Valley Springs, CA…Naval officer, sailor, and adventurer Thomas Arthur “Mitch” Mitchell, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 4, 2026 from Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on January 23, 1942, Thomas, or “Mitch,” led a life of adventure, exuberance, and joy. He sailed seas as blue as his eyes, hiked trails, climbed mountains, and took up skiing in his sixties. He was a brilliant, thoughtful, warm and funny husband, father, and friend, and he cherished his life amidst all the nature and wildlife, especially his life on their mesa in Valley Springs. He was a retired officer in the U.S. Navy, serving his country with distinction for 20 years that included several tours of duty the Vietnam Conflict.

Mitch was a gifted wildlife photographer and freelance writer who wrote a sailing column for years in “Telltales” magazine, and who also published in “Field and Stream.”

Mitch is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Kimberly Collins Mitchell; his children, Angela Dawn Mitchell, Laura Elizabeth Mitchell, Wesley Andrew Mitchell, and Colin Arthur Mitchell; his grandchildren Brittanny, Kori, and Hannah Jo, and his great-grandchildren Hayston, Michael, and Makayla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Evelyn Mitchell, and by his sister, Patricia Roberts.

As the ship of his life has sailed into the West at last, Mitch leaves behind him a legacy of incredible memories and adventures that will be cherished by all who loved him. He will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. A memorial service will take place at a future date.