Michael Joe Mitchell

Michael Joe Mitchell
Jun 25, 1965 – May 2, 2021

And now there’s just us. The walking wounded. The many. The devastated. The left behind. Michael Joe Mitchell passed away May 2, 2021, in Milwaukie Oregon. A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Missouri Flats Cemetery, 14185 N Applegate Road, Grants Pass, OR, 97527.

As his sister I used to follow Michael wherever he went and he would follow me. It has always been just the two of us growing up. Separated by three years and yet none at all. And now he’s gone to the one place I can’t follow.

Michael embodied everything that is good and bright in this world. The world is a little bit dimmer now that his light has left us. He was someone larger than life that was stolen from this world too soon. He was the friend who gave such kindness throughout his life. He loved to dance, hunt, fish, and listen to country music, but most of all he loved his family.

Michael lived life at full speed, sometimes in overdrive and I didn’t think he cared whether that bothered other people or if they didn’t really get him. He loved to laugh and tell his jokes, but most of all he loved his son, daughter in law, family and friends. Michael was a fierce friend! Friends weren’t friends, they were family. If you were lucky enough to be counted on that list, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you. Michael wasn't afraid of much. He was always testing boundaries, exploring the limits; which was excellent, because then I knew exactly where those boundaries were and I tried to make sure he didn't break all the rules.

They say those who constantly cheat death are living life to the fullest. Perhaps it’s the lack of fear that opens up one’s world and allows one to take risks that constrain lesser mortals. Despite Michael leaving us too soon, Michael did live a full life. He loved and embraced those around him, with those long arms and with his fearless heart. We’ll miss the father, brother, uncle and friend who was always quick with a funny line, who was always eager to go off on another adventure, and who fought with us and loved us with equal passion. He had a relentless goodness and sense of humor about him which the trials of life could never overcome. We all live on borrowed time. We’ll miss the boy who tested the limits, and we’ll mourn the man who’s gone. We will carry you in our hearts forever.