Phillip J. Mitchell

Phillip J. Mitchell

Phil Mitchell passed peacefully and in the company of family on October 30, 2012, aged 82. Born in Seattle Oct. 6, 1930, Phillip was the eldest of Carl J. and Margaret R. Mitchell's four children.

With family roots extending to Ellensburg and Black Diamond, WA, and as far as Luxembourg and Ireland, he spent his entire life in Seattle, minus a three year tour in the U.S. Army. A graduate of Seattle Prep, Saint Martin's College, and Seattle University, Phillip was an original Seattle eclectic.

Equal parts poet, philosopher, theologian, thespian, Teamster, musician, barber and artist, Phillip was a regular sight in the 1950's and 60's Blue Moon and Rathskeller tavern scene where he could be found singing and otherwise waxing eloquent. His iconic pipe and ever-present 35mm camera accompanied the Hiyu Coolee hiking club across countless Northwest alpenscapes.

While working at the Bon Marche, Phil fell in love with the lovely daughter of a Philippine diplomat, and the two were married in 1968. He and his wife Chi had one son, and were married 24 years until they divorced in 1992, the same year he retired from Teamsters Local 117.

Phil placidly spent his retirement in the company of books, NPR and his lifelong friend and fellow Sea Scout, Don Anderson (who coincidentally passed just days after Phil.) A lover of all animals, Phil always carried dog-biscuits in his pockets, kept bread in his car for his feathered friends, and passively domesticated countless ferrel cats.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, and a long list of cats. He is survived by his ex-wife Chi, his son Martin and daughter-in-law Cathy, his grandchildren Isabel and Sophie, his two brothers Ronald and William, his sister Pauline, and cats Angus and Ceri.

Memorial services will be held in 2013 in accordance with Phil's wishes. Sign Phil's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.