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