Derick Lee Mitchell

Derick Mitchell breathed his first breath of heavenly air June 25, 2014, leaving behind a sizable army of family and friends reeling from his sudden departure. Derick would say there was nothing special about him, but his wife of 12 years, son, parents, siblings, multitudes of extended family, and his beloved bird dog Jillie would disagree. He gave everyone he knew his entire attention.

See, you don't replace a Derick Mitchell. You count yourself lucky you knew him, then try to duct tape the gaping hole left by his premature absence. Growing up in Bakersfield, Derick was proud of what he considered his redneck roots (he loved hunting and Duck Dynasty to further the stereotype). He attended both North and Centennial High Schools, where he was a member of the swim teams. He married his beautiful wife and received a son and a Siberian Husky in the package deal, and from that day forward they were a family.

Derick didn't do life halfway. He was an unapologetic Star Wars and X-Men geek; excelled at tie wire repairs, magic tricks, and pointing out the obvious; enjoyed fine wine, cracked crab, SCUBA, his motorcycle, the Broncos, Dodgers, God, and traditionally decorated Christmas trees. He found true joy and a second family in his work with Talladega Frights, where his absence creates a scar among his loving crew and cast, who consider him a fine builder, teacher, and brother.

Services for Derick will be upbeat, and the family hopes attendees will dress with color, just as Derick lived. Please join them at Brimhall Church, Tuesday, July 8, 1:00pm. Reception to follow at The Bridge. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Wells Fargo #5327499447.