Since we returned from Kennesaw we have been trying to put into words our thoughts about our nephew Tommy.  He would come up to Worcester for summer vacations as a child and stay with me, Uncle Tom & his grandparents Mitch and Molly. He went to camp and enjoyed learning about all things Mitchell.  That bond remained throughout his life.  He was the link to Bob for Molly and she loved that.   It was so great to be with Tommy on his first trip to Ireland. He talked about people and places there, becoming an expert on the roads!   We will miss our conversations but have so many good memories. Rest in Peace Tommy

Hi Tom, since meeting you first 18 years ago in UPS, I have always considered you a great friend and glad we kept in touch over the years, sharing the Ireland stories and loved it when we visited Dublin for business trips.  Was hoping that I was going to see you alot more in Ireland over the next years. Echoing some of the other comments, you were a fantastic boss, colleague and friend and will be sorely missed. I hope there is a 'Waxy O'Connor's' pub above those clouds up there as you loved that place in London or a 'Fado Fado' where you used to bring me when I was visiting Atlanta. I'm sure you are keeping all those angels entertained with all the great global stories, experiences and yarns.

Aunt Nancy and all the Georgia Mitchell's,
Tommy will certainly be missed by all of his family here in Massachusetts. I always enjoyed his visits to Worcester and to Cape Cod. He was a funny and kind man. On his last visit to Nantucket for my brothers wedding, Tommy gladly played chase and baseball with my 4 year old son Sean.  It was a nice memory for us to have. I'm so glad that we were able to spend a few days with him last summer and that he was able to meet my children. Tommy is in a better place now, but much much too soon. I hope he is watching some Notre Dame football with Uncle Bobby and Uncle Tommy. God bless Tommy.

Tata, 
It still doesn't seem real. I cant't think about you without crying and wanting you to come back. 

I'm still driving your BMW every day to school and I think back to those days you'd drive me to elementary school in your red jeep. That was the best car. There were always Altoids for me to munch on as we made up a song about my little blanket back at home. 

I miss how you always used to hate having your picture taken. How you made faces for only Patrick and I to see. How we would laugh that you only packed two pairs of shorts and shirts for a long trip. I miss being called your sweetieheart. 

I thought I'd be traveling to Ireland with you in the near future. I thought we would all go to Hong Kong together. I thought you'd come out to Athens for another football game. I thought we would have more years at Hilton Head together. And I thought that I'd be enjoying your chicken enchiladas for many more dinners.  

You were always my example on how to save money and how to spend it on what mattered. I can't thank you enough for all that you gave me over the years. You always made sure I had what I needed and that everything was okay. I'll never have someone look out for me so fervently ever again. .

I'll never forget any of your sayings or songs you made up with us. Or the way you'd point to your heart when you said goodbye to me. I still have all of the currency you brought back from all over the world. 

Over these last 19 years you've showed me what it means to truly be selfless and caring. 
Thank you Tata. And now you're in my heart forever.

Thank you for being the best uncle to Emi and Patch.  Thanks for all the fun family times on vacations, cookouts, Ireland trips, ski trips, Peachtree Road races, Lake Burton, ND football, and just being there for us all.  I knew when I married Beth you would become my brother-in-law, but I also found a best friend.  We will all miss you.  God bless you and keep you, Tommy, until we meet again.

Uncle Tommy you were the best uncle I could ever have. You were always there for me. You attended lots of my sporting events. Even though you were traveling a lot we always did so much when you were home and on vacations. You came up with lots of jokes while you were visiting and they lasted a long time. I enjoyed playing golf with you over the last year. I got pretty good and you bought me my own set of clubs. I can't believe I'm not going to be able to play again with you. It's not going to be as fun without you. You always showed you were proud of my achievements in and out of school. If I ever needed or wanted something you would get it for me. I was looking forward to you being home more. I'm glad for everything we got to do together but it was too short. It's going to be different without you but I know I will see you again one day. Love, Patrick

Dear Tom, how lucky I was to be brought into the team by you 4 years ago.  I always tell my family and friends, Tom is the best boss I have ever worked with, and will always be.  Though the time we spent together was short, but all the memories were precious.  

You always took good care of the team when we went on trip by asking "everything ok?" 

You put the team in the first priority all the time especially when we discussed about lunch ideas and said "whatever you ladies want" but we all knew yum cha would always be on the top of the list. 

