Hi everyone,

JoAnn Mitchell writing to say that I miss Ken(still to this day)and think about him every day.

I hope others will feel comfortable writing what they feel and how they might be thinking about Ken too.

I think it would be great to keep the blog going.

Thanks,

JoAnn

Dearest Friends and Family

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your love, caring and support. We miss Ken so much, as you do also, and the opportunity to know Ken deeper through all of you has been a tremendous comfort and joy. The day of Ken's services was filled with so many emotions, but gratitude stands out among them...gratitude for the time we had with Ken and gratitude that he was loved by so many. We invite you to continue to contribute to Ken's memorial blog and share stories and memories as you are reminded of Ken. We would love to hear from you and stay connected. Thank you again for sharing yourselves and your love of Ken.

With love and gratitude,

Glenn and Denise Mitchell

No Farewell Words Were Spoken...

I came across a poem (author unknown) that seemed very fitting for this man that we will miss so much and I wanted to share it with you.

“NO FAREWELL WORDS WERE SPOKEN

No farewell words were spoken,

No time to say goodbye.

You were gone before we knew it

And only God knows why.

Our hearts still ache in sadness

And secret tears still flow.

What it means to lose you,

No one can ever know.

But now we know you want us

To mourn for you no more.

To remember all the happy times,

Life still has much in store.

Since you’ll never be forgotten,

We pledge to you today,

A hallowed place within our hearts,

Is where you’ll always stay.”

I continue to keep you and your family close in thought and prayer.

Loydene

"Services" for Ken in PA...

Glenn:

Glad everything went well for the CA ceremony. The one here went well also. Mary Ellen and I first went to the place where Ken first lived on Cliff Mine Road and then we picked up Frank Kokoskie and went to Burgettstown. We went to the fields where Ken played Little League, Dantes, Mellon Bank where he got his first nickel in interest, the high school football field, the place where the carnival was held, the house in Slovan and Florence Visnich's. At each place we left a piece of a picture of Ken we cut up and took a photo (we'll send you a copy). We ended the same as you - eating - at Bert's Dog House where I'm sure Ken had many hot dogs. We started at 1:00 to coincide with your services. We all felt that Ken was with us and he liked what we did.

Take care, John (Guiddy)

One In A Million

Dear Everyone Who Knew Kenny:

Mike San Roman wrote a bit about what happened. I’ll fill it in. Imagine this: Patti Ruben and I sat down at a table in a random Chinese restaurant somewhere in the middle of Riverside – a place I could never get to again or even remotely try to tell you were it is – the one thing I do remember about it is that it didn’t have an ‘A’ outside of the door.

Anyway before we got our green tea, one of the two cool guys next to us, who were as crazy as we were to be in that joint in the first place - reached over, fork in spear mode, and stabbed one of our shrimp dumplings.

It was a surreal moment, out of a Dali painting, where the fork took on gigantic proportions and time was stretched thin in slow motion.

Both of our mouths dropped (Patti’s and mine) and we turned and there was Kenny, chewing away, big grin on his face. He explained matter of factly that he was thinking of ordering the dumplings and wanted to know ‘how they were.’

Mike, used to his shenanigans, shot us a warning look – like ‘Oh Brother, you haven’t seen anything yet’ and then I think one of us said, ‘Well, that’s an unusual ice breaker.’

And we laughed. And we didn’t stop laughing. And the dim sum lasted two hours and I think when I left I had to tie a sweater around my butt as at a high point I had peed in my pants.

That was Kenny when we first met him and that was Kenny every wonderful time we saw him after that.. And that was his best friend, Mike.

When you were with them, because actually we never saw Kenny without Mike and Peg, you never wanted it to end. You’d stall and make up something else we had to discuss or see to or story we wanted Kenny to tell us to stretch out his magic.

Stories like his brothers sitting in the back seat of his father’s sawed off convertible car in the middle of a Pittsburgh snowstorm or how his father wanted to call up Russia and volunteer their dog for Sputnik.

I guess the gods every once in awhile send us someone unique like Kenny – someone who stores so much laughter and fun inside of everyone that his smile is branded on our souls. I double-dare you to read this blog and not laugh at some of the memories. I don’t know about you but Kenny isn’t gone for me. Whenever I’m sad, all I have to do is to close my eyes and see his handsome face (boy did I have a crush on him) and tap into all the joy he gave me.

