Michael P. Mitchell

6/5/1925 — 3/3/2017

Service Date: 3/17/2017
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Michael P. Mitchell, a lifelong Lewiston resident, passed away Friday, March 3, 2017, at the Veterans Administration Hospice facility in Boise.

Mike was born June 5, 1925, to George and Loretta Mitchell. He attended elementary school at St. Stanislaus Catholic School in Lewiston and St. Joseph's Military School in Belmont, Calif. He was active throughout his youth, delivering newspapers, serving as a batboy for the semipro Lewiston Indians, serving as a floor commander in military school, and winning a Golden Glove in boxing while attending military school. In 1940, Mike moved back to Lewiston and his family to continue his high school education. After high school, he spent three years in the U.S. Navy as a machinist. In 1945, his ship was in the port of Japan when the treaty was signed to end World War II.

When he returned from the Navy, Mike attended the University of Oregon, receiving a degree in journalism. After graduating, he returned to Lewiston and joined his father in managing Mitchell Distributing, a beer business his father had started after prohibition. In 1962, the company became the local distributor for Coors beer, and what started as a one-man operation had grown to six full-time employees.

When he moved back to Lewiston after college, in addition to taking over the family business, Mike also started dating the love of his life, Arlene R. Harvey - also a lifelong Lewiston resident. Knowing that Arlene worked at the local swimming pool, Mike would drive by in his red convertible with hope of getting the chance to talk to her. His persistence paid off, and on May 5, 1950, the two were married in Lewiston. Together they had three daughters. As a family they shared many fond memories skiing in McCall during the winters and swimming in the family pool at their home on Skyline Drive in the summers.

Never one to sit idle, in 1968 Mike entered politics and was elected to the Idaho House of Representatives. After one term in the House, he moved to the Senate in 1971, serving six terms and running unopposed five times. While serving in the Legislature, he served on numerous committees. In 1982, after an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor, he served as legislative liaison for Gov. John Evans. In 1987, he became chief of staff for Gov. Cecil Andrus and served in that capacity until 1991. Mike served on the Idaho Transportation Board, spent three years as interim director of the Idaho Department of Correction and also served on the State Board of Education.

In 2002, he jumped back into the political arena when another candidate withdrew from the election. Although he entered the race late, he pulled off an upset, beating a four-term incumbent. He was re-elected to his final term in office in 2004. During his final term, he served on the House Health and Welfare Committee and the joint budget committee. He also spent two years on the Education, Resources Conservation and Transportation and Defense committees.

Mike spent nearly 40 years in public service in Idaho. During that time, he and Arlene made lifelong friends and traveled to many parts of the world. More recently, Mike also was active in the Nez Perce County Democratic Party, was a member of the Lewis-Clark State College Foundation, served on the Lewiston Parks and Recreation board and was an honorary member of the 148th Field Artillery Battalion.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; daughters Chris and husband Ron of Spokane, Cori and husband Mark of Boise, and Molly and late husband Mike of Pasco. He also is survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The Mitchell family would like to sincerely thank the caring staff at the Veterans Administration Hospice and all of the very special family and friends who are too numerous to mention who have always kept us in their thoughts.

Mike's memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at All Saints Parish in Lewiston, with burial following at Normal Hill Cemetery. Following the burial, there will be a gathering at All Saints Parish social hall. Memorials in Mike's honor may be made to Nez Perce County Democratic Party, Lewiston Parks and Recreation Department or the Lewis-Clark State College Foundation.

Service Information

Date & Time: Friday, March 17, 10:30 AM
Location: All Saints Catholic Church
3330 14th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501

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Additional Details: Burial will follow at Normal Hill Cemetery

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eric endicott

To Arlene and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Working for the two of you was a privilege and I am very thankful. Mike made a strong impression upon me with his positive energy and zest for life. I will never forget him. eric

Sunday, March 12, 2017 9:59 AM