Byron Lee Mitchell passed away on October 14. 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the effects of cancer. He was born on March 15, 1962, in Palm Springs, California to Earle L. and Betty Mitchell.

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He converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the age of 13 and served a mission to Padova, Italy. He loved the Italian people and spoke their language at every opportunity. He was man of devout faith and held many different positions of service in the church. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and worked in various sales capacities during his career.

With a booming voice Byron had a gift for expressing himself and would often say what others were only thinking. He was a talented speaker and felt obliged to share his beliefs of the gospel and often bore witness to the gratitude and love he felt for his savior.

Byron said that one could consider every day a holiday, and every meal a feast. He maintained this optimism and gratitude for life through times of trial and steadfastly overcame a previous bout with cancer 14 years ago and became an advocate for the Livestrong organization.

Byron was an avid BYU football fan and collected sports memorabilia. He also collected coins, paintings and was an aficionado of fine shoes, clothing, crime novels, historical fiction, and musical ballads. Some of Byron’s traditions were dinner and a movie out with the guys, front row seats at Kurt Bestor Christmas concerts, road trips to Palm Springs, or to Idaho to see friends and family.

He is survived by his brothers Marcus and Lonnie Mitchell, and was preceded in death by his brother Scott, and parents Earle and Betty Mitchell.

Byron will be laid to rest with his parents in Palm Springs California.

A memorial celebration for Byron will be organized in the coming spring. For now his wish would be recognition from those who knew him. Please leave comments in the guestbook with a memory, a story of Byron, or how you first met.

Life Story Info

Author

JF

Post Date

Oct 22, 2020

Personal Info

Born

Palm Springs, California, United States

Died

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Cause of Death

Cancer

Age

58

Gender

Male

Religion and Beliefs

Latter-day Saint

Occupation

Sales

Education

  • Bachelor's
    Brigham Young University
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Guestbook

I am sad to hear of Byron's passing. I met him in our singles branch where we became friends. He was a strong witness in the branch and was loved by all that knew him. He will be greatly miss by all.

Robert Merrill , South Jordan, UT, US Nov 19, 2021

What says so much is how many people consider Byron (I wasn't around much for the the "Mitch" chapter.) family. He has been my brother since we were both 12 years old. Sometime this spring or summer I'll make my way down to Utah, grab one or two of our old friends from Centennial and get to La Dolce Vita. We'll tell stories about Byron. The man left a mark that can't be erased. Hey Byron, I know a Springsteen lyric may not be your preference, but it's my only way of getting back at you for leaving us so soon. For the rest of my life, "I'll keep moving through the dark, with you in my heart, my blood brother."

Steve Gardner , Port Orchard, WA, US Nov 09, 2020

What a great guy! I worked with Byron "Mitch" at Nordstrom when I was the store manager. He always had fun, interesting stories to tell that made us all laugh. He truly made a difference to all of us lucky enough to work with him and to his customers. I am so sorry for your loss, but he will be remembered and not forgotten.

Debbie , Holladay, UT, US Nov 03, 2020

My family and I truly enjoyed being neighbors right next to Byron for the last 9+ years. We often had long chats and he quickly went from being just a neighbor to a dear friend. His smile, fun personality and presence in general is already sorely missed.

We miss you my friend. Until we meet again someday on the other side. Xox

Rochelle Oct 29, 2020

We cannot express our deepest sympathy of Mitch's passing. We loved spending time with Mitch either dining out, going to a movie or most of all we will miss him joining us for brunch Christmas morning. His presence will greatly be missed. You were always a ray of sunshine! We hope you are in a beautiful, peaceful place surrounded by angels.

Tiffani and Michael , Sandy, UT, US Oct 28, 2020

I worked with Byron,( I would always kid with him and call him Myron) at Nordstrom years ago We had many conversations about work and especially about the church, even after he stopped working there he would drop by to check in. One great guy!

Scott Poll Oct 25, 2020

I first met Byron thru mutual friends back in the 90s and he was a housemate of mine with another good friend. He was good man and a funny man with a strong testimony of the Savior and his membership in His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be sorely be missed by all those whose lives he's touched!

Jerry Perez , Salt Lake City, UT, US Oct 25, 2020

There are no words to say how much Byron meant to me and how much I will miss him. He was a person with one of the kindest and best hearts of anyone I have ever known. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved people dearly and had the ability to make everyone he met laugh. This world is diminished by his passing and the other world now has a bright happy light. God bless you Byron. May you have all the joy and peace you so richly deserve and may you enjoy the love of so many who are there with you. All of us who knew you will miss you greatly and will always remember you. Much love to you always!

Michelle Marchant Johnson , Salt Lake City, UT, US Oct 25, 2020

Fond memories of High School and your loving personality. We could all count on Byron to make us laugh and be grateful for life! God's Speed.

Carmen , San Bernardino, CA, US Oct 23, 2020

Worked with Byron as a Union Steward at Qwest. A great person with a lot of enthusiasm. Kent Anderson Local President CWA 7704 (retired)

Kent Anderson , Herriman, UT, US Oct 23, 2020

I miss you, dear friend. See you in the eternities. Much love.

Brant Jones , Carrboro, NC, US Oct 23, 2020

I miss your visit to my office each Friday night, we talked, we laughed and we enjoyed our friendship. Love you my friend!

Sandy Mott , Sandy, UT, US Oct 22, 2020

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