You told the hotel staff "just get all three of us on the same plane" when we found out the flight back home was cancelled in Mumbai. 

Every time we met, we still laughed hard with the big rat crossing my feet just outside of the Mumbai airport. 

Whenever I am fed up at work, I look at the clock, and I remember your cheerful face saying "6 o'clock gwei lo time". 

Tom, I miss you.  I know there must be a reason God takes you home at this moment.  Rest in peace and we will meet again in future.

Why has this happened?  Why has God taken Tommy away from us?  God does not need him like we need him.  My mother needs him to watch over her.  He was a dutiful, caring son.  He stayed in contact with her while in town and away.  He visited her as often as he could.  He would take her to dinner or make dinner for her and helped her around her house.  He called every day to check on her and to say, hey Mom.  
My sisters and I need him to be the loving brother that he was.   He was always available to help with anything and always wanted to cook dinner for everyone.  He was happiest when we were all together.  We need him as we looked to him for advice, especially on financial matters.  
He is needed by his niece and nephew as he showered them with love and attention.  He loved watching their various sporting events over the years and especially loved playing golf with them.  He was so thrilled to spend time with them.  
He is needed by his friends as he was loyal, caring, kind, and fun.  He always had a kind word about everyone.  He never spoke ill of anyone.  He often countered a negative comment with, Aw, he's allright.
So again, why?  Why would God take him from us who need him so much?  He was such a good, kind, generous person and maybe it was time to reward him.  Maybe God thought he had spread so much love on earth and Tommy was due his eternal rest.  He has joined our Lord and our father in heaven, which looks like Mayberry and has 40 shades of green. Where Notre Dame wins every football game.  He and my dad are spending time with John Wayne and talking about all those movies that Tommy loved to watch.  He is playing horseshoes with Mitch and eating tacos with Uncle Bob.
He is playing golf every day and telling the others in heaven about his amazing niece and nephew.  Tommy has been a good son, brother, uncle, friend and he has finished his race.  He has crossed the finish line a winner and is now enjoying his promised reward of peace and rest.  
And he will continue being a good son, brother, uncle, and friend  just in a different way.  He is now watching over us as an angel on our shoulder and will always be with us in our hearts.

Dear Tom,  how lucky we had you led us for four years.  We shared holiday plans, weekend activities, lunch ideas (though yam cha must be your first choice), personal life, daily jokes and family matters everyday.  You always stayed at the end of the group to protect us when we traveled, and back us up whenever we needed too.  I will keep all the good memories of you and tell my Katy how nice Uncle Tom to her and the mother.   Enjoy your beloved Irish beer in the heaven.

Growing up with my male cousins, brother and Tommy, I was always the youngest. Whenever we were all together at the lake trouble just always seem to find us. Tommy always made sure I was included in this trouble and for that I am thankful. Our family gatherings at Christmas at our Aunt and Uncles were always a great family time and Tommy was at his best at those. He loved life and family and I am truly blessed for having counting him as a friend.

U!!!  

This is the word we will always tease each other ever since we had TRBA audit in Manila back in 2014.  Though I didn't have an opportunity to say goodbye to U or see your face for the last time or hug U one last time, I'm thankful to God for reuniting us in Asia (Kuala Lumpur) and spending last few moments in last 10 days of your life.

U were the 1st person in Internal Audit (IA) I ever worked with when I was joined as a guest auditor in Vietnam audit.  From then, U were the one who inspired me to join IA dept.  U were my most respected, wise, loyal and loving "gweilo" friend I ever had.  I really enjoyed the times we spent working together and travelling around Asia (especially the fun times in Sydney).  U have given so much help, support, encouragement, advise, opportunity, love, care and concern to me.  And U always ask if "everything okay?" or "don't worry, just try your best!".  It's always so comforting to hear that and that inspired me to work harder ever more.

The last message U sent to me the day before U passed on was "Thanks for caring.  I am so lucky you are my friend".  I should be the one to say I'm very blessed to have you as my dearest friend.  I won't blame God for bringing U away, and I will see U again in heaven my friend.  Though it is now painful to see U gone and I still have so much things to say to U, I promise U that I will be strong and continue with my pilgrim's journey on this earth.  Till we see each other again.  

