James "Doug" Douglas Mitchell

Doug was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on December 22, 1935, to Albert and Margaret Mitchell. Doug was a loving big brother to his seven siblings. Doug graduated from the “only true high school”, East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, and then received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. He later pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah School of Law.

As a young man, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France, that instilled in him a deep love of service and languages. Doug spoke several languages including French, German, and Spanish.

Doug married Janet Williams on August 12, 1960. During their 22-year marriage, Doug and Janet adopted two children, Amy and Richard, who they loved dearly. After Doug and Janet divorced, Doug married Mitzi Knorr in the Salt Lake Temple on April 22, 1983, and they were married for 26 years until Mitzi died in 2009.

A dedicated attorney, Doug worked at Kirton McConkie law firm handling corporate litigation and real estate matters for the LDS church. Doug was a beloved and active member of the Valley View 7th and 1st wards for the 40 years he lived in East Millcreek.

Doug loved college sports, especially the University of Utah. He was our favorite “Utah Man”. For decades, he had season tickets for Utah basketball and football and raised his kids and grandkids to “bleed red”. He was known for leaving his seat mid-game to pace the stadium corridors during nail-biting moments, a testament to his intense loyalty.

Doug had a passion for the outdoors and hunting, taking many hunting trips with his son, brothers, and friend Abel. Anyone who knew Doug knew he had a propensity for Big Gulps of Diet Coke, a chocolate Dunford donut, and Mexican food from El Chihuahua restaurant — but he would firmly decline any dish containing cheese.

Doug is survived by his children, Amy Margaret and Richard Douglas (Amy); his four grandchildren, Ellie Lauren, Lauren Grace (Cole), Cole Richard, and Olivia Rose; his seven siblings, Carl (Susan), Margaret, Bert (Cindy), Nathanial, Nancy, Steve (Pamela), and Scott (Kris) and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Margaret, and his wife, Mitzi.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff at Draper Rehabilitation Center and Parisa with Renew Home Health Hospice for their compassion during this last phase of his life. You must have all endured a litany of dad jokes from him and for that, we apologize.

As Doug reunites with Mitzi in heaven, we take comfort in his humor and wisdom, including these parting pieces of advice:

• “Take no wooden nickels”

• “Don’t stick beans up your nose”

• “Remember you can never be too rich, too thin, or have too many napkins”

The family welcomes family and friends at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah on Friday, January 24, 2025, at noon with the funeral service and interment following at 1:00 p.m.

-Allen Mitchell, age 68 of Holladay, Utah died on:

2/9/25 at the UU Hospital.

-Born in SLC, he grew up in the “White City” community, playing in the gully and enjoying the rural environment.

-He graduated from Hillcrest High School, rather than Jordan, because his mom, Earlene taught there. He was mischievous and she felt the need to keep an eye on him.

-I met Allen on my 21st birthday which was also the day I moved out west. We rented separate floors in the home of Tim Reynolds (quite a social house), and there we made lifelong friends.

-Our platonic friendship progressed over a few years, and we realized there had always been a natural sort of “soul thing” going on.

-On the Utilitarian side, I noticed Allen worked two 8 hour jobs to support his kids from his first marriage even though this was not a court ordered mandate in his divorce.

-He also was kind to Karen, his ex-wife. I knew he would treat me the same way.

-Allen was proceeded in death by our son Jason, parents Dale and Earlene Mitchell, and Mel Rosen.

-Childhood friend Kelly Geter passed before him as well, along with his buddy Tim with whom he had many outdoor adventures, and took many life affirming risks.

-He is survived by our kids James (Bonnie); Jeremy (Matt), Skye and Kaegan (grandchildren), Brother Rollin (Mischelle), Sisters Sheila (Stan) Jennie, and Denise, and our beloved Uncle Roger who was always there for us, and visited Allen frequently.

-Nieces and nephews include Aime, Duane, Kevin, Corin, and Eric and a bunch of their kids! Additionally, he loved the folks he got to know in Bonnie’s family (Sheila, Fred), and Linn, Fred and Patrick (Matt’s family).

-Prior to meeting me, Allen was a sockeye salmon fisherman off Lummi Island. I knew then that he could offer an adventurous lifestyle and opportunities that most people didn’t have. Recreation was steeped deep in our values.

