Kenneth Richard Mitchell

Mitchell, Kenneth Richard, 56, died April 19, 2008 as a result of a tragic cycling accident on Yungas Road while on vacation in Bolivia. Ken's love for life, his gregarious manner and his passion for adventure and culture took him to many places throughout the world. His last trip was an example of this passion. Ken was born on November 30, 1951 as the 2nd of five children to Thomas and Helen Mitchell in Pittsburgh, PA. Growing up in Slovan, PA, he attended Burgettstown schools K-10 where he excelled at sports especially baseball and became a lifelong Pirates fan. The family then moved to Miami, FL where Ken graduated from North Miami High School. Ken was stationed with the Army in Germany from 1971-1974 where he learned to speak German fluently and launched his love of travel, history, and culture. Lured to California, Ken became a loyal resident of Fullerton for over 30 years. Ken earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from California State University, Fullerton and continued to be an avid Titan supporter. He was most happy courtside as a Titan basketball season ticket holder, and was ecstatic when the team won the bid for their 1st NCAA appearance in 30 years. Ken also earned a master's degree in taxation from Golden Gate University and worked as a certified public accountant since 1980. Beginning in 2001, he was a principal at Wertz & Company in the firm's Long Beach office. He was known for his great work ethic, high integrity and desire to provide quality professional service to his clients who will most miss sharing Ken's stories of exotic places, lunches, and even playing ball with Ken in the park. Ken was an integral and invaluable man in the lives of family and friends from all over the world. Closest to home in Fullerton, Ken will be missed by his two nieces who adored Uncle Ken and whom he cheered to victory at countless soccer, softball, and dance competitions. From his tennis buddies, to his closest friends, to the acquaintances he met wherever he traveled near or far, Ken will be forever remembered and loved. His beautiful mind, laughing heart, direct candor, love of debate, quirky frugalness, childlike playfulness, unyielding integrity, and quest for learning and love will never be replaced or forgotten. Ken will be missed by his siblings; Patrick, Glenn, Denise (sister-in-law) of Fullerton, Thomas, Aitana (sister-in-law) of North Bend, OR, and JoAnn Mitchell of Las Vegas, NV; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his dear and devoted friends. Ken's love of life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Juliana's Falconieri church in Fullerton with Father Luke Stano and Deacon Jay Milam officiating. The burial will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. Online condolences may be sent to the Mitchell family and friends at www.kenmitchellmemorial.blogspot.com. Those wishing to honor Ken's memory through his love of sports, education and family are asked to consider donations to: Santa Ana High School Girls' Softball Program, 520 W Walnut St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 567-4900 Attn: Lady Saints Softball Program, Glenn Mitchell, Head Coach. Checks can be made payable to: "Santa Ana High School Girls' Softball" with Ken Mitchell Memorial Fund written in the memo line. Thanks to McAulay & Wallace Mortuary 714-525-4721.