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Phillip Dean Mitchell

Date of Death: January 22, 2024

Date of Birth: August 14, 1948

Biography:

Auburn, ME: On January 22, 2024, Phillip Mitchell, 75, peacefully succombed to his long and ongoing battle with dementia with his wife by his side at Clover Manor. Phillip was born in Island Falls, Maine, on August 14, 1948, to Thurlow and Verda Mitchell. Phillip grew up and lived in Sherman Mills, Maine, surrounded by generations of family for most of his life. As a boy he enjoyed spending time outside with his cousins and his dog, Tip. Whether he was hunting and fishing with Leslie, playing Little League baseball, playing pool at the local hall, or doing odd jobs for his uncles and neighbors, Phillip was always busy.

After graduating from Sherman High School in 1966 he met his wife Ruth Marr Mitchell. They married in 1968. They began building and raising their family soon thereafter, and Phillip began building their home on North Street. He bought and grew his uncles’ business, Mitchell Bros. Inc., which evolved with the changing times and he eventually incorporated a fuel business, as well as a plowing and construction business. Work ethic was never a question, and that was just one of the valuable lessons bestowed upon his children: you only get what you earn. His number one goal was always to provide for his children so that they were better off than he. To that end, he put them through college, and accomplished his goal.

Recreationally, he spent time with his children playing basketball in the yard, hitting fly balls in the field, boating/water-skiing in the lake, hiking Mt. Katahdin, and snowmobiling all over. He attended as many of his children’s athletic games as possible and was bursting with pride at their accomplishments.

Phillip and Ruth moved to Hampden several years ago to be closer to their children. He maintained his construction business and spent much of his working life from that point on in Calais. Once his health forced him to retire in 2020, the one thing he said he missed was his time “with the guys.” His family is very grateful for the people in Calais who watched over him, even when no one at home was sure he needed such attention at work.

The last 3.5 years of his life were spent with his wife in Turner, Maine, in the home of one of their daughters and her husband, within 12 miles of all of their children. His dog, Piper, was very special to him, as was his time on the porch sitting in the sun and telling stories with his colorful language. Climbing Mt. Katahdin was among his fondest memories and he was certain he would climb her one more time. Snowmobiling, picking potatoes, his pilot’s license and flying, seeing the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, cruising the Caribbean, and times with Carol and Gregory were also among many of his fondest memories.

Much too soon, Phillip leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Ruth, and 3 children: Heidi and her husband, Mike Poulin, in Turner; Kristy and her husband, Bob Karcher, in Leeds; and his son, Alex, who resides in Auburn. Hannah and Madison Karcher are his two, most precious granddaughters who reside in Leeds. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dean Robinson of Raleigh, NC, and one of his best friends, Carol Cole of Patten, as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention. Phillip was pre-deceased by his parents, Thurlow and Verda Mitchell, his sister Dody Robinson, his brother Bill Mitchell, and best friend, Gregory Cole.

Phillip’s family would like to thank the staff in the Galway Unit at Clover Manor and the Androscoggin Home Hospice staff for treating and caring for Phillip and his family with the utmost kindness, compassion, and love. Caralee will forever remain in our hearts. You are all a credit to your professions.

 Condolences can be sent to 7 Buck Lane, Turner, ME 04282

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Sherman Public Library in Phillip’s memory: 36 School Street, Suite 3 Sherman, ME 04776

A Celebration of Phillip’s life will be held on February 10 at 1:00pm, at 405 Frenchville Road in Patten, Maine.