Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1954
DIED
2017
Bruce Mitchell Obituary
November 24, 1954 - September 4, 2017
Bruce Edward Mitchell was born November 24, 1954 and passed away on September 4, 2017. He was born in Billings, Montana to Ed and Nadine Mitchell, who preceded him in death. His family moved to Barstow in 1963, where he lived the rest of his life. He graduated from Kennedy High School in 1972, Barstow College in 1974, and California Lutheran University in 1976. He excelled in all sports, including football, baseball and wrestling, and was inducted into the inaugural Barstow College Athletic Hall of Fame. Bruce served as a teacher and coach for Barstow Unified and Silver Valley Unified School Districts, and Barstow College. He also served as the Sports and Recreation Coordinator for the Barstow Park and Recreation District, the manager of the Sportspark in Barstow, and began his career as a dock worker for Yellow Freight. He was always grateful for these opportunities that allowed him to work with and help young people succeed. He greatly enjoyed developing athletic and recreational programs that increased opportunities for young people to further develop their athletic and life skills, and he celebrated their successes. Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Mary Duran, and they were together for forty-six years. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary; daughter Laura and her children Jonathan Jr. and Layla and their father Jonathan, son Curtis and his fiancé Katie, brother Curt and sister-in-law Sherry and their children, Michael, Michele and Matt; and sister Pam. He is also grieved by the Duran family, including Kathy Swagger, husband Mark and their children Tricia and Tracy; Vickie Farlow and husband Blaine; Mark and wife Darla; grand- children and great-grandchildren; their significant others; Millie Sinner, Tom, Elaine and Dave Sinner, and their children and grandchild; and Jake Adams. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 16th at the Cora Harper Community Center in Barstow, CA at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held immediately following the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Mitchell
Maria Perez
September 7, 2024
I remember Bruce in highschool Maria and Sonny Perez he was a great person didn't realize it was so long God Bless Mary and family
Maria Perez
September 7, 2020
Bruce was a special guy who we Sonny and Maria Perez went to high school with. Fun times great memories with him in school and then with his family. God Bless Mary and the family
Michele Wagstaff
September 18, 2017
Curt and Pam, So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers <3 ...Harold and Michele Wagstaff
Rick Haynes
September 17, 2017
Sad to hear of the passing of Bruce Mitchell. I remember him as a great competitor and all around good guy. Curt and family, please accept my condolences.
Mike and Alma Pettengill
September 16, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences to Mary, Curt, and Pam and their families for their loss. It began with EBLL, then at JFK, then the Top Hat "dynasty." Bruce had such a positive outlook on life that you couldn't help but be drawn to him. His sense of humor and infectious laugh is what I will miss most. We both know that he will be forever missed by those who's lives he touched. May you RIP, and know you were loved by many.
Maria and Sonny Perez
September 16, 2017
Mary, Curt and entire family we still can't believe that beautiful spirit Bruce had is gone. Our memories began in high school up to now. We will never know why this happened but God knows when our work on earth is done. All our Love Sonny, Maria Perez and family
Denis & Mary Moon
September 16, 2017
Leader, volunteer and competitor, a life beautifully lived. Bruce will be missed but never forgotten. Our deepest sympathies to Mary, Curtis, Laura, Curt and family.
September 15, 2017
Linda and Leo Spatziani
Newberry Springs, Ca.
Alfred Penny Flores
September 15, 2017
Our deepest sympathies and may God bless you all.
Penny and Al Flores
David Neal Class of 1971 JFK
September 15, 2017
Mary we are so sad for your lose. Our deepest and sincere condolences to all the Mitchell family. I to have many fond memories with both Bruce and Curt from way back from our time in High School. Just to many to mention and I will also remember his smile and laughter. R.I.P. My friend May God Bless you and keep you by his side and God Bless your family and help them get through this time.
Toni Houck (Garcia)
September 15, 2017
Dear Mary, Curt, Pam and families, Bruce was one of the nicest guys ever. Though most of the time I knew him was in school - even at a young age I remember many encouraging words from him. Sometimes when I visited my dad I ran into Bruce at "Del Taco" and would tell my dad "that guy never changes - he's so genuinely nice. What a great loss not only for you but an entire community. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kelly Metzger (Hudson)
September 15, 2017
I couldn't help but smile when remembering Bruce. My first memory was him, dad (Greg), and Curt playing city basketball in the very early 80s, perhaps as early as 1979. Wow, to think how long ago that was.
May the love of those around you be a comfort.
God bless you, all.
Patty (Wilkins) Foster
September 14, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the Mitchell Family and extended family at this time. I served with Bruce on Student Council at Kennedy High. He had sound ideas, was diplomatic and his laughter was infectious. God bless you all and grant you peace.
