August 19,1921 \u2013 October 25, 2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Richard \u201cDick\u201d Mitchell passed faithfully into the arms of his Lord on October 25, 2019, in Longview,
WA. It was a loving and peaceful transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 74 years, June Elizabeth Mitchell, as well as two sons,
Gregg Patrick and Dean Thomas Mitchell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dick Mitchell was an 11th generation American, descended from an English indentured servant, Henry
Mitchell, who landed in Virginia in 1653. His grandfather, John O. Mitchell, was a principal in the
movement to gain statehood for the Oklahoma Indian Territory. Through Dick\u2019s genealogy studies it was
also discovered that his side of the family fought June\u2019s side of the family in the French and Indian War
(1754-1763).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dick was born in 1921 in Claremore, OK. In 1930 his family made their way to CA to escape the horrors
of the Oklahoma Dustbowl. From there he moved to Salem, OR. His beloved mother died when he was 13. It was a devastating loss and one that he felt for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1940 he graduated from Independence Highschool, where he was involved in several sports, including
boxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no way to speak about Dick\u2019s life without including June, who enters the picture at this point.
They were together forever, it seems. And, it can be surmised, are now happy to be together again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dick and June were married in Waco, Texas, in October of 1943. Dick was then a B-24 bomber pilot, who
flew his first missions during the D-Day Landing. In all, he flew 35 missions over occupied Europe during
WWII, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and 4 Air Medals. Following his combat tour he served as a
flight instructor at Minter Field in Southern California. He and his military colleagues exemplified, in all
ways, the term, \u201cThe Greatest Generation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At war\u2019s end, Dick and June moved from Portland, OR to Pullman, WA, where Dick attended Washington
State College of Veterinary Medicine. They then moved to McMinnville, OR for a veterinary internship
and then to a private practice in Portland, OR. In 1962 Dick moved his family to Longview, WA to open a
second veterinary practice. He was an exceptionally empathetic and caring doctor to the animals (and
their owners) that he served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Along the way Dick and June welcomed five children: Rick, Brian, Melinda, Gregg and Dean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life continued with all the adventures and mayhem that a family of seven can conjure up on any given
day. Lots of camping trips, road trips, hunting trips and family time spent together over the years. The
family also worked summers at the veterinary clinics, learning a great work ethic, honing people skills
and dealing with pets of all kinds. It was an awesome experience and a most unique childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the pivotal and life-changing events in Dick and June\u2019s lives was the loss of their two youngest
sons, Dean and Gregg, to AIDS in 1989. One wonders how such a loss can be absorbed and sustained.
Their absolute Catholic faith kept their souls from overwhelmingly sinking. The dear friends and
countless memorials, both in Seattle and New York, confirmed how much their beloved and talented
sons were also loved by others. Devastating, heart-rending and a testimony to Dick and June\u2019s depth of
faith and character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1998, following retirement, The \u201cDick and June Show\u201d (as Dean fondly dubbed them) began to travel
extensively both in the U.S. and abroad. Prior to his retirement, Dick had the idea to convert a 1957
Diesel Greyhound bus into mobile living quarters. In this most comfortable of transports, they
proceeded to log hundreds of thousands of miles traversing the United States in pursuit of their mutual
hobby, Genealogy. They also enjoyed lengthy excursions deep into Mexico. Many new and lasting
friendships were made during their travel adventures.
In 2015, with the bus retired and traveling done, Dick and June left their long-time summer residence at
the Taylor Apartments and moved to the Canterbury Inn, both in Longview. After June\u2019s death in 2017,
Dick continued to live at the Canterbury, where he was surrounded by long-time community friends and
past clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For whatever reason, the Mitchell children have always been great story tellers. In his later years, Dick
enjoyed nothing more than being entertained by these animated memories. A testimony to a life welllived.
He was a self-made man, who wanted nothing more than to provide a better life for his wife and
children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In summary: Dick Mitchell was quiet, thoughtful and never comfortable as the center of attention. His
wife and five children were happy to fill that role for him. He helped many in his unassuming way. He
was always thinking about how to do things better. He was courageous yet self-deprecating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the oldest son and primary caregiver, Rick Mitchell was attentive to both Dick and June\u2019s needs for
many years. His tireless good nature (from financial guidance to medical advocate) allowed his father to
live his last years with a feeling of safety and peace. Son Brian was able to visit on a regular basis, often
spending the night with Dick at the Canterbury. Sleepovers with dad! And tending to any mechanical
difficulties in the apartment. He took \u2018elder pedicures\u2019 to a whole new level! Daughter Mindy moved
from the East Coast back to Longview in 2015. She was there for two years and will be forever grateful
for the time she had with her parents. She dearly misses her daily phone conversations with her dad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dick is survived by his son, Dr. Rick (Claudia) Mitchell; son Dr. Brian (Linda) Mitchell; and daughter
Melinda \u201cMindy\u201d Mitchell; three grandchildren Traci (Mitchell) Ryan, Aime (Mitchell) Holzli and Rebecca
(Gray) Elmore; and great-grandchildren Matthew and Jacob Ryan, Catelyn and Carson Holzli and Graylin
and Dakoda Elmore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O.
Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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