Obituary of Randy Mitchell

Randy Mitchell, age 57, died after a lingering illness on March 21, 2024 at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, AZ.    

Randy was born at Fort Huachuca, AZ on 1-6-1967 to parents Cecil and Linda Mitchell, joining brother Rob.   He lived in the Sierra Vista area for most of his life, except for times he moved with his family to Germany and Texas due to Cecil’s military service.    

Randy graduated from Buena High School in Sierra Vista and went on to the Chevrolet ACE Certification Program in Phoenix.   Randy was chosen as one of two students in Arizona to attend this specialized training.    After graduation, he went to work at O’Reilly Chevrolet where he met and developed strong friendships with several people.   After many years of "wrenching", Randy changed careers to working in human services, specifically to working with people with physical and developmental disabilities. It was there where he met his wife of 30 years, Sue.   Finding that shared careers were too much, Randy moved on to working in Financial Services, ending his career at Pacific Insurance in Tucson, AZ.  

Randy and Sue married in 1993. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Nicholas and Alexander who have grown into strong, capable young men.    He absolutely loved coaching boys in all sports (ok, no soccer) and never missed a game, a performance or an event of theirs.    A recent highlight of his life was when Randy officiated at Alex’s marriage to Chau on September 1, 2024.   He was so proud and so humbled to perform that honor.   And, he had been anticipating a return to New Orleans, LA in early April to celebrate the marriage of Nicholas and Chelsea.   (not to mention, going back for the food!)  But we know that he will be with us in spirit the entire time….we’ll have a “dat dog” for you, my dear!   

Next to his family, Randy’s main love was the New York Rangers hockey team.  He never missed a game, and even postponed his son's baptism in order to watch game 6 of the SC playoffs in 1994.   His sons found the NY Rangers hockey game broadcast and played it for him during his last hour of life on this earth.   (They won!)    

Randy's quick wit, sometimes biting sarcasm, but huge heart were loved by all who met him. He always left an impression on whoever he met.  Never easily forgotten, he will be missed.   

Preceded in death by his father, Cecil, and mother, Linda.  

Survivors include Sue Henning-Mitchell, wife of Tucson, AZ; Nicholas Mitchell (Chelsea) son of New York, NY;  Alexander Mitchell (Chau) son of Tucson, Arizona;  Rob Mitchell, brother of Kingfisher, OK; Elaina Mitchell, niece, Oklahoma City, OK.   Forever friends include Tone Smith, Tucson, AZ;  Ned Ingram, Tucson, AZ, Todd and Tina Emmerich, Show Low, AZ.; and Ramiro Martinez of Tucson, AZ.   And Mary Kaye Balacco, Boston, MA.   

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday. April 17, 2024.   Location:  Pho Can Tho Restaurant, 2746 N Campbell, Ave, Tucson AZ.  Time:  4:00 pm.   Informal sharing of memories.   

The family expresses their extreme gratitude to everyone who has given their love and support during this difficult time.