I am writing this from New York City. Patti and I were both unable to come on June 14^th.

I know that the church was packed and that the line from the spill-out crowds crossed into Arizona. And that ‘s only a small fraction of people who absolutely adored him – like I did.

Kenny, you were simply the best. I’m so glad you loved shrimp dumplings.

Jackson Hunsicker

Account of the day from Bolivia...

Dear Mitchell family,

Firstly I would like to offer my sincere sympathies to you for your loss; I have thought of you and Ken most days since his passing as have many others on the bike trip that day. I would also like to apologise for the delay in writing this; to be frank I have been at somewhat of a loss for what to say. I have tried to imagine how hard it must be for you all to have been so far away from Ken when he passed away and not to have known exactly what happened. I’m not sure how much or little you would like to know, but I shall give as full an account of the day as I remember it.

It was an early start that morning, Ken was sat in front of me on the bus and chatted away to me about the bike ride and his trip so far; not being much of a morning person, I’m afraid I was quite miserable company for him, not that he showed it. The first part of the bike ride was on tarmac road downhill, which was easy, fun and the whole group seemed to enjoy; the next section however was uphill and at 4500m was tough going even for the youngest and fittest. Ken found this section too hard and sat on the bus which was following us as we cycled. My friend Katrina was not at all well that day and had yet to get on her bike. Ken fussed around her, trying to find her a spot to lie down, getting her drinks etc. I remember feeling guilty for my earlier lack of sociability after seeing him being so kind to my friend. He chatted away to us all, congratulating me on my feeble attempt at cycling uphill and helping me out with my bike. His kindness and friendliness were clear in just a short space of time.

The next section of the road was downhill, Ken was away and enjoying himself. He rode in the middle of the group, not as fast as some of the younger testosterone-fuelled men, but without the fear and anxiety of some of the slower cyclists. Along the ride there were frequent stops where the guides described the next stretch of road, any tricky corners and tips on controlling our bikes and cycling safely. We were all advised to keep a long distance between cyclists for safety. This meant that nobody actually saw Ken fall. His bike was still at the road edge so we assumed he skidded taking a corner. The guides came back, abseiled down to him and commenced CPR. I cannot stress the extent to which the group were shocked, upset and affected by this, with many in tears. I don’t write this to upset you, but more to emphasise the fact that although Ken was travelling alone at the time and although none of us knew him all that well, there was such a heartfelt reaction. Amongst us there were two doctors, medical students, a nurse and a climbing instructor waiting to lend a hand if needed. From speaking to the guides afterwards, it seemed that Ken was not breathing when they reached him. Nevertheless, they continued CPR for well over an hour, returning physically exhausted.
He was not conscious nor suffering at the time, which I hope provides you with some solace.

Eventually the police and ambulance services arrived and the buses of cyclists made there way back to La Paz. I can honestly say that I thought of Ken everyday for the rest of my time in South America and tried to make sense of what happened. Again, I’m truly sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some comfort in him enjoying that day, in his passing being quick and in the people around him caring.

Warmest wishes,
Lalitha

Gone, but Never Forgotten

I have worked with Ken for the past 7 years since Goodban & Walsh merged with Wertz. I also came to Wertz via a merger with another local Long Beach CPA firm, Murchison & Marek.

Years before the merger, I would see Ken at breakfast meetings of the CPA society at the Marriott in Long Beach. He was always smiling, laughing and sporting suspenders (usually red). At that time, I didn’t even know his name. When he first walked through the doors at Wertz, I said (to myself) “It’s suspender guy”. I got to know Ken and admire him. He always had a positive outlook; I guess he was a “the glass is half full” type of person. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He was a terrific listener and advisor. He always tried to see the good in a person or situation. Ken had a great sense of humor!

Now, he is gone. You never realize how much you will miss someone until they are gone from your life. There are many little things Ken did around the office that we will all miss. His huge belly laugh. The smell of bananas he kept in his office. The sound of him blowing his nose (it sounded like a pump). Every day, standing in the hall outside Paul’s office and saying “You gonna eat today PZ?” That meant it was lunch time. And then, after lunch, stretching in the hall and patting his tummy in satisfaction. He really, really loved to eat. One more thing we will miss, whenever he heard a woman’s voice in the lobby, he would find an excuse to come out of his office to check out who was here. He loved to look at the girls.

