Harold 'Mitch' Mitchell, Jr.

RONAN — Harold "Mitch" Mitchell, Jr., 73, died at his home and went to our Lord on Wednesday, July 7, 2005.

He was born May 12, 1932, to Harold Mitchell, Sr. and Alice Theresa Mitchell (Orr). He attended schools in St. Ignatius, graduating in 1951.

He excelled at both basketball and football and was chosen to play in the East-West Shrine Game the summer of his graduation.

Mitch was employed by Tom Wheeler Sawmill and Logging, later marrying Jeannine Wheeler in August 1951. He left the mill to attend the University of Montana.

Proud of his Indian heritage, he served on the Tribal Council from 1966 to 1977, nine of those years as chairman.

He returned to his passion for the woods, owning and operating his own logging business, working in several locations until retirement. In his later years his passion was his yard and his pets.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Mitchell, Sr.; his mother, Alice Mitchell (Orr); brothers Wayne Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Alvin Mitchell and Thomas Mitchell; and sister Shirley Mitchell.

He is survived by his children, Tom Mitchell of Spokane, W.A. Mitchell of Anchorage, Alaska, Keith Mitchell of Fairbanks, Alaska, Karen Golat of Fairbanks, Sherryll McDonal of Spokane; his brother Leo Mitchell; sisters, Mary Lou Hackman, Delores Adams and Joyce Mitchell; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family of nieces and nephews and cousins, and a lifetime of friends.

A remembrance will be held on Saturday, July 16, at 2 p.m. in the Longhouse. Spreading of the ashes will be a private family gathering.

He will be missed by all who knew him and we encourage all friends to join us.

Shrider's Mortuary of Ronan is assisting with cremation and arrangements.