Hugh Edward Mitchell

Born on September 4, 1908 in Houghton County, Michigan. Died at the age of 93 on December 16, 2001 in Seattle, Washington. Hugh, and his two younger brothers Donald and Robert, were brought to Spokane Valley, Washington, and raised on a small farm by their maternal grandparents. Hugh worked for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company now Qwest in supervisory and management positions for 47 years. He retired in 1973. Hugh excelled in Racquet sports including badminton, tennis, and table tennis. In addition, he belonged to the Seattle Mountaineers and was active in climbing. Hugh was also a rock hound and belonged to two archaeological societies. During the depression in 1934, Hugh took a leave of absence from the Telephone Company and took a three-month trip around the world on the American Mail Line. At age 49, Hugh joined a three-week Goodwill International Badminton Tour of Europe playing with and against some of the world?s best players. At age 64, Hugh entered many United States Tennis Association Tournaments, and over the next 20 years, was ranked number one in the Pacific Northwest 21 times in six different age categories. He was married to his loving wife, Edna A. Mitchell, for 36 years. They took many trips during their winters to Mesa, Arizona visiting friends and relatives, and spent their summers gardening and enjoying life in their home in Seattle. Edna passed away in January 2001. By his first wife, Esther, Hugh leaves two sons, Richard Mitchell of Golden, Colorado, and Donald Mitchell of Sunnyvale, California. Hugh has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2001 at 2 P.M., Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N., Seattle. The family requests that gifts, in lieu of flowers, should be sent to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.