Anyone who knew Ken, in any capacity, is richer for having known him. I will always remember Ken for the warm, fun, kind and adventurous person he was. The world is a sadder place without him.

Helena Lisk

kenny remembered

I had the pleasure of meeting Kenny Mitchell approximately 13 years ago through my good and loyal friend Michael San Roman. I can honestly say that it was a real pleasure to have met him and known him throughout the years. He was a man who was always in good spirits and lived life to the fullest. Kenny reminds me of my son David who is always curious of his surroundings and never is shy to strike a conversation with anyone. I thank Kenny from down here for having joined my family in celebrating various occasions through the years. In particular, I appreciate him setting time aside to join me and my family in celebrating my 40th birthday in April 2007. His birthday gift I will always treasure forever.

Last but not least, I want to mention that I had one last opportunity to talk and to share some quality time with Kenny in December of 2007. After having performed some plumbing repairs at his home (which were long overdue), he later invited me to breakfast at Arthur’s restaurant. We mostly spoke about our overweight bodies and high cholesterol levels; however, our conversation did not stop us from eating our sausage and egg plates, with pan fried home-style potatoes; so much for our health conscious minds.
I will definitely miss Kenny, especially, our encounters at the “Busy Apron” restaurant from time to time. God bless you, Kenny, and thank you for your friendship.
Respectfully,
Enrique (Ricky) Chavez

Letter from Berni

In these weeks and days I feel as if I were in a terrible nightmare. I can't admit to myself and realize that Ken passed away. I always believed he can't die. I must know what happened, but I can't accept it in my heart.

I remember, when we met in Budapest and after that, when we got to know each-other better and better every day. We shared all our thoughts, sad and happy experiences, dreams with each-other. He was a real soul mate, a dear friend to me and after that more. He was, like a candle with strong light, that gave me shelter, warmth and strength. I became an adult with him, he showed me another world. He was so wise and intelligent. He enjoyed being with people and getting to know foreign cultures and travel all over the world. I was lucky to explore a small part of the world with him. He said we are bohemians and that's why we could understand each-other perfectly. He always said he cares about me and my future.

I did never laugh as much as with him, but I could know his serious part too.

He told me so many times how much he loves the whole family and your children. Both our families were and are very important to us.

As I said to him he'll always be a part of my life, because as St. Augustinus said: "The love that passes has never been real.".

Now there are no words the express my sorrow and isn't enough time to accept his tragedy. It would be fantastic to see him once more again and to tell him how important he was in my life.

Anyway I know he cares about us and I see his face, smile and warm eyes before me. He is still with me. His memories are in my heart and no one can take this away from me. I loved him very much and I'll never forget him.

I hope heaven is much more beautiful, than anything else we can imagine on this earth.

I'll be with all of you in spirit on Saturday and wish you strength. My prayers and thoughts are with the family now and in the future.

The only Hungarian he learnt from me was Vigyázz Magadra(Take care) and I say now Vigyázz Magadra Moosch (I used his nick-name)!

With lots of love:

Bernadette Tósoky

For my best friend...

Ken’s loss has hit me hard and I often find it tough to concentrate on writing due to the overwhelming sorrow that comes over me when I think back to the wonderful moments we enjoyed together. But it is important that I share with all of Ken’s family and other friends the wonderful Friendship Ken gave to me.

I have known Ken for 35 years and we first met while serving in the US Army in Frankfurt, Germany. We were both on the European Assignment team and worked together from April 1973 until I was discharged in June of 1974. It was during this time that our special “Bond” of friendship took place. We seemed to hit it off right away. We both enjoyed sports, outdoor adventure, laughing, not taking “the Army life” so seriously, old WC Fields movies and of course Mark Twain short stories. We also discovered that we both were born in Pittsburgh so naturally Pirates and Steeler fans by birth!

