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.

An honor to have known Ken

Ken is my first cousin. I have spent some great times with Ken over the years. Although I am deeply saddened in Ken's passing, I am glad I got to know Ken over the years. Going to ball games, talking on the phone, playing tennis and golf (Ken treated me to a fun round when I came out to visit in '05), Ken always took such and interest in me and my family. Ken had tremendous knowledge of the Mudre family lineage (more than anyone I knew of.) Ken had traveled to the villages in Austria and Slovakia where the Mudre family roots had come from.
Ken took such an interest in Mother Mudre and our family. Ken had such a love for history as well.

I look at Ken as more than a beloved family member; he was also my friend. I can only say that about a handful of family members as very few ever took the time to take interest in myself and our family. I am still very blessed to have known him even as tragic as his passing was.

Ken, may the Lord's light shine upon you both now and forever and we pray now and always that you will be with the Lord forever in peace and love. May your life be an inspiration to all who have known you and bring hope and joy to those around us.

Postcard to Friendship

Fifteen years ago, just after I registered the name of my new business, I received a postcard from Ken Mitchell at the Goodban & Walsh accounting firm offering me one free hour of accounting advice. Needing all the advice I could get, I took him up on it. Little did we know that that little postcard would lead to many years of a delightful friendship. In fact, Ken and I joked about that postcard the last time we saw each other, just a few weeks before he went to Bolivia.

Ken had a zest for life like no one else I have known. He was always reading something interesting, doing something fun or planning that next adventure. His passion for travel inspired me to do more traveling of my own, and to get off the beaten path to see the “real deal.” We had great fun discovering that we had both sat in the same funky Turkish bath in Budapest, beneath an amazing Ottoman dome, although I did it several years after he did. I never would have found that place if it weren’t for his tip. Thank you, Ken. And thanks for taking me to see that old MG that I thought I wanted to buy, even though when I got behind the wheel I couldn’t even steer the thing. You never laughed at me. You thought it was fun that I wanted to try.

Ken sure could get excited about cars! When we went to the Belmont Shore Car Show, he could name the model and year of any car just by looking at its fender. He said he had owned just about every one of those cars at one time or another! When one of my clients at Toyota invited me to tour the Toyota Automotive Museum (a well-hidden gem up in Torrance), I asked Ken to come along. He was like a kid in a candy store. They let us sit in all the old and rare cars, and Ken just loved that. He kept saying, “You can’t do this in other car museums!” He really knew how to appreciate those little special moments in life.

Good for Ken for lapping up life and sharing all he savored with those of us lucky enough to know him. He made a difference by being a caring, genuine guy who always wanted the best for those he cared about. I will sure miss him. Rest in peace, my friend.

Michele Marek
Long Beach, CA

Lunches with Ken at The Bake N Broil

My fondest memory of Ken is having fantastic lunches at Jongewaard's Bake 'n' Broil during the business week. Taking Ken out to lunch was a great way for us to catch up on his love for Cal State Fullerton Basketball, fantastic European trips and his Sunday cruises in his Mazda Miata. Not to mention splurging on a slice of Lemon Lush Pie!
Although Ken and I started our relationship as Business partners, we became great friends over the last four years, and there will always be a very special memory of Ken and I laughing together at The Bake N Broil over a Turkey Cranberry Sandwich and a slice of Lemon Lush Pie.
Cheers to you Ken! The next Slice will be in your memory!
-Allison McDonnel
Ken's Paychex Payroll Sales Rep.

A Treasured Brother...

Ken,

In spite of all the trials and tribulations of your family life during your childhood, you were always true and supportive to your brothers, Glenn, Tom, and Pat, and sister, JoAnn. Like any any siblings, I know you had differences too, but you were always there to lend a hand. I'm especially appreciative of all that you did for Glenn...from putting a roof over his head along with Pat when he moved to California at the age of 14...hmm...that couldn't have been easy when you were only 24 yourself, being by Glenn's side at our wedding, helping Glenn and I finance our first home, standing up as Kayla's Godfather, and being a great uncle to both Julia and Kayla. Not to mention doing our taxes every year! 8-) Damn...now we are going to have even more reason to dislike tax season! Whenever you came to our home or we met you for breakfast or some other occasion, you always provided fun and laughter, or calm and advice when we needed it. And, especially when Glenn needed an older brother, a father figure, a friend...You were there! I'm sure that you still are...but we will miss your smile and hugs. We love you!

A wonderful email from a woman that was part of Ken's bike tour that day...

Unfotunately I can offer little information as I only met Ken on the day, but here is my rememberance of what moments I did share in his company.