-This led to spelunking in 9 caves

-rock climbing

-open canoeing in white water

-winter camping

-Long, intense backpacking trips and more

-At home he was a gamer, reader, music listener, gardener (with a tree obsession).

-He learned computer languages and built computers from scratch.

-He spent endless hours practicing guitar and dobro.

_He also had a keen interest in economics, and spend much time discussing theories with my dad.

-He practiced chess moves. He was a rated player at the meets and played speed chess daily during his lunch hour.

-Allen played in three bands: Loose Shoes (a contra dance band), Last Night’s Fun Celtic Band, and The Public Domain String Band-an appalachian southern mountain music band that played one gig a month whether we needed it or not.

-His Grandfather was “Wild Cat McCan” a world welter weight wrestling champion, so allen had genetic strength. Tom Mahoney claims that he once saw Allen run by with a tree trunk. This strength coupled with Physical Therapy, personal training and “the amazing pseudo sons Preston (CNA) and Kevin (PT), with Kathy assisting, added years to his life so he was in better health than most HD patients.

-For the record Allen was diagnosed in 2008 with HD, and had a stroke, TBI and evacuative surgery in 2016. In a lemon- to -lemonade situation, his doctor asked him what he was going to do when he lost his ability to do certain things that he loves. Allen replied that there were still 999 things left to do.

-He loved his job as a model builder and statistician, (other than family) was his proudest accomplishment. He built the computer models that companies can now buy to appraise neighborhoods and they are used all over the country.

-Working his way up the ranks by mowing county park lawns at 14, as a night janitor in the capital building, and working the public information desk in the appraisers office, finally landed him a job as a statistician requiring a Phd even though he had just one year of college.

_Each year we went to the Weiser fiddle festival and camped for 11 days. The camping area called “stickerville” was a bit under-loved. As we left home, Allen piled garden tools into his '72 land cruiser to mow, prune, and improve the area.

- He was the self-appointed caretaker of the trees. That area also contained a museum with a filthy ballroom on the top floor. Allen (with Jinx Davis) completely cleaned out (pigeon shit), and repaired whatever they could. That ballroom is still used for workshops and an annual swing dance during the festival.

-An amazing dad, he taught the boys outdoor and survival skills. He easily prioritized what mattered most and together we raised kind and compassionate children who knew how to self-advocate.

-Jason, my middle son was Schizoaffective and saw a psychiatrist weekly. Allen left work and never missed an appointment. Later, Dr. Nathan Currier worked with Allen monthly, and came to our home, to regulate his HD meds and have a cup of coffee.

-Finally, and what most people may remember him for, is his offbeat sense of humor which was often expressed though invented quotes. I hear many of you using them, and at some point we can compile a simple list.

-I can’t even begin to thank all the people I need to. The biggest thanks are to his aides. Many were with him for almost a decade, and many returned to help even when they had other jobs.

-So here’s to:

Kathy my sister and best friend.

Preston and Kevin my pseudo sons.

-Gayl, my buddy who sang with Allen and got him to participate. I think he even yodeled.

-Our beloved Dr. Currier who saved Jason and Allen more times than I can count.

-Many, many friends who have been there for me during the past 20 years, too numerous to name. These folks were always there for us.

Thank you Star, Gloria, Kelle.

Special love to Linn, Patrick and Fred (they built his ramp!)

And of course Tammy Pullan, our friend of at least 45 years who was also his human resource advisor at SL County.

-Oh, the stories we could tell. And we will! Either in a few minutes or at the “Wake” on May 3.

-We will now hear a Jean Richie song performed by Kate Macleod. It will give you a few minutes to think of any reasonably non-offensive, short stories that you might like to tell.

-After the stories we are getting close to the conclusion. Anyone who wants to do so, may put a shovel of dirt over the casket and say a private prayer. If you don’t want to do that, no worries. If you are curious about the tradition, ask me after. Please stay for the conclusion and PSAs.

-Lunch

Wake May 3

Guest book

-We will conclude with the “Hymn of Ordinary Motion” performed on dobro by Jerry Douglas. Then I will say my closing words for my love of 40 years.

Allen, I love you, thank you, I forgive you, I’ll see you…