Ken and I both had German girlfriends and although he eventually broke up with his girlfriend I ended up marrying mine. Gerda and I have been married 33 years and Ken has always been a welcome guest at our house. I will never forget my wedding day when I was standing at the Church in Phoenix, Arizona and then suddenly a brown VW Carmen Ghia pulls up and out steps Ken and Pat. They had driven all the way from Fullerton to make Gerda’s and my wedding. They went to my parents’ house to freshen up and made it back for the ceremony. I was honored.

Gerda and I lived in Phoenix for 5 years before returning to Frankfurt, Germany in 1981 and where we live to this day. We had visited Ken twice before moving and Ken had been over to visit us about 5 times. Each time was a wonderful experience and as I mentioned since our time together was so short we always packed as much quality time in as we could. It was a distant relationship but a loving one. We often called each other and even our phone calls were important to us since we could always talk about things with each other and there was always a good sense of trust and caring. I will always look back on our times and can really say that I was blessed to have Ken as a true Friend. He will always be with me the rest of my life.

Rick Fry

Ken's Hungarian friends...

Dear Mitchell Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathy in your bereavement. We are Ken's Hungarian friends (from Budapest). We knew him for 20 years. He visited us several times and we always spent many happy moments together.His tragic accident is incomprehensible, we are extremely sad. We loved him very much and as we felt that he loved us also. He was a cheerful, jovial, lovable man. We'll miss him very much forever. May God let him rest in peace.

Yours sincerely:

Andrea and Zoltán Tósoky

Ken at some Porsche events that we attended...

Please find attached several pictures of Ken at some Porsche events that we attended. The two pictures with the white Porsche were taken in 2002 (As I remember. The other gentleman in the pictures was a friend from San Jose who was also at the event), and the third was taken back in 1999 at a Porsche event in Anaheim. I thought the family might enjoy seeing the pictures. I met Ken back in 1992 when he helped in the acquisition of a company, and later became the companies CPA. We found that we had a common interest in cars and motorcycles, and all things Porsche. We would hit a half dozen Porsche events/ swap meets every year (the last being in February). I was always amazed how a guy that was so conservative in business could just takeoff and not think twice about going anywhere in the world with nothing more than a Plane ticket. He was a good friend and advisor: and will be greatly missed.

Please extend our sympathy to the family.

Fred Klein

Our Kenny Mitchell...from Peg SanRoman

I think that we're all born with a little switch somewhere inside our heads that is our 'life editor'. Some of us have it turned up to HIGH. Kenny turned his down to LOW.

I remember a friend of his telling us once that she sometimes found his antics exasperating when they were 'out in public'. They never seemed to spend much time alone - Kenny was always involving 'the neighbors', no matter where they were. She said he was like "an oversized, lovable, untrained puppy that you couldn't reign in."
Exactly.

Kenny was a big, friendly, expansive, enthusiastic man who jumped into life with both feet and enjoyed the ride. Once we went to a Dim Sum restaurant, one of the many off-the-beaten-path restaurants that he always seemed to be coaxing us to try. (An actual Kenny 'restaurant quote' after studying the menu - "That sounds terrible -I'll have it.") While most of us go to restaurants and pay little attention to the people sitting around us, not so Kenny. In less than 15 minutes, our neighbors were sitting at our table, we were all eating off each others plates, laughing, and becoming excellent friends. Jackson and Patty, Kenny loved you guys.

On another of our zillions of restaurant visits, our waitress, who was just a teenager, said something very profound that stuck with us for years. Mike, Kenny and I were debating whether or not to have dessert and she simply said "Life is short - Eat all you can." I think this perfectly describes Kenny's outlook on life and living. He traveled without much of an itinerary, drove fast, ate anything (except for menudo, the only food he thought should be against the law), immersed himself in living 'like the locals' no matter where he was, and thoroughly enjoyed himself in the process.

I would also like to thank Kenny for advising my then-confirmed bachelor-boyfriend Mike to stop dragging his feet and MARRY ME ALREADY, and for that little piece of advice I'll be forever grateful to him.

Kenny was also a very kind man who helped people without anyone ever knowing about it. When our son Gabe's friend Marcus needed a device to help him cope with the effects of his advanced Muscular Dystrophy, Kenny was the first one to step forward and help out financially. Because of Kenny's help, Marcus was able to live his last years in comfort and dignity.

