Wilfred Mitchell

Wilfred "Willie" Mitchell died unexpectedly on Friday, January 27, 2012 at his home in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico following a lingering illness. Willie was 58 years old. He was born on Saturday, September 19, 1953 in Ganado, Navajo County, Arizona to his parents, the late Harrison Begay, who died nearly 10 years ago, and his mother, Jane Lee Begay. He married the love of his life, the former Marjorie Salabye in October of 1972 in White Cone, Arizona and most recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary together. They moved from Arizona to New Mexico many years ago. He attended and graduated from Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (S.I.P.I.) in Albuquerque in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he began working for Sandia National Laboratories at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque and, just recently, retired after 35 years of faithful and dedicated service. When he worked for Sandia National Laboratories, he started as a Draftsman and worked his way up. At the time of his retirement, he was a Real Estate Space Data Analyst; a position of which he was so thankful to have and, his family was so proud of his success. Willie was young at heart and was an avid outdoorsman. Whenever time permitted, he could be found fishing at Hawley Lake taking in the quiet pristine beauty of that sacred spot. As a young man, he excelled in archery and continued with that sport for the rest of his life. He enjoyed taking his family camping as frequently as he could. They will all miss that together time as he always made it so much fun. Naturally, Willie was a funny man and a jokester. He could remember just about every joke he ever heard throughout his life and he loved to share them with his family, friends and co-workers; no matter how off-colored they were. He will also be remembered for his enthusiastic "die-hard" attitude whenever it came to "his" football team, The Oakland Raiders; even during their difficult years. He was a loyal fan and rarely missed a game! His children will always remember him as a "great man" and a caring father. His wife will always remember him as a loving husband and excellent provider for their family. This loving man will be missed by many whom had the privilege to call him "friend." None, however will miss him more than those he loved the most; his family. Wilfred "Willie" Mitchell is survived by: his wife, Marjorie Ellavora Mitchell of Albuquerque, New Mexico; mother, Jane Lee of Greasewood, Arizona; step-mother, Laura Begay of Jedditto, Arizona; 3 children: Lydell Mitchell of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Melynda (David Luna) Mitchell of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kelley Mitchell of Albuquerque, New Mexico; 18 of his 19 siblings: Darlene (Richard Sage) Begay of Steamboat, Arizona, Geraldine (Dale) Groover of Black Canyon, Arizona, Art Begay of Greasewood, Arizona, Ira Begay of Greasewood, Arizona, Virginia (Byron) David of Greasewood, Arizona, Priscilla (Del Gibbs) Begay of Winslow, Arizona, Marie Bahe of Flagstaff, Arizona, Bernice (Gary) Bitsoie of Jedditto, Arizona, Nina (Ernest) Joseph of Jedditto, Arizona, Andy (Maria) Begay of Farmington, New Mexico, Harrison Begay, Jr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ovida Davis of Salt Lake City, Utah, Mildred (Jeff) Budkah of Flagstaff, Arizona, Lisa (Dyami Henan) Begay of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Felix Begay of Jedditto, Arizona, Ron Williams of Jedditto, Arizona, Lorraine (Tom) Max of Bloomfield, New Mexico and Rick (Laura) Begay of Cornfield, Arizona. In addition to his father, Harrison Begay, Willie was preceded in death by his step-father, Hoskie Begay and a brother, Fred Begay. The funeral service is scheduled for 12 Noon, Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the Owens Livingston Holbrook Chapel 409 N. 1st. Ave. Holbrook, Arizona. Private interment will be at the Lower Greasewood Cemetery in Greasewood, Arizona.