Richard Sumy Mitchell

Dr. Richard Mitchell was born in Brawley, California, in 1930. He met Velda in Bakersfield, California. They were married in 1952, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

He graduated from San Francisco State and received an administrative credential from the USC before completing his doctorate in special education at the University of Oregon.

During his career, he was a teacher, a principal, a director of the Northwest Area for United Cerebral Palsy and a supervisor of the Portland Tri-County Area School Districts for disabled children. Throughout his life he was actively involved in a variety of volunteer activities, ranging from governor-appointed committees to working with 3-year-olds in Sunday school, but it was how he lived that stood out the most.

A humble man, listener and encourager, he chose to live his life from kindness and truth rooted in love, and those who knew him felt valued and heard.

On Sept. 21, 2016, Richard died from injuries sustained in a car accident, and is now experiencing life in full in Christ. He is survived by family and friends who deeply loved him, including his wife, Velda; daughter Cathy (Daren); son Ken (Valerie); and three grandchildren, Adrienne (PJay), Rebecca and Ethan.

A memorial service is being held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at North Coast Family Fellowship in Seaside, Oregon.

Donations may be made to the Child Evangelism Fellowship, Lewis and Clark chapter.