Dr. Laura wrote a book titled "Bad Childhood - Good Life" but Kenny didn't need to read it. He had already discovered the antidote to a 'not so great' childhood. Some of the stories Kenny would recall about his early years growing up in the Mitchell household would send most of us to a shrink, but Kenny had a way of tweaking his rearview mirror just slightly, and his less-than-perfect memories became really, REALLY funny. I remember walking around one summer afternoon with Kenny, Mike and some friends at the Orange Circle. He was telling us the story about his Dad, a letter to Nasa, and a monkey, and we stopped traffic in the middle of the street because we were laughing so hard we couldn't walk. This was just one of the many, many "Kenny" stories he shared with us. He was our own personal Frank McCourt, making his childhood one worth remembering and sharing and rejoicing in, memories most of us would probably try hard to forget.

Kenny, there is a hole in my heart and an empty place at my dinner table. I'll love you and miss you every single day of my life, but most of all I'll thank God that he lent you to us for as long as he did. And from now on, I, for one, will turn down the 'edit switch' in my head a little bit and try to live my life more joyfully in your memory.

Rest in peace, Kenny. And since you got there first, get us a booth.

Peg SanRoman

Parting of a Dear Friend - Remembrances

We just returned from our visit to Chuck's 102 year old mother in Chicago and plan to attend Ken's Memorial Service but we wanted to share some thoughts with his family; and in the finality and grief of Ken's passing, in some way say our own farewells.

Ken, we still expect to see you drive into Busy Apron parking lot in your Miata or red Porsche, joining us for breakfast with lively talk on your latest travels, current sports topics or your wealth of knowledge on history and current events. Basketball and Baseball season found us discussing various teams as well as yours and Chucks childhood baseball teams of Pirates and Cubs. After our children were grown, we began to see more of you. Chuck would seek your advice on tax matters and you would seek Chuck's advice on computers and mechanical gadgets.

We were introduced to you when Chuck played on the Mitchell Brother's softball team in the 1980's. You and Chuck had sports in common but more than that you shared an Eastern European heritage that emphasized frugalness and the value of saving and investing while still enjoying life's pleasures. You became like family -- we certainly spent more time together than most relatives: breakfasts and dinners at Busy Apron Restaurant; Sunday visits to the swap meet; late lunches at Mexi Casa and summer swims at your pool; bicycle rides on the riverbed and Fullerton basketball games; a European trip for Ken and Chuck to explore their common roots in Slovakia; Christmas Eve dinner at our house -- We have so many fond memories!

You spoke occasionally of the growing up years in Slovan, Pennsylvania and later in Florida as well as your years in the military stationed in Germany. You and your siblings overcame many obstacles to reach adulthood but you persevered and were able to reach financial stability and also travel to many places throughout the world.

With the end of tax season and six-day work weeks, you and Chuck discussed with anticipation your next adventure in a far away land. When Chuck left for Chicago that Friday he mentioned to Anja that Ken should already be in Bolivia beginning his long-awaited vacation. Little did we all know how far away that would actually take you. We like to picture you now in a place more amazing then imaginable and hope that you are exploring the beauty of heaven through the grace of our Savior, Jesus. Ken, you were loved and will be sorely missed.

Chuck and Anja Pavlak

From Cathy and Larry Stark

Goodbye Ken - friend, very valued accountant and esteemed professional advisor over so many years. You have been indeed a remarkable and rare person who has touched the lives of so many. Cathy and I were eagerly awaiting your next visit to Bakersfield when we could have taken you for some more of that Basque food that you so enjoyed. I thank you with all my heart for your advice and counsel and only wish I could have been there to catch you as – believe me, - I would have really tried.

RIP
Larry Stark

Ken, it's been a privilege

Ken was always open to hear what others had to say but stood firm on what he believed was right. It was always a joy to see Ken at family gatherings, the kids sporting events or a backyard BBQ. You could always expect to hear a new adventure he had participated in or about a new acquaintance he had made. No matter what, when you spent time with Ken, you always left with more then you came with. Ken was very giving and was always there for his family. What he accomplished in the short time he was with us will carry on because of his sincere dedication to life, family and friends. Ken, you made a deep footprint-thanks for the memory.

