David Mitchell

David Mitchell was a great sunny spirit who illuminated his surroundings. He was unfailingly enthusiastic, ebullient, and optimistic, ready to listen, ready to help, and bright with new ideas. David was fascinated by the stages of human development and devoted his life to Waldorf education, teaching in grades one through twelve and authoring and publishing numerous textbooks. Born in December 1945 in Salem, Massachusetts his formative years were spent exploring nature. During adolescence his interest turned to sports and he excelled on the gridiron, receiving a full scholarship to the University of Massachusetts. He was drafted into the army in 1965 and was trained as a combat engineer assigned to the Special Forces in Germany. Following the military he studied in England where he met his Norwegian wife Anniken. Together they raised four children and helped pioneer the founding of the Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, New Hampshire. In 1992 he was asked to help start a high school in Boulder, Colorado - the Shining Mountain Waldorf High School - which is thriving today. In 1997 he was selected by the Amgen Corporation as one of the top two teachers in Colorado. He spent four decades serving the Association of Waldorf Schools in North America, and a decade on the leadership group in North America. He has been a member of the US Department of Education's Committee on Private School Education from President Reagan through to President Obama. His life was full, the obstacles were challenging, but his aim was unbending. His devotion to learning and teaching remained steadfast throughout. He will be greatly missed by his wife, four children, four grandchildren, and many friends and colleagues. A service will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, June 12th at Ryssby Chapel in Longmont, CO "A man does not learn to understand anything unless he loves it." - Goethe