In Memory

David Albert Mitchell - Class Of 1972

David Albert Mitchell

David Mitchell

December 22, 1953 - May 3, 2022

David was born in Ontario, California and grew up with his younger sister, Jennifer '74, surrounded by family and friends. His family moved to South Pasadena when he was 14, graduating from SPHS in 1972.

In high school he was very active, playing baseball, serving on the grad night committee, and was a cheerleader. He loved to skateboard and was often with his friends, skateboarding down the hills in South Pasadena. He also loved to surf and started building surfboards in 1972. He continued making beautiful boards throughout his life for friends and family.

After high school, David moved to Rochester, New York and working with his father, learned the tile trade. Eventually he moved back to California and continued on in that field and became a master craftsman adding his artistic flair to all the projects he completed. He acquired his general contractor license and started his own business. He helped to restore many important historical monuments in the greater Los Angeles area and his work can be found up and down the coast of California. David came from a musical family and he developed a love for folk music, rock, jazz, and the blues. He played the harmonica and guitar and performed with several groups, including groups with his son Mason, who plays drums. David was also very proud of his 35-plus years of sobriety and had a strong support group and took his role as sponsor very seriously.

David believed in sustainability and was a gifted gardener. In most places where he lived, he turned his backyard into a vegetable garden and shared the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. David passed suddenly while working in his garden in Santa Cruz. He is survived by his three children, Miles (Ash) Mitchell, Mason (Page) Mitchell, and Mattie (Daniel) Taylor; four grandchildren; his sister, Jennifer Mitchell (Michael) Miranda; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Thomsen and father, Richmond Mitchell.

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.