Ed Mitchell

Ed Mitchell
Ed Mitchell beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on May 29th, 2023. He was 74. Born to Helen and Jay Mitchell in Modesto, the family moved to Whitethorn, CA. when Ed was two. Ed spent many summers working in the woods with his dad and began driving a logging truck when he was 16. He loved working outdoors. He was proud of his "Thorn" heritage...his early years in the rural mountains of the north coast and the ethics imparted were evident for the rest of his life.
Ed had a ten-year career with Bank of America, which taught him the financial aspects of real estate. He then began developing land for residential projects. For 18 years he built many beautiful homes around the town of Sonoma and later in Willits. His most recent accomplishment, working closely with his wife and son, was the Haehl Creek Subdivision in Willits.
Ed was well known for his work ethic, love of family and friends, and his generous spirit. He was an avid hunter his entire life. Ed enjoyed entertaining friends and family at his ranch and was a master at the grill. Ed was a unique individual, who could get things done, whether it was at a public hearing, a construction job site, or on his ranch, which captivated his heart. He loved meeting people and was quick to make friends. He always took time to stop and chat with everyone he knew and touched many lives.
One of Ed's dreams was to raise cattle, so In 1986 he and his dad bought his first 16 cows. He took great pride in the healthy, beautiful animals he raised.
Ed delighted in time spent with his son, James. He began coaching him when he was six and continued through High School. They loved to hunt, golf, enjoy water sports and be together with friends and family. They shared a special bond and while it may feel like this happened too soon, the apple did not fall far from the tree.
Ed is survived by his wife Barbara, son James (Christina), grandchildren Claire and Benjamin, brothers Jay and Guy, and mother-in-law Arden Fenwick.
A celebration of life will be held on June 24th at 3 p.m. at Bruce and Linda Burton's barn at 350 Sherwood Road, Willits. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Willits High Booster Club, PO Box 2004, Willits 95490.