Birth date: Mar 24, 1979 Death date: Feb 4, 2026
MITCHELL, RICHARD A. “RICK” Whitehall, Michigan Richard A. “Rick” Mitchell, age 46, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Corewell Health – Butterworth in Grand Rapids, MI. He was born on March 24, 1979, in Muskegon to P Read Obituary
In our 4 years of knowing Rick Mitchell, we came to know him as a man who wanted nothing more than to be with people. He just wanted to fit in and be liked. While he never had legs that worked, he had an abundance of willful determination. He craved people and would walk a mile, no easy accomplishment for Rick, to be with friends. He was quick to smile, laugh and try his best to create fun.
He and I had many beers together over our 4 summers as next-door neighbors. When in the last year he couldn’t drink alcohol, a soda was just fine. It was always people that he was here for. Rick sponsored me into the Fraternal Order of Eagles where we watched hours of baseball, football and keno, always with one eye on the door for who else he might know.
The Rick we knew was always cheerful even when he had few reasons to be. In a seminar, years ago, I learned something of the art of being happy for no particular reason. I think Rick mastered that skill and was always willing to set his challenges aside to have someone else smile.
Rick was clearly loved, very well loved by his mom, aunt, PJ and Carmen, who all tirelessly cared for him. We will miss you, our good neighbor, our dear friend.
Tom and Peggy Oakes
Ricky, what a joy you are to your family - separated from them for now, but buried deep in their hearts. I believe you are among the cloud of witnesses watching over them now. We will see you again when Jesus gathers us all.
With deep love in Christ, Francois, Marta, Diego, Lexi and Gabriela Newkirk
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
