Joseph J. Mitchell

CLARKDALE, Ariz. Joseph J. Mitchell, 63, of Clarkdale, Ariz., died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, while hiking the Grand Canyon with family. He was born Oct. 19, 1946, in Munich, Germany, the son of Daniel and Rosette (Bunny) Mitchell. Joe graduated from OLVA (Our Lady of Victory Academy) in 1965. He loved learning and attended Orange County Community College and graduated from Trinity College, Burlington, Vt., with a bachelor\u0027s degree in sociology/criminology in May of 1997. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970. He served aboard the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard in the Tonkin Gulf. Joe joined the Vermont State Troopers in 1972. He retired in 1997 at the rank of lieutenant. His "retirement" included continued learning to become a certified personal trainer and a highly successful sales person for the Harley Davidson Corporation. He was an avid hiker who was happiest when he was surrounded by nature and in the company of his beloved dogs. Joe is survived by his two daughters, Renee Fair and her husband, Donald of East Calais, Vt., Tina Midgett and her husband, Steve of Plattsburgh; his mother, Rosette (Bunny) Mitchell of Plattsburgh; one sister, Barbara Amsterlaw of Plattsburgh; one brother, William Mitchell, and his wife, Jane of Burlington, Vt.; one niece, Sarah Zimmerman of New York; and one nephew, Daniel Zimmerman of Burlington, Vt. He is also survived by his dear grandchildren, who loved their "Grampa Joe," Taylor, Maxwell and Hannah Fair of East Calais, Vt., and Emily Forkey-Midgett, Shelby and Mazzy Midgett of Plattsburgh, N.Y. He leaves a former wife and friend, Carol Mitchell of Plattsburgh. Joe is also survived by his dear companion, Linda Gardner of Clarkdale, Ariz., and Ballston Spa, N.Y. Joe was predeceased by his father, Daniel Mitchell. Calling hours will be Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, from 3 to 3:45 p.m. followed by Words of Remembrance at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court St., Plattsburgh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Verde Valley Humane Society, P.O. Box 1429, Cottonwood, in Joe\u0027s name. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com