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BORN
1959
DIED
2011
MITCHELL CRANE Obituary
Mitch was born October 31, 1959 in Corning, CA to Donald and Jean Crane. He died suddenly after a morning hunt in the foothills west of Willows, CA on August 31, 2011, at the age of 51.
Mitch lived in Corning until age 10, when his family moved to Chico and he attended Notre Dame School and Pleasant Valley High School. After high school graduation in 1978, Mitch enrolled in the gunsmithing program at the Colorado School of Trades in Denver. He graduated with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Gunsmithing in December of 1979 and began work as a gunsmith in Chico.
In 1982, Mitch moved to Placerville to work for the family lumber moulding and cut stock business, Pacific Southeast Forest Products. He continued to work in the moulding industry for the duration of his life.
Mitch found his occupational calling in 2003 with the purchase of his 22' North River jet boat. After earning his United States Coast Guard captain's license as a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer, Mitch started Crane Guide Service and began an exuberant career as a fishing guide.
Mitch enjoyed preparing new salmon recipes, working in his shop, family vacations to National Parks, and spending time at the family cabins in Jonesville and Lake Almanor. He loved the outdoors and spent many happy days hiking, hunting and fishing with family and friends. Any day fishing on the river was a good day.
In 1998, Mitch married his high school sweetheart, Kelly Baker, forming their blended family. He is survived by his wife, Kelly; children Tyler Crane, Kathryn Ward and Ryan Ward; brother, Curt (Eium); sister, Kathy and father, Don; three nieces, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean.
Mitch will forever be remembered as a wonderful, loving husband, father, and friend. Mitch is deeply loved and will be missed very much.
There will be a celebration of Mitch's life at Cedar Grove in Bidwell Park at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 9, 2011.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hooked on Fishing, c/o Newton-Bracewell Funeral Homes.
You may share your thoughts and memories online at nbcfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MITCHELL CRANE
6 Entries
Joel Avalos
September 12, 2011
Dear Kelly and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thanks to Mitch, my sons first and subsequent fishing experiences were incredible and memorable with Mitch. It became a tradition before my son would get on Mitch's boat. My son would say "Captain Mitch, permission to come aboard!" Mitch would look at my son, with a twinkle and his eye and say "Come aboard, Pardner!"
If there is anything I can do, Please do not hesitate to contact me.
God bless you all.
The Poliquin Family
September 9, 2011
Dear Kelly and Family,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Mitch's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember his quiet, gentle nature and will treasure our amazing fishing experience we had with him as our perfect guide.
Please call if you need anything, anytime.
Barbara Walker
September 8, 2011
Dear Kelly,
I remember when you and Mitch found each other again after so many years apart. You glowed with happiness. I am so sorry to read of his passing...way too soon. May your happy memories together help to sustain you through this most difficult of times.
Sending your family love and prayers. Barbara
September 7, 2011
Dear Kelly and family, I am John Zeppi, Mitch and I were close friends in our younger days, I am so sorry for your loss, he was one who will be missed and I will never forget the good times we spent together hunting and fishing in bidwell park.
Janet Grell
September 7, 2011
Kelly,
I'm so sorry about Mitch. So sad for you and the kids. I won't be able to make the celebration but will be with you in spirit. I am here for anything needed.
Much love. Janet
Buck & Judy Buckley
September 7, 2011
Dearest Kelly and family.
Our hearts are heavy for your loss and words
are hard to find. We are so sorry for your loss.
Love and prayers are with you all.
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