I miss U dearly, Tom.  *hugs*

Dear Tom, although we have only met twice, you were such an awesome, warm and kind manager who had so much love for the Asia team. I really enjoyed working with you during the past two audits. It was lovely meeting you and thanks for bringing so much joy and laughter in our lives. We miss you and till we meet again...

Tommy, thank you for being such a great big brother. Growing up with 3 sisters couldn't have been easy. You never complained about having to share a bathroom with us and you dealt with our makeup and hair products. Being the youngest, I'm sure I got on your nerves quite a bit. You never complained when I would pull out your old school pictures and show them to your girlfriends. You would just laugh it off and let me tag along on another date. Thanks for all the fun weekend trips to Lake Burton and trying unsuccessfully to teach me how to water ski. I will treasure all the trips to Hilton Head and all the jokes and expressions you created during the week. Many of them have been remembered and repeated year over year. I appreciate all of the advice you gave me, especially financial advice. I will miss watching football with you, as you taught me how to yell at the tv as if the coaches and players could hear us. I learned how to pace the floor and curse under my breath so well I'm sure you were proud. I will miss your love for cooking for our family, especially grilling in the summer. You could always be counted on to have the best burgers as well as the best enchiladas around. You never hesitated to give to others, especially your family. You used to always tell us not to worry when something broke or was lost because it could always be replaced. Most of the time you took it upon yourself to get the replacement. You gave so much to us and never expected anything in return. I will miss your wonderful smile that always brightened any situation. Thank you for taking such good care of our parents over the past 5 years, especially mom after dad passed away. I know he was so happy to see you. I will miss you so much, but look forward to the day I will see you again and can't wait to get one of your big hugs. I love you.

Tom, thanks for being my manager and friends. You are the BEST manager I have ever had!!! Thanks for your caring and help all the time. No need to worry about us. We will be fine~

We at UPS were blessed to work with Tom for the past 20 years.  As an employee of UPS, we knew him to be a soft spoken, intelligent employee who made good business decisions.  He met his commitments, and managed according to the strong values and ethics from his family, and the principles UPS taught him.  In short, Tom was an ideal employee.  And he was so much more.  
In Tom's role as an audit manager, he trained and managed new staff auditors.  The auditors he worked with stayed in touch with him as they moved to other departments and other companies.  They kept Tom informed of job changes, marriages, new children in their families and other major events in their lives.  He attended their weddings, and when he visited their cities, they met for dinner.  Tom was a cherished friend.  
Tom's team traveled throughout the world completing audits, and during these audits we used a combination of international auditors and guest auditors who were subject matter experts in specific areas but who were not trained auditors.  We helped these guest auditors understand auditing and we benefited from their technical expertise.  Sometimes they were very nervous when they arrived, perhaps due to their limited English or because they were working with the Corporate audit team.  Tom had strong empathy for people and recognized their apprehension early in the audit process.  He sent the guest auditors emails in advance of their arrival and greeted them warmly when they arrived.  He worked with them during the assignment, assuring them we appreciated and valued their input.  They knew all would be ok working with Tom.  
There is a funny story involving a guest auditor who was not nervous.  We were on an audit in Colombia.  The country manager from Brazil, Nadier Moreno, was a guest auditor.  Nadier is attractive and very personable.  She completed her work and was leaving one day earlier than the rest of us.  She said good-by to each person, one by one, letting them know how much she enjoyed working with them and then, in typical Brazilian fashion, she kissed them on the cheek.  When she came to Tom, they talked at length.  Tom and Nadier were friends.  They knew each other for several years from other audit assignments.  They talked warmly and said their good byes.  At the end, she stood on her tip toes to kiss Tom on the cheek.  Tom was much taller than Nadier, and the kiss was not going to happen unless Tom bent down.  Tom was a reserved person and he stood tall.  She would have none of it.  She looked at Tom, put her hand on the back of his neck to pull him down and said, Don't worry Tom, I'm Brazilian, we kiss everyone.  Of course Tom complied.  It was a very humorous moment.
When you travel on an audit for several weeks, the team is together for breakfast, lunch, dinner, during working hours and sight-seeing on the weekends.  The team is your family.  Whether having dinner or hopping on the tourist busses on the weekends, it was always enjoyable traveling with Tom (and his Norte Dame shirts and sweat shirts).  He was a very principled and ethical person, who often searched for catholic churches while on the road to attend services on Sundays. 
Now we are left with the memories of the past 20 years.  We will remember the quite man who was so enjoyable to work and travel with on audits.  We will remember his hard work, empathy and compassion for people.  We will remember when he laughed with his beautiful smile, how his face lit up and how his blue eyes sparkled.  And we will always remember Smithwicks goes well with Norte Dame Football, and Baileys goes well with Hagen Daze Vanilla Ice Cream.

