This is the archive of the celebration event held on November 30, 2010.
On November 23, 2010, our world lost a loving, creative soul, Jason A. Mitchell. He was an adoring father and husband, a devoted son and brother, and a joy to all who were fortunate enough to call him friend. Jason is survived by his wife, René; their two daughters, Adeline and Ruby Grace; his parents, George and Jean Mitchell; his sister, Sarah Mitchell; his niece, Marina Mitchell; and a large extended family.
Jason was born on November 8, 1974 in Klamath Falls, Oregon but moved to Bend at an early age. He graduated from Mountain View High in 1992 and went on to attend University of Colorado where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance. Jason joined the Bank of the Cascades in 1996. He was a successful businessman, an active community member, a photographer, a snowboarder, a world traveler, and river guide.
To know Jason was to love him. His spirit was so strong, his heart so big, his humor so warm and inclusive. He went by many names, he wore many hats, most notably a big black Stetson. To his mother and sister, he was J. To the Old Man, he was Big Boy. On the Rogue River, he was Trip Leader or TL, taking care of the many details. To his younger friends, he was Mitchell, always up for a trip to Dandy’s or a game of Madden. For so many, he was simply Banker, the friend who could always be counted on to make us smile or lead a bike parade. Regardless of what we called him, we called him. We called him when we needed to talk, when we wanted to laugh, when we needed assistance with finances, river trips, t-shirt designs, the perfect Pa Pollard, child-rearing, making pickles or jam, bonfire building, and love.
Jason loved deeply. In 2006, he married his best friend, René Bristow, otherwise known as Disco. Together Banker and Disco, were always surrounded by friends and family, an ever-growing circle. The circle remains, arms and hearts entwined, but we are missing our center spoke.
A celebration of Jason’s life was held on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at 11:00 am in the Tower Theatre.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Adeline & Ruby Grace Mitchell Education Fund at Bank of the Cascades.
Mitchell….we love you and will miss you forever….You are on everyones wish list……Our loss is everyones loss…..thank you for all the good times and all the time you had for us…I will always keep the best for us…..there are things we don’t want to happen but have to accept….things we don’t want to know….but have to learn…..people we can’t live without….but have to let go….so my friend thank you for all the good times go with the wind just as you did in life…and save room for me in your new frontier……all our love…Mama Mo and Papa Mo
Love you and your family like they are my own….
Thank you for allowing us to be apart of this celebration from afar. Much love.
Feel free to leave comments and we will get them to the family.
Our love and prayers reach out to you during your time of great lose. Many memories of years past. I did appreciate being able to join you through the live stream. You will be in our prayers. Hugs and more hugs.
Thanks for letting us share in Jason’s memorial service from our home in Florida…The Grindlands
What a beautiful tribute to Jason’s life! Thank you for allowing me to be a part from far away. George and Jean..you are the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
What an amazing celebration of Jason’s full and amazing life. We watched it from afar and yet we could feel the heartfelt love for Jason and his family. We are thinking and praying for all of you.
I am truly touched by the ceremony and my thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family. Thank you for sharing.
We can’t possibly put into words what are hearts are feeling. Just know that you are in our prayers. We have so many wonderful memories of Jason. Some great stories!! Even since moving, Jason has called us several times just to check in and let us know what was going on in his life and to find out what was up with us. That always meant alot. Thank you for sharing his celebrations with us.