Donald W. Mitchell December 3, 1948 May 29, 2013 Donald W. Mitchell of South Portland, ME died on May 29,2013 at The Gosnell House in Scarborough, Maine. He was born December 3, 1948, in Middlebury, Vermont, the son of Harold and Betty Mitchell. He lived his early life in Forest Dale, Vermont attending local schools. Following graduation from high school, Donald trained as a court stenographer/reporter, working with the Vermont Judicial System and moving to Maine and working with the State of Maine, Department of the Judiciary. He was a respected and dedicated employee and enjoyed his coworkers, friends, lawyers and judges for whom he had a great deal of respect. In recent years, Don concentrated on optimizing his health and enjoyed time spent in ""retirement"" working with Goodwill Retail stores in South Portland and Falmouth and Catholic Charities of Maine. In these positions, he shared his enjoyment of books and collectibles and was always proud of the organization's missions to the community. Over the years, his friendships with his many friends became very important to him, and to many friends, he was like family. Don showed all of us how to live life with medical challenges and fought to live a life well lived by embracing life, rehabilitating, and rebounding to enjoy more of his life than he ever thought possible with amazing dignity and grace. Donald also attended St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in Scarborough, Maine. Mr. Mitchell was predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his brother Harold ""Butch"" Mitchell and his wife, Linda of Claremont, New Hampshire; David ""Pike"" Mitchell and his wife, Colleen of Forest Dale, Vermont; Michael Mitchell of Forest Dale, Vermont; nephew Eric Mitchell and the blessing of Don's grandniece, Ember; and his dearest friends Jo Gill Richards and Tony Richards of South Portland. Donald was a longtime friend and mentor to Daniel Lipps of Portland. The family would like to thank the many physicians and staff including John Erickson, M.D. and James Wasserman, M.D. and the staff of the Southern Maine Dialysis Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The South Portland Nursing Home Activity Fund, 42 Anthoine St., South Portland, Maine 04106, to honor his friends Barbara and Joyce. A private burial will be held in Vermont. A celebration of Donald's life is being planned and will be held in the Portland area in the early summer.