God Bless you Tom Mitchell!!!

Your audit partners.

Tom,
Thanks for being a great friend and for adding so much warmth and humor to our working environment.  Safe travels till we meet again.

Tommy you are my cuz and "Best Friend". I count it an honor you believed the same of me. Thank you for being there when others were not. As I finish my assignment here on earth I will miss you most in activities we enjoyed doing together. I am sure that at those times memories of you will flood my mind. I started watching Notre Dame Football games last year because of you. I will continue to do that and pull for them expect when they play Georgia Tech your second team. I will always remember the last words we spoke to each other before you going to Kuala Lumpur were I LOVE YOU. You are now in the real "Here Tis"
Gary J Taylor (Brookhaven, Ga.).

Dear Tommy, My earliest memories will always be me jumping on my bike and saying to mom, I'm going to the Mitchell's. All the sleepovers, graduating Kindergarten together, riding bikes, playing in creeks, the lake house, and so many more, it's impossible to write them all. 

But, what is it I'll remember the most? First, your smile. The last time we were together, as we were saying goodbye, Jeff and I shared a memory with you about Uncle Bob. We all laughed so hard. Then, Jeff and I got in the car to leave. As Jeff pulled out of the driveway, I looked up to wave goodbye and you were still smiling from the memory we just shared. And for this, I am thankful. Your smile. 

Next, is your kindness. Even though you were in Malaysia, when I called you answered. Because of the distance the call was breaking up. I told you it was no big deal, nothing was wrong. The next morning I had an email from you. You already knew, without me even saying, what I was calling about. And because of the time difference this would lead to 4 days of our emailing. I so treasure these emails now. Your kindness. 

Whenever I think of you, or hear your name, always Tommy, never Tom, (big grin) it will be your smile and kindness that will always leap into my heart. 

Until we meet again my dear cousin, please rest in peace. And when I join you, I know you'll be easy to find, I'll just look for your smile.

Dear Tommy, I never imagined when I said goodbye to you on July 4th it would be the last time. Thank you for being a kind, generous, loving brother, and the most wonderful uncle to Emily and Patrick. You were always looking out for us. Thank you for the two trips to Ireland, ski trips, and our annual Hilton Head vacations. Thank you for encouraging me to send our children to Catholic school and always offering your support to us. Thank you for caring so lovingly for our Dad and Mom. Thank you for all the memories of our weekends and holidays spent together with you grilling and cooking for us.  I will miss your sweet smile, your sense of humor,and presence in our lives. Your jokes and expressions will be with us always. You gave so much to others and never expected anything in return.  Until we meet again, may you rest in peace. I love you.

My dear son.  Oh, how I am hurting.  The thought of living another day without you tears my heart in pieces.  You brought so much happiness into my life. Now there is darkness.  I believe you are with your Father, who you loved so much. For your sisters sake I will try and move on. I will miss you and your hugs for the rest of my life.  You had such a BIG heart. You gave everything you had to your family.  Always had that sweet smile on your face. Don't know how we will go on without you. I will ask you like I asked your Father before he left, "Please put in a good word for me with God."  Rest in peace my dear son and first born. I love you, I love you, I love you mom

My dear brother, slán leat.  Safe travels as you join our Lord and our father.  We will miss you terribly.  We will miss your jokes, your grin, your wisdom, your generosity, and your hugs.  You were a good and caring son to our parents and a caring brother and uncle.  You always had a quick wit and kind words for everyone.  You could never do enough for all of us and we appreciate your love and kindness so much.  I knew I could always count on you for support and advice.  You followed in our father's footsteps by working hard and enjoying life.  I know you are at peace now and surrounded by loved ones but our hearts break because we will not see your smile and hear your laughter.  Slán leat my friend, until we meet again.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

OBITUARY

Thomas Bradford Mitchell

November 8, 1957 – July 21, 2016

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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