Matthew Scott Mitchell

Matthew Scott Mitchell, age 36 of San Leandro, CA passed away Saturday, May 18th, 2013 as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident after being struck by a vehicle.

Matt was born May 5, 1977 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and grew up in Southern California. He attended schools in Pacific Palisades. Matt graduated from high school in 1995 and worked in the Sherman Oaks area before moving to Northern California.

Matthew loved the outdoors, recently taking a motorcycle trip through the Rocky Mountains with family and friends. In Matt’s free time, you could find him on many of the local golf courses. Matt also loved bowling and playing ping-pong. He had a wicked and un-returnable serve that his cousins feared. Matt enjoyed working out and had recently taken up jogging. His workout companion was his German Shepard, Cali. Matthew always had a smile to share and gave legendary hugs with his loving arms that would envelop you with his warmth.

Above all, Matt’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment in life were his children, son Owen Mitchell, age 10 and daughter, Ava Mitchell., age 6. He was a fiercely devoted father. Anyone who spoke to Matt about his children could not help but notice his immense love and pride for Owen and Ava.

In addition to his children, Matt is survived by his loving parents, Gail and Zvon Jedvaj of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Randy and Mickey Mitchell of Arvada, CO, his brother Kristopher Mitchell, and his sisters Jessica Jedvaj and Katie Mitchell. Matt also is survived by Adina Thammavongsa, the beloved mother of his children with whom he shared many happy years. He also leaves behind his many aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved and who loved him dearly. We feel blessed that as a family we spoke often of our love for one another. When Matt was told “I love you”, his response was always, “Love You More.”

The family wish to express gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from all those whose lives were touched by Matthew. His life was rich in friendship, as evidenced by the hundreds of people who attended his memorial. A special thank you to his “Bristol neighborhood” friends for the love they showed Matt in both life and death. Additionally, we wish to thank Matt’s favorite restaurant, The Englander, whose employees and patrons have generously planned a fundraiser to benefit Matthew’s children. As stated eloquently by a former coworker from the biotech industry where Matt had previously worked, “Matt was the Great Equalizer. It didn’t matter if he was talking to the CEO or a janitor, Matt treated everyone with equal respect.”

Matt will be missed by all who knew him. Though his life on earth ended much to soon, we are blessed for the time that we shared together.

Strong, Loyal, Loving, Witty, Beloved Son and Father