Thomas R. Mitchell

Age 94, passed away on July 12, 2008 at his home in Merrimack, NH surrounded by loved ones. Tom, born in Alberta, Canada, the oldest child of Frank and Frankie (White) Mitchell, was raised primarily in Oregon graduating from Tualatin High School in 1932. Tom's early years were packed with adventure. His many stories provided entertainment to all who knew him and included tales of working in the logging camps and riding the rails during the depression. He spent 23 years in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Montpelier during WWII as a Chief Fire Control man where he was greatly admired and respected by his shipmates, and where lifelong friendships were formed. The next 20 plus years were spent working for Raytheon Company as an electrical engineer and living with his family in Acton, MA. Always yearning for the Pacific Northwest, he and wife Gertie retired to LaPine, OR in 1977. They made a final move to Merrimack in 1997 in order to be closer to family. Known in the neighborhood for his manicured lawn and snow-free driveway, Tom was strong and vibrant to nearly the end an inspiration to us all. Tom is pre-deceased by two brothers, Elmer & Harry Mitchell, both formerly of Oregon. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Gertrude (Graber) Mitchell; a sister, Jeanie Bryan of LaPine, OR; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael & Michelle Mitchell of Merrimack, NH; a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon & David Chadwick of Albuquerque, NM; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna & Robert Piche of Groton, MA; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan & Tim Fischer of Amherst, NH; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate his extraordinary life will be held in the George R. Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack NH on Thursday at 11 AM. Burial will follow in the NH Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Home, Health & Hospice Care, 22 Prospect St. Nashua NH For more info go to rivetfuneralhome.com