Gary Mitchell

Gary Michael Mitchell, age 52, recently of Ivins, Utah, peaceably passed away in his home, surrounded by loving  family, Saturday, January 16, 2016, after a courageous battle with an inoperable glioblastoma.

Gary was born to Benjamin Elias Mitchell and Ann Molyneux Mitchell on October 18, 1963, at Camp Pendleton Marine Base, in Oceanside, California. He spent his early childhood in California, and later moved to Bountiful, Utah, where he graduated from Woods Cross High in 1982. He graduated from Weber State University in 1989, with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Gary married his childhood sweetheart, Cynthia Dunyon Standing, of Bountiful, Utah, on February 6, 1987, in the Salt Lake LDS temple. During  their 28 beautiful years of marriage, they made their home in Mission Viejo, California, Gainesville, Virginia, and for the last 10 years, in Conifer and Evergreen, Colorado. They have three children: Zachary Michael Mitchell, age 26 (married to Melanie Frost), Westley Dalton Mitchell, age 22, and Rachel Joleena Mitchell, age 12.

Gary’s career was in U.S. Federal Law Enforcement. He most recently served with the U.S. Department of Transportation, as Special Agent in Charge (over 17 states). Other appointments were with the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Education, and working with the U.S. Senate and FBI. He also taught at the FBI Academy, in Quantico, Virginia.

He was actively involved in church service as a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He fulfilled a two year mission to Hermosillo, Mexico and spent 25 years teaching the youth (Aaronic Priesthood) and leading High Adventure camps. His summers and winters were spent taking the young men on continuous adventures, including kayaking, rock climbing, snowboarding, biking, and white water rafting.

Gary is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his three children, two sisters, Marilyn Louise Russell (Lee Russell) of Ivins, Utah, and Lorelei Ashner-Marvel (Greg Marvel), of Chicago, Illinois, four brother and sister-in-law’s: Matt and Lynn Standing of Odgen, Utah, Mike and Vicki Standing of Lehi, Utah, Travis and Heather Barker of Park City, Utah, and Eric and Tammie Barker of Bountiful, Utah, and his mother-in-law, Joleen Barker of Farmington, Utah, as well as many nieces and nephews--all who love him dearly.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:00am at the Red Cliffs 2nd Ward LDS Chapel located at 625 E. Center Street, Ivins, UT. A viewing will be from 9:30-10:45am prior to services at the same location.  Interment will follow at the Ivins City Cemetery (200 West 400 North).