Darren Mitchell

On October 22nd, 2016 the Lord called Darren Steven Mitchell home. He was 48 years old.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 22, 1968, Darren moved to Las Vegas at the age of twelve. He attended Las Vegas High School '86 (the “old” campus) and received his BA and MA from UNLV. Darren's true calling in life was being an educator. Not just as a career but throughout his daily life. He took every opportunity to use everyday life experiences to teach and mentor. There are no words to express this loss; however, there are many phrases to describe Darren. He was an idealist; he believed that one person can make a difference; he lived his life with integrity, always trying to do the right thing even when it cost him personally or professionally; he was the creator of many awful “dad jokes” and puns; he spoke French, Spanish and ASL; he was an amazing singer; bargain shopper; proud UNLV alumnus and fan of Chicago’s sports teams: theater lover and wannabe Broadway star; faithful Roman Catholic; reliable brother; proud father; loving husband.

Darren is survived by his best friend for 33 years and wife for 18, Grace, his daughters Theresa and Ariel, his faithful and devoted dog Melchezidek, his brothers Scott and Matthew and sister Stephanie, his mother Sheryl, his family by marriage but forged through years of love and respect, parents Tom and Olivia Whittle, brothers Glen and Joseph, sisters Terry, Angela, Bridget, Leslie and so many nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, colleagues and students. To his nieces and nephews, he was your biggest fan; continue to live your lives with the purpose and integrity that Uncle Darren tried to instill in each of you.

Darren was preceded in death by his father Steven, grandparents Roy and Syril Mitchell and Charles and Muriel Balcher.

Darren strived to be supportive while still having high expectations; he believed that giving of your time and self is the greatest gift to bestow on another person and that bad humor in the face of adversity is the best medicine. His loved ones plan to carry these ideals out to the fullest and encourage all to do as well.

There will be a memorial mass Saturday, November 12th at 11am at St. Thomas More Catholic Community 130 N Pecos Rd, Henderson, NV 89074. Attendees are encouraged to wear UNLV attire, much to the chagrin of his daughter and his sister- in-law; both Nevada alumni and LVHS attire “Once a Wildcat Always a Wildcat”. Following the mass, reception details will be provided. In lieu of flowers donations to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance http://www.dbsalliance.org/goto/darrensmitchell or to St. Thomas Moore Catholic Community More Youth Program http://www.stmlv.org in Darren’s name are encouraged, as is voting for Hillary Clinton.

“I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment because they’ll never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived. After all, we’re only mortal.” Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: The Next Generation