David Albert Mitchell

December 22,1953-May 3, 2022

David Albert Mitchell was born on December 22, 1953, in Ontario, California to Richmond A Mitchell and Mary M (Berny) Mitchell. David grew up in Ontario with his younger sister, Jennifer, surrounded by family and friends. At a young age, David was involved in little league and continued his love for baseball throughout his life. 

 At the age of 14, David moved to South Pasadena with his mother, sister, and stepfather (Harold Thomsen).  He attended South Pasadena High School and graduated in 1972.  David was very active during his high school years.  He played baseball, served on the grad night committee, and was a cheerleader.  He loved to skateboard and was often with his friends skateboarding down huge hills in South Pasadena.  He loved to surf and started building surfboards in 1972. He continued making beautiful boards throughout the years for friends and family. 

After David graduated, he moved to Rochester, NY  with his father, stepmother (Sandra), and sister, Rebecca. He worked with his father and learned the tile trade.  Eventually,  David moved back to California and continued on in this field.  He became a master craftsman adding his artistic flair to all the projects he completed. He later acquired his general contractor license and started his own business.  David helped to restore many important historical monuments in the greater Los Angeles area. His work can be found up and down the coast of California. 

Coming from a musical family in which both his parents were professional singers, David developed a very eclectic taste for many genres of music. Growing up he was exposed to opera and musical theater. In the 1960’s he developed a love for folk music, rock, jazz, and the blues.  He learned to play the harmonica and the guitar and performed with several groups, including groups with his son Mason, who plays drums.  David knew that music is the window to the soul.  

David believed in sustainability and was a gifted gardener.   In most places where he lived, he turned his backyard into a vegetable garden.  He often had family and friends over for BBQs and to share the fruits of his labor. 

David was very proud of his 35-plus years of sobriety. He had a strong support group and was committed to working on the steps throughout his life.  He took his role as a sponsor very seriously and helped many in their journey to live a sober life. 

In the late 1980’s David lived on the central coast with his former wife, Kimberlee, and his children.  Eventually, he and his family moved to Ben Lomond in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  At the time of his passing, David lived in Santa Cruz, close to his children and grandchildren. 

Perhaps David’s most profound legacy is the love he shared with his family and friends.  David always put his family first and was a friend and mentor to many.  David’s children and grandchildren were the centers of his life and he was a very proud father and papa. He maintained a close relationship with his sister, Jennifer, and was very supportive of his niece, Ana, in her musical endeavors. 

David passed suddenly on the morning of May 3rd while working in his garden.  He is survived by his three children, their spouses, and four grandchildren; Miles (Ash) Mitchell and their son Calvin, Mason (Page) Mitchell and their children Bridger and Trulee, and Mattie (Daniel) Taylor and their son Colson. He is also survived by his sister Jennifer Miranda (Michael), Rebecca Mitchell Harder (Jeff), his niece Ana Miranda, nephews Shamus and Liam Harder, and many cousins both in the United States and Canada. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Thomsen, father, Richmond Mitchell, and nephew Aaron Miranda. 

It’s hard to imagine life without David, but we are all grateful for the time we shared and the memories we will hold in our hearts forever. His spirit is strong and remains with us all. 

Fevente Deo Supero (By God’s favor, I conquer)

David with his daughter and granchild

 David his sons and grandkids

David Mitchell and sister Jennifer Mitchell Miranda