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John Mittan Obituary
Barry Mittan, 63, died January 23, 2013 in Tallahassee. He was born in Hummelstown, PA and moved around the world with his family while his father was in the military. When his family settled in Orlando, Barry came to Tallahassee to attend FSU.
While at FSU he pursued his avocation of sports photography, covering all major FSU sports during the 60's, 70's, and 80's. He was also a proud member of the FSU Flying High Circus, performing on the slack wire and juggling. He became the unofficial photographer of the circus and provided much of the photo archives that document its history. He completed his masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning and went on to a 30-year career with the Florida Department of Health.
Following his retirement from the state, he pursued one of his passions as a photojournalist for international figure skating. He traveled the globe covering skating events. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Professional Skaters Association Edi Scholden Award for Best Figure Skating Photograph of the Year in 1996 and 1998.
Barry's second passion was his gardens. He turned 8 ½ acres of cow pasture into a lush Garden of Eden. The fruits of his labors will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Barry and Jayne shared many travel adventures around the world, including England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, Italy, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaiil
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jayne, his brother Gary in Orlando, his sisters Marla(Brian) in Oregon and Beverlei (Sal) in Arizona.
Per his request, no services are planned. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 26th from 2 until 5 pm at the couple's home at 11398 Buck Lake Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leon County Humane Society, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, or the Florida Wildlife Federation in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Mittan
Cheryl A Wright
January 19, 2025
Mr. Mittan
I have some very sweet & dear memories of you & your kindness. Your business w/us @ the Tallahassee Camera Center, the last time that I passed by you (coming out of the bank @ Cap. Cir & Centerville), & passing through Buck Lake Rd.
Thank you sir for being a Good Human while on this side of the mountain & for the dear memories.
R.I.P......heaven has a beautiful angel .
Cheryl Wright
January 19, 2024
Wow...has it really been 10 years since you left this earth. Well, you haven´t been forgotten. Remembering you as a very kind & wonderful person...always will.
Thanks so very much for all of your talents & showing this world what a wonderful human being is/can be.
R.I.P.
Islara
January 19, 2022
Barry, I hope you are enjoying a beautiful ballet in the ice crystals of the clouds. You were one of the best bosses I ever had.
Jarrett Zarate
January 9, 2022
He was very kind and generous sharing beautiful photos of figure skating. I'm sorry for your loss.
Islara Souto
January 19, 2021
Barry and I worked together at the DOH-Office of Health Planning in Tallahassee. He was a great boss, and I remember him as a caring, loving and kind person. Now I have daylilies planted in my Miami garden and think of him often.
August 21, 2013
Dear Mrs. Mittan,
I knew Barry while he was at SAHS. He was a gentle person and well liked. I am sure that he made a wonderful impact on many people throughout his life.
My thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Greg Dess
Frisco, Texas
Barbara Kennedy Gosser
August 21, 2013
I went to school with Barry when we lived in Korea - while I haven't had any contact with him since then, I am sadden to learn of him passing.
Vicki Mixon
July 6, 2013
Jayne and family, I met Barry when I walked on the FSU Flying High Circus lot, Fall Quarter, 1970. He was always kind, quiet and well loved. I haven't seen him since the 50th anniversary of the circus, a reunion for so many of us. I was attempting to get in touch with Barry when I found out about his accident. He will be missed by friends around the world. My condolences to you and family.
Islara Souto
February 20, 2013
My deepest condolences to Jayne and Barry's family. He was a wonderful person with a huge heart and will always be remembered for the kindness and beauty he brought to others.
Baby Carolina Wrens near our Barry-Bulbs! April 2011
Kea Herron
February 1, 2013
Dear Family of Barry,
Although I don't believe I ever met Barry, I've bought his bulbs to support the Leon County Humane Society. Now, every time I see one in bloom, I'll think fondly of him. It was wonderful to read of all his gifts to the world (photography, flowers, and more), but profoundly sad to learn of his untimely death.
Barry has made countless lives better!
May his many gifts to all of us enrich your lives as you find the strength to continue in his memory.
Cheryl Wright
January 28, 2013
Dear Mrs. Mittan, I was so shocked to see the article in the paper. Mr. Mittan was a great customer of ours @ the Camera Center. It was always such a pleasure to see & talk w/him. Just a very nice & decent human being to know. Our prayers go out to you @ this time. Take care! CWS/Camera Center/Publix
Chuck & Donna Ross
January 28, 2013
Jayne-
We are stunned & saddened by the news of Barry's untimely passing. He was such a wonderful person, terrific friend & talented professional. Our greatest bond was the FSU Flying High Circus & he has left us ALL so many fantastic, tangible images & memories. The world has lost a really great human being & inspirational role model. We pray you find solace in all the great memories & adventures you shared together. All our love & prayers.
