Richard Roy Mitchell

October 25, 2025

Richard Roy Mitchell, known to most simply as “Rick,” passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2025. While he may have preferred a quiet day on the lake over a crowded family gathering, Rick left a lasting impression on everyone he met—usually with a joke, a grin, and maybe a playful jab if you were lucky.

Rick was a man of simple pleasures and strong values. He could rattle off the names of his siblings—Patty, Hessie, Lou, Gabe, Ricky, Becky, Terry, and Cheryl—faster than most people can remember their own phone numbers. And he did it with a smile because his family was important to him.

His favorite things in life were fishing, golfing, bowling, and cruising on his Harley. He especially loved fishing with his kids and grandkids, though it’s debatable whether he was more interested in catching fish or cracking jokes. Either way, whether you captured a fish or not, the laughter was always guaranteed.

Bowling and golfing were also a big part of Rick’s life. He kept track of his scores like it was a stock portfolio, had personalized bowling balls, and a mismatch of golf clubs and balls to play with the best. If you were smart though, you would never let him drive the golf cart because you never knew where his silly antics would take you.

Rick was a construction man through and through, working right up until his final days. At 72, he was still the first one up to unload the lumber truck and kept himself busy in any way that he could. Sitting still was never his thing—unless he was on his Harley, in which case he was still moving, just with his own style.

He took pride in everything he owned, especially his truck, which was so clean it could have doubled as a showroom. If you were one of the grandkids who dared bring a snack or drink into it, you probably got a good-natured lecture—and maybe a vacuum handed to you.

Though Rick wasn’t one for big family gatherings, he cared deeply for his family and loved spending time with his grandkids—especially if it involved making them laugh with his signature goofy antics. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer advice (solicited or not), and of course, make you laugh like no other.

Rick leaves behind his 4 wonderful children, Ricky Mitchell & his wife Bonnie, Adamm Mitchell & his wife Jennifer, Josh Mitchell & his fiancé Jay Godston, and Samantha Mitchell. He also leaves behind his grandchildren that he cherished, Julia & Owen Mitchell and Monika & Raven Mitchell. As well as his beloved siblings, Terry Layden, Patty Holdridge, Rebecca Hickox, and Lumina Shumbo. He was pre-deceased by his additional siblings, Gabe Mitchell, Cheryl Karol, and Hester Chapman.

Rick’s legacy is one of laughter, loyalty, and a life lived on his own terms. He may be gone, but his stories, his jokes, and his spotless truck will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.