You made life a little better for all-especially your family! George Borowski (Glenn's father in law)

My friend Kenny Mitchell

I’ve been sort of putting this off thinking if I don’t post anything then Ken will come back, because this didn’t happen. I know it’s silly and useless, but I can’t even imagine life without my best friend. I was in no way prepared for such a tragedy. I guess none of us were. Ken was a joy, so full of life and fun. He had a childlike quality that was both endearing and sometimes annoying. He was a completely unique person. I never met, nor expect to meet anyone quite like Kenny. I loved him. He was my chosen Blood Brother, my companion thru thick and thin.

When it finally sunk in (his passing) my wife Peggy turned to me and asked, “How will we live without Kenny Mitchell?” I did not have an answer for her and still don’t. She loved him as much as I did.

That exuberant personality of his was like a roller-coaster ride. One time in Cancun, we got kicked out of a taxi cab, because the driver thought we were about to get in a fist fight. We were just arguing at full volume. Anyway, the taxi cab driver thought it best to throw us out on a freeway no less.

Ken and I shared many adventures some good, some bad, but all precious memories because they were with Kenny. I valued his friendship and the time we spent together. He was a diamond in my life, albeit a diamond in the rough. But, that’s just fine with me.

God bless you Kenny, thanks for everything.

Your pal,

Mike

Memories of Kenny Mitchell

I have known Kenny Mitchell for over 25 years. He was my brother, Mike’s best friend. I was heartbroken to hear the new of his passing.

There are so many memories I have of Kenny Mitchell. Many Mike shared with me and many I experienced myself. For awhile Mike and I were renting an apartment in Fullerton and on many occasions Kenny would visit. We always knew when he was walking up the stairs because he was singing, rather loudly, “Poncho & Lefty” or “The Highwayman”. Of course on special occasions he would sing Harry Chapin’s, “Taxi”. It didn’t matter if Kenny was good at singing or anything else he loved to do; he would do it with all his heart.

Kenny Mitchell (I always referred to him using both names) touched many people. He had a quiet strength. He also had an exploding personality when you hit a nerve, which I found out quite accidentally. Mike, Kenny and I went to lunch one time. I asked him quite innocently what the difference between buying and leasing a car was. Immediately he looked down and grabbed his head with his hands as if to keep it from exploding. He then went into a tirade about leasing a car. “Don’t ever lease a car.” I don’t remember the exact words, but that was the jest of his ranting. I was in shock; I didn’t expect this reaction from a simple question. My brother just smiled. It took Kenny a while to settle down from this and then he was fine. I do have point out that I have never even considered leasing a car. They offer leasing as a perk where I work, but I hesitate for all I hear are Kenny Mitchell’s words pounding in my head.

Mike and Kenny have been friends for over 30 years. Not a week went by that they didn’t speak or see each other. I know the sadness my brother is feeling. They shared so much together traveled so many places together.

I remember I picked them up at the airport from a trip they took to Europe. They got in the car and began bickering. They were complaining to me about what the other person had done while on the trip, the annoying idiosyncrasies that eventually got on each other’s nerves. Mike turned toward me and said don’t ever let this guy tell you about the money. All he kept doing was asking me and how much is this coin and do you know how much this is? Kenny would chime in I was trying to teach you about the money. Mike would quip back something like I was on vacation. I laughed the whole ride home listening to them bicker back and forth. The next morning Mike was leaving, I ask him where he was going. He tells me he is on his way to meet Kenny for breakfast. I have to admit I was dumbfounded. I told him I thought you guys were sick of each other. Mike said naw, that’s just how we are. It’s Kenny.


Their friendship withstood the test of time and I know Mike will miss him for the rest of his life.

Although, I didn’t see Kenny Mitchell much these last few years, rarely did a conversation with Mike go by that his name was not mentioned. I would ask Mike to ask Kenny tax question on occasion too. The last time I saw Kenny was a few months back at dinner with Mike and our niece Natalie at Hero’s. There was nothing momentous about that dinner, but I will treasure it always.

My prayers go out to his family and friends. I borrow a line from Harry Potter, “the one’s that love us never really leave us; they remain always in our hearts.”