Randy Yarborough
January 28, 2013
A great man and a great legacy to the Circus arena. I always enjoyed being around Barry and Jayne on many occasions at FSU circus and my public appearences. Never fail they would show up on many events to say hello and get a laugh or two. Great friends. I will miss Barry's humor and stories. God bless you Jayne and family.COO COO THE CLOWN
Tom Lacher
January 28, 2013
Jayne -- Susan and I are more than sad, we are so sorry for this terrible news. We are here for you and will do whatever you need us to do.
Barry was one of the first people I met and worked with back when we were all HRS @ Winewood.
So much of Barry remains with us forever. Bless you and all the "critters."
Love you, Tom and Susan
Tallahassee Photo
January 28, 2013
To the Mittan Family,
Barry was a true friend of the store and he will be sorely missed. His wit and positive attitude always brightened our day when he came in. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Our condolences- Tallahassee Photo
January 27, 2013
Dear Jayne,
I was so saddened to hear this news. Barry was a great friend. It was always a pleasure to have Barry, and you of course, come to visit me here in Brisbane. I was looking forward to the next visit. It was always great to catch up with Barry at events around the world. May God bless you.
Michael O'Connor
Brisbane, Australia
Phyllis Segawa
January 27, 2013
Barry will be missed by all of the employees at World Botanical Garden but will always be remembered everytime we look at his lillies he donated to our "Garden Living Room". Thanks Barry for all that you've done for our Garden.
Rosemary & Lea Metcalfe
January 26, 2013
Jayne, Words are so inadequate but know that we are thinking of you with heavy hearts, and sending you comforting thoughts with love from across the pond. May your grief quickly fade into all those wonderful memories of Barry, and may your family, friends, and faith give you all the love and support you need.
Katherine Seymour
January 26, 2013
I will remember Barry's kindness to all of the circus members and his excitement for his craft, photography. It was a pleasure knowing him during my time at FSU Flying High Circus, 1970-74. Please accept my sympathies.
January 26, 2013
Jayne,
On behalf of World Botanical Gardens, I want to express our deep condolences. Barry was a generous, talented and tireless contributor to this project. I had the privilege to work with Barry in Hakalau and various Board events. His kind and gentle manner will be missed by all.
Steve Bryant, Chairman
Jan and Bill Bigler
January 26, 2013
Jane, It was shocking news to hear about Barry. We send our condolences to you and your family.Barry was one of a kind and his many contributions to his community and beyond will not be soon forgotten. We will sincerely miss him and the stories of your many adventures.
Susan McNamara
January 26, 2013
So sorry to hear about Barry! I knew him ages ago from work and a weekly bowling league. He was a sincerely kind, nice person, always good for an interesting conversation. He will truly be missed.
Margie Peters
January 25, 2013
Jayne and family~
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of Barry to forever hold in your heart. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." (From a Headstone in Ireland)
Robbie Bradley
January 25, 2013
Thinking of you Jayne.
Nancy Wannall
January 25, 2013
Jayne, you have been a pillar of strength in my life and in the lives of so very many of our patients. I am here to support you and to offer my arms to hold and comfort you. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
Barbara Jean Fountain Rhyne
January 25, 2013
Jayne, so sorry to hear this. I remember mine and Mother's visit with you many years ago. God Bless you and your family through this trying time.
Steve Edwards and family
January 25, 2013
Please accept our sincere condolences.
January 25, 2013
Jayne-
I met Barry when I was in the FSU circus 1971-72. What a kind gentle man.It was great to see him when I attened home show in the spring. I was shocked to hear of the accident & will remember you & him in my prayers.
God Bless,
Kristi Kutz
One of Barry's daylilies...
Lisa Lazarus
January 25, 2013
I was shocked and so sorry to read about Barry's passing. For years I have enjoyed coming out and paying it forward in his style--buying lilies and plants to fund causes we both believe in. I admired his amazing, unending work and stewardship of the land--and he always had such great plans and ideas. It was always a pleasure to come out and see the wallabies and hear about your trips. What a grand life! I will so miss him but enjoy his efforts through all of the flowers he enhanced our yard with. Thank you Barry, for setting such a great example of how to be a wonderful human being.
Michelle Capron
January 25, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I had been in touch with Barry a few years back and he was kind enough to donate several of his beautiful photos to our local skating club for a fundraising raffle. He had such a gift for capturing the most amazing photos and showcasing the beauty of our sport, and I was so impressed by his kindness to so many of us. He was a treasure and will truly be missed.
Donald Rhodes
January 25, 2013
We express our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Our warmest regards.
Lonnie E Rhodes and Family
Donald and Theresa Rhodes
Kathy & Ralph Keiffer
January 24, 2013
Dear Jayne ~
We are saddened to learn about Barry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings,
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