Benjamin F. Mitchell Jr. (1925-2020)

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Benjamin F. Mitchell Jr.

PHILLIPS – Benjamin F. Mitchell Jr., 94, of Phillips, died on Feb. 16, 2020, at Orchard Park in Farmington, where he was residing for rehab due to a broken hip.

He was born on Tory Hill in Phillips on May 16, 1925, the son of Benjamin F. Mitchell Sr. and Harriet Howard Mitchell. He was educated in the schools of Phillips, until he finished the 8th grade. Ben started yarding wood with horses at the age of 15. On June 1, 1950, he married Ruth Newell and together they raised a family of five. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in November of 1951.

Ben had a long career of at least 40 years as a woodsman with the exception of about a year in 1968 that he spent working with his brother, Herbert, at the hardware store, due to a broken leg he received in a logging accident. After retiring from working in the woods, he worked as a carpenter and he also was the Phillips’ road commissioner for one year. When he finally retired from carpentry, he made items in his shop and had a big garden. He especially enjoyed making bureaus for his children and grandchildren. Ben was a long-term proud member of the American Legion Post 64 in Phillips. In 2019, Ben was honored as woodman of the year at Phillips Old Home Days.

Ben is survived by his children, Brenda Mitchell of Phillips, Brian Mitchell and companion Mitzi Dupee of Elizabethville, PA, Caroline Mitchell of Raynham, Mass., Colleen and husband William Sylvester of Phillips, Craig Mitchell and wife Sandra of Phillips; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years in October 2016; three brothers and a sister.

Donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Prescott-Fairbanks American Legion Post #64, PO Box 411, Phillips, ME 04966.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 from 1 to 3 PM at the American Legion Hall, 15 Depot Street in Phillips. Graveside services will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Phillips on May 30, 2020 at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

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14 Comments

  1. My condolences to the entire Mitchell family. He was a big part of my life as a child and he will be missed

  2. My Condolences to the entire Mitchell family. I never had the pleasure of actually meeting him but enjoyed his humor that I saw from time to time while visiting with Brenda and Shannon. Just wanting to send out prayers to the family with love.

  3. So sorry for your loss the last time I talked to Ben was on his Birthday May 16,2019 at the Drs. in Strong he was pretty damn excited to be going to his son house in Pa.He always said Hi to me no matter where I was or waved when he see me.He was a good man Rest Easy now your with Ruth your loving wife.I will miss your waves and Hi.

  4. KJV Matthew 5:4

    4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
    May God‘s loving presence comfort you, His perfect peace restore you, and His promise for eternal life sustain you during this time of loss.

    Hearing grandpa‘s voice in the background will be missed when visiting with Shannon and Brenda.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    Wade and Sheree Smith

  5. Prayers and condolences to all my cousins and family. You all are in my thoughts as the memories roll through my mind. Remember when we all chased the cows back to the pasture. I remember Uncle Ben coming to help out when my dad was sick I remember him working with my dad at the hardware store. I remember trying to sneak by him when I thought he was asleep and he would reach out and jump me. He told me stories About his father and the goats and sheep. Sharing about the feed and grain store that was in the upper village – that was no longer there’s. I remember he told me he was going to eat all of Aunt Ruths donuts and I wouldn’t get any. He hid them to tease me in the morning. When we visited he always stole my nose. He was quite The kidder.. we have lived rather distant in our adult years. I will never forget the memories that we shared and send you lots of hugs and love. ♥️

  6. A life well lived! Ben will be missed by many! Sincere condolences to the family. May your cherished memories bring you comfort and smiles.

  7. I didn’t write right away, as I didn’t exactly know how to begin. Grandpa was an amazing man, spirited, and always loved everyone he met. He truly was a spark of kindness and compassion, and he will be truly missed by the kids and myself. There is definitely many things that will remind me of him, as time passes.

    I’m not going to give you platitudes, because I know nothing truly can express the sorrow that comes with a loved ones passing, nor the heartbreak. But I will say that to live in sorrow wasn’t his way, and I truly pray for your healing, and for the lessons he taught to continue on. He fought to the very end, never giving up, never done planning his projects and errands. He truly was an inspiration to anyone who knew him, and I truly feel blessed for the time we had in our lives. I pray that his light, his warmth, and his love.. will dry the tears away, knowing he’s okay and he did live an amazing life. I hope that brings you all comfort, in the days to come. I love you all.

  8. My condolences and thinking of all you at this very diffcult time.. especially Colleen.. He certainly will dearly be missed by many… Ben was such a gentle kind man with a huge heart and would do anything for anybody.. Rest in peace Ben now that you are with Ruth again… ♥️♥️♥️

  9. My condolences to Ben’s family, he was a strong man with a wonderful work ethic. His bountiful garden was ample evidence of his love of family and hard work. My favorite Mitchell memory is son Brian working in the woods in New Sharon and Brian’s young son greeting me on the landing, with a BB gun practicing his shooting skills. I asked the boy what are you doing? Going to work with my dad. I think Ben brought up his boys the same way. My sympathies on your loss.
    Michael Kankainen, forester

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