Peace to you Kenny Mitchell, who died the way you lived, loving life. “God go with you.”

Such a sweet spirit and kind man...we miss you Ken

Ken Mitchell bubbled with energy and fun. He was the kind of guy that always had a smile on his face and a happy greeting for everyone. You always felt good after spending time with Ken. Fun times were guaranteed.

He always talked about his exotic trips to out-of-the-way places so it was kind of appropriate that he was out having fun on such an adventure when he left us.

Miss you, Ken.

Diana Webster

Tennis Memories from Peter

I remember Ken as a super positive person with a great attitude and kind gentle heart. I remember in 2000 when
Brother Steve was getting married having Ken come to a large tennis tournament that I played in. My Dad really enjoyed having Ken there as well as I welcomed the support and his enthusiasm for the game of tennis. We had hoped to have Ken visit this summer to my parents and to get Ken out on the court with Dad! We will miss his great personality and big heart!

Love Peter Mudre Jr and Family!

Bros R On

From 1985-1989 Ken played recreational softball on a team with his brothers Glenn and Pat, and many great friends...thus the name "Bros R On" inspired from a scene in the movie Airplane. Ken wore number 22 and played a shallow left center field. He was know for his strong arm and could throw equally well with his left and right arms. Back in his little league days, Ken was a good pitcher. In softball, he was a consistent line drive hitter with a good on base percentage, but wasn't particularly speedy. After games, the team would often get "beverages" from the corner market or pizza. The guys on this team spent many evenings at the ball park and many good times together...Bros R "still" On!

Players included: Ken, Glenn, and Pat Mitchell, Guy and Gary Haarlammert, Chuck Pavlak, Dan McCarthy, Chris Menke, Big Ray Brietenstein, Bruce Kaplan, Rick Flores, Dennis Burkhart, John Koepke, John Guiddy, Dave Michelle, John Cushing, and Victor Valadez.

Notes from Uncle Buzzy...

Lynda and I were so sorry to hear the news from Boliva about Kenny’s sudden death. He was so special to us. I was planning to fly to California with Steve in early June, but when the memorial was changed to a later date, that put us too close to our long trip to Europe. I will truly miss being there with all of you, but will keep you all in my heart and prayers.

One of my first thoughts was that it shouldn’t be this way, uncles and aunts surviving nephews. I have many fond memories of Ken. Born in 1951, he was the child most resembling my sister, Helen. He also inherited her fine intellect. I got to know Kenny a little better in 1958, some time before his seventh birthday, I think. I believe that it was one of those times he was living with Grandma in Slovan, PA. I had been discharged from the army on August 6, and enjoyed two weeks at home before reporting as freshman football coach to practice at Loyola of Baltimore.

At that age Kenny was always under foot, so we shared a few Pirate games in Pittsburgh. I remember vividly one particular trip. We went through the wrong tunnel on 79 on our way home. Ken said, “Uncle Buzz, I think we were supposed to turn at that sign just before the tunnel.” I turned around, discovered that the landmark was the correct one, and returned home safely. I said to myself, Here is a seven-year-old showing me the way. I knew then that this kid was something special.

Over the years I have regretted that distance has prevented our not seeing more of Ken. We are thankful now that he made trips East to our children’s weddings and visited us as part of his returns to see friends. I remember fondly the battles we had on the tennis court and the wonderful trips home to Slovan. We were looking forward to Ken’s visit this August and to the ”Ken-Buzzy Tennis Challenge.” We loved Ken’s phone calls, which were always filled with laughter, wit, and kindness. Just before his trip to Bolivia he called to give me some sound advice on tax issues.

Ken, we’re going to miss your jovial personality, and your Christmas notes and cards. You were one of the few guys who would even laugh at my bad jokes. Of the sixteen nephews and nieces I’m blessed to have, I would have to rank you, Ken with the best of them.

Love, Buzz

Love from Aunt Lynda...