September 14, 2017
First of all, my deepest condolenses to Bruces wife Mary,and brother Curt,and there all there familes..I go way back to when bruce and curt first came to barstow and i met them thru the east barstow little league,and competed against both of them many times, but we all had fun and playing ball,was a common ground back then.....My Father, later on sold a house on Frances drive to bruce and curts mom,later in the seventies i believe,,,,anyways, it was just down the street about 3 or 4 houses and id always see then comming or going to school.....Bruce had a very infectious laugh,and the kind where youd just have to look at him sometimes, and youd bust out laughing........ive been gone from Barstow over 40 yrs now, im sure ive missed a lot of what went on those past years, but the good memories i had of bruce ill always remember....Rest in Peace Bruce,,,,,Tom Setzer
September 14, 2017
Our most sincere condolences to the Mitchell family. I miss seeing Bruce wave as he drove by in that big blue Dodge pickup which was like the energizer battery that kept going & going, etc. With Marie's family living 2 doors from Bruce's family,we grew up with Bruce and graduated from Kennedy with him. May God Bless you and give you strength during this difficult time.
Tommy & Marie James
Jim and Peggy Hayes
September 14, 2017
Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and the extended Mitchell family during this difficult time. Bruce taught us many life lessons through sports, and we will be eternally grateful. He was a unifying organizer and community leader who didn't need a spotlight to shine. His passion and persistence made him a key player in the core group that moved the idea of a sports park from dream to reality. Bruce's personality was engaging and his character was above and beyond reproach. His humor was infectious and taught us that laughter really is the best medicine. We are blessed to have known Bruce and will truly miss our friend.
Susie Beisel-Flaherty
September 14, 2017
So sorry for your families. Praying that you will feel the Lord holding you close and give you comfort.
Dale Abbitt
September 14, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Mitchell family. I met Bruce and Curt threw Barstow Softball assoc. I also worked with their mom at the phone company. Bruce was a wonderful man. A leader and will be missed by so many. RIP my friend.
Peter Perez
September 14, 2017
To Mary, Laura, Curtis and the Mitchell Family,
Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened me, Bruce was such a great friend and colleague. He enjoyed teaching and coaching the youth of Barstow. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Anthony and Diane Duran
September 13, 2017
Our deepest condolence to you Mary and The family. Bruce will be missed by many. God Bless you and give you strength.
Louisa Pringle
September 13, 2017
My condolences to you and your family Mary. From Mrs Pringle's youngest daughter. R.I.P. Bruce
Joe & Bibiana Herrera
September 13, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Mary & the entire Mitchell family. Bruce was my Poker playing/softball buddy back in the day. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Joe, Bibiana Herrera & Family.
Rhonda Wolf Sanders
September 13, 2017
To Mary and your family, sorry for your loss.
From a fellow 1972 Spartan
Phyllis Jerscheid
September 13, 2017
Sudden,Shocking & Sad to hear about Bruce....Please accept my deepest condolences Mary,Curt,Sherry and the Mitchell family....
Cecilia Cordova
September 13, 2017
From a fellow Spartan, condolences to the family. Since high school, Bruce always displayed qualities of leadership and friendliness.
September 13, 2017
Mary, our deepest condolences to you, your family and to Curt and his family for the loss of Bruce. He was such a wonderful person and friend. He will always be remembered with fond memories and for his laugh and smile. God Bless you all.
Love, Laura Flores Record and Family
September 13, 2017
The retired Barstow Park and Recreation District employees offer our sincere condolences to Mary,Laura,Curtis and all the Mitchell family.
Bruce was brilliant;accountant,dictionary negotiator and stubborn.
His laughter,kindness,thoughtfulness and passion for sports and our youth will be missed.
In our hearts, Bruce and "Old Blue" will always be considered a legend to the Barstow Park and Recreation District.
Mary Ann Serafin
Elizabeth RIBERA Esquivel
September 13, 2017
Condolences to the Bruce Mitchell family.
I knew Bruce from John F. Kenemy High school. He and his brother Curt were good friends with my brothers.
Rest in peace Bruce.
September 12, 2017
Myself, Shirley Gray, and Maryann worked side by side with Bruce for many years at the Barstow Park and Recreation District. He was the most respected man in this community. He gave his time, energy, and wisdom to many youth and adults in this community thru his sports expertise. He has touched so many in this community with his talent, which was sports.
It was a joy working with Bruce.
Heaven has gained a coach with many talents.
Joann Garcia
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Bruce Mitchell's name
Memorial Events
for Bruce Mitchell
How to support Bruce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bruce Mitchell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