Our day started early at 7am and when a role call of names was read out, Ken wondered whether his name had been misread as Ben. When the guide asked him where he came from (to clarify things) Ken replied and became known as 'Ken the American'. It was funny at the time and revealed Ken's sense of fun. This was further reinforced by the fact that he was by far the oldest adventurer that day.

I don't profess to knowing Ken at all well, but I did have the opportunity of chatting with him on several occasions. I too was travelling alone and whilst sharing my choccie bar with Ken (which he very kindly helped me out with!), he chatted about his relatively short trip and his plan to get to Nasca. I asked him how he was finding the day and his face broke into a big smile... although I'm not sure he was such a fan of the couple of uphill bits!!! Ken seemed to enjoy the thrill of the day, on the safer tarmac road at the start of the ride he was giving the younger guys in the group a run for their money!

From an all too brief meeting with Ken his adventurous, fun-loving and friendly nature was evident. The accident was such a shock to all of us in the group and so very sudden. I extend my sympathies once again to you and the rest of his family and friends.

I would also mention just how fast, professional and determined the guides that day were to try and rescue Ken. And it is little consolation, but the area surrounding that road is truly one of the most beautiful and stunning places I have ever experienced.

May Ken rest in peace.

JoAnn Mitchell

Words truly cannot express the pain and sadness I feel over losing Kenny. Even though we didn't always see eye to eye, I still loved him and admired his strength and intelligence. How come he gots the brains in this family? Just kidding of course. He was always there for me when I needed him(which at times was more often than it should have been). I too am still numbed and in disbelief that he is gone. Maybe I don't want to accept that he is gone. I wish to Thank all the warm people who have made such wonderful comments about Ken. He would be grinning!

Ken as a Kid

Wertz & Co. Hall of Fame-Ken Mitchell

Ken Mitchell, a co-worker and friend, passed away April 19th, 2008, as a result of a tragic cycling accident while on vacation in Bolivia.

Ken was a Principal in the firm's Long Beach office and had been with the Wertz & Company team since joining us in January of 2001 as a result of our merger with Goodban and Walsh. He was known for his great work ethic, high integrity and desire to provide quality professional service to his clients.

Ken's love for life, his gregarious manner and his passion for adventure took him to many places throughout the world. Ken's own family described him as an adventurer and a world traveler! He always went without any itinerary and liked to stay in places where he became ingrained in the local communities he was visiting. His last trip was an example of this passion.

We know that Ken's relationship with his clients was of the utmost importance to him and it is our goal to continue this tradition.

I Love My Uncle Kenny

I love my Uncle Kenny. I hope the gates of heaven are open for him. I miss him dearly! He had lots of friends. My favorite thing about Uncle Kenny was his laugh and when he played with me in the backyard. Love, Julia

We Miss You Kenny

I am still in disbelief that Kenny Mitchell has left us. Always a part of our family functions, whether it be at his brother Glenn's home or our home for Thanksgiving, he became embedded in all family functions.
Always a smile on his face, sometimes, leaving you to wonder what the hey he was thinking. Kenny was the glue that held his family together and made sure everyone had what they needed.
A man who enjoyed life to the fullest, but was never frivolous. In all of his travels, he never lived lavishly, he chose to live like the real people in the country he was visiting, to get the true flavor of the life style there.
To all of his brothers, Tom, Pat, Glenn and his sister JoAnn, sister-in-law Denise, (my daughter) and my Granddaughter's Julia & Kayla, along with the extended families, nieces and nephews, my heartfelt condolences. He was loved by so many and we will all miss him. Not realizing the dynamics a person plays in all of our lives, losing Kenny has really brought it all to light. I wish I could sit down with him once again, to let him know how important he was to all of us.

A great guy to chat with

Ken Mitchell was always so interesting to talk to. His love of travel made him so enjoyable to sit down and chat with. When I think of Ken, I can only picture him with big smiling eyes and that big contagious laugh. I always enjoyed seeing Ken at the Mitchell family gatherings and I will truly miss him. From what I knew of Ken, he lived his life according to that handwritten poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson and his life can be an example for many.

I found this poem in Ken's handwriting today...

To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Play Ball Uncle Ken!

We loved having Ken over for dinner! He never failed to finish the evening with shooting a few hoops, playing catch, or kicking the soccer ball around with Julia and Kayla in the backyard.

Ken the Godfather

Ken was a terrific Godfather to his neice Kayla! He was always available to give Kayla a push on the swing, play ball in the backyard, wrestle, or share a hug. These are just a few of the many pictures of them together. Kayla and Uncle Ken had already been planning to spend many upcoming summer days swimming in Uncle Ken's pool.