Ken,

May Our Lord guide your path to a joyful new life under the shadow of his wings. Thank you for spending all day putting my file cabinet together and cleaning our garage. (Remember that Glenn? Couldn’t find a thing and had to do it over.) Thank you for the beautiful ways you touched our lives and made them richer. In addition to all that Buzz has recalled, I found you to be a gifted writer. Your quick wit and great sense of humor is revealed, I think, in the following little piece of your trip to Germany and Austria in 2000:

I hurried to the Sixth rental car counter at Frankfort’s Rhein Main airport. Would they have the Mercedes? Cool! They did. But boy did my enthusiasm die when I got to the car. At first I thought they sent me to the wrong stall, or some other car was parked there by mistake. It didn’t look like any Mercedes I had ever seen. It was A-Klasse, which meant no class. It looked like a Suzuki with a Mercedes hood ornament. It was a short, stubby, high little vehicle, which you would never suspect was a Mercedes. The interior didn’t have a hint of leather or wood. I started back to the counter to see if I could upgrade to the VW or the Opel, but thought, what the heck, it’s only for a couple of days. As I drove out of the parking garage, I came to a ticket machine and figured I had gone the wrong way. I wanted out, not in. But as I turned around, there were six cars already lined up behind me. Stress! My arms involuntarily flew up. A large dark-haired guy with a leather jacket got briskly out of his car, rushed to the machine, pushed the button, handed me the ticket, and got back in his car without saying a word. It all seemed awfully foreign to me. I drove ahead, and right around the corner was a tollbooth. I handed the lady the ticket, she raised the bar, and I escaped…. I realized I over analyze a lot.

Thanks, Ken for your beautiful mind and laughing heart.

Love,
Aunt Lynda

From a couple that rode with Ken that day on Yungas Road...

It was, up until that point on the day, a great trip and everyone including Ken was having a great time.

He was a couple of people back behind me on the bike tour so whenever the group stopped for everyone else to catch up we had been chatting while waiting for the others. We were all having fun and all had smiles on our faces all morning, with regards to chatting to Ken it was more small chat as we had only met that morning however we did have quite a chuckle at some of his stories and things he'd been up to since he´d been over in Bolivia. I recall a conversation about his visit to the dentist to get his teeth cleaned because it was better value than at home and how when he was there, they tried to pile on the extras to bump his cost up. He was really amused at the Bolivians and their funny ways. Also he mentioned that he had taken an old watch he had to get fixed at a jewellers but they had made it worse, again an amusing tale.

I would say that around half of the 14 in our group got to know Ken that morning on the bikes and thought of him as a good fun guy who was up for a challenge and was having a great time. I know he was also very kind to one of the girls who wasn´t very well and had been following in the bus that morning. Also there were other people in the 2 groups behind us that had met him either at breakfast or in the hostel, and were devestated to learn of his accident.

As far as the trip went we were about three quarters of our way through the day, we probably covered about 45kms of the 65kms. Nobody wanted to continue and we all just wanted to assist where we could with the rescue of Ken. My wife was one of the first few people to arrive where he had gone over the edge literally only seconds after it happened, and they could see him where he had fallen, but he did not move or show an sign of consciousness so we can only assume it was quick and he didn´t suffer too much.

The nature of the accident is difficult to judge as no one actually saw what made him come off on the corner where he fell - it could have been a heart attack that caused him to veer off the road or equally it could have been a tragic accident where he lost control of the bike due to a hitting one of the rocks in the gravel. All I would say was that he seemed to be struggling for breath on one of the uphill sections where he travelled in the bus for some of it along with some others in our group, who said that he had felt dizzy too. However,this may well have been effects of the altitude as La Paz is one of the highest cities in the world and it does take about 3-4 days at least to acclimatise, and other people were struggling for breath at some points too.

Our sympathys are with you all and I hope that our emails help shed some light on the event. We certainly will never forget Ken and the tragic accident.

Ken

I just have to say that Ken was genuinely a great guy. I have known him almost 30 years and will always remember his intelligence, compassion and incredible sense of humor. It was always a good time talking with him. He was a person that was always able to laugh at himself. As a friend of Glenn's for the past 30 years I will always remember what an amazing brother he was. He was always there for Glenn over the years. I remember Glenn living with him and his brother always being there for him. He took care of Glenn and gave Glenn such good advice over the years. I think Glenn is the way he is because of his brother's mentoring. I am sure all the Mitchell's will miss him and there will be a hole in our of our lives now that he is gone. Rest in peace my friend and know the world is a better place because you were here.