response Team in Terrace BC, assigned as a sniper.  In Vernon, he was in charge of Vernon Boat Patrols for 9 years, a Use of Force instructor covering all disciplines from presence to deadly force.  He finished his instructor duties as the Senior Instructor for the Pacific Region South East District Tactical Troop.  His last three years in the Force were spent on motorcycle detail for Vernon Municipal Traffic, retiring on 4 Jul 2000.
 On 22 Jun 1999, Mitch fulfilled another childhood dream by joining the Canadian Forces Reserve Army and began instructing Army Cadets of 1705 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps as the Commanding Officer of the Corps, a position he held for 10 years.  In addition, he has worked at the Vernon Army Cadet Camp for the last 20 years in various positions, but as a Company Commander for the last 9 years.  Major Steck will be returning to VACC this summer as the Chief Training Officer.  He has also worked at the Pacific Regional Cadet Instructor School as an instructor, teaching and mentoring Junior Officers
 In his spare time, Mitch has a number of eclectic hobbies that occupy some of his free time.  He has been a member of a Non-Profit Educational society that recreates the Middle Ages, known as the Society for Creative Anachronism for 23 yrs.  In addition, he is also a Blacksmith, having apprenticed 5 years with a European Master.  He plays Bass guitar in an 80’s rock band and of course his 2006 Harley Davidson also gets attention on the Valley’s highways.
Mitch and his wife Brenda, reside in Vernon with his two daughters and four grandchildren are here as well.
In 2015 Mitch joined the Vernon Cadet Camp Museum board and became the  president of the the Vernon Military History Society in 2018.