Mitchell James Stratton passed away September 30 at the Newport long term care peacefully after a battle with organic brain disease caused from radiation for a brain tumor. On July 24th 1959 Mitch and his twin brother Mike were born 10 min. apart Mike first to Lloyd and Grace Stratton they joined an older brother Brad and twin sisters Cindy and Wendy.

This is a hard obituary to write because Mitch had so many careers and accomplishments, he lived a colorful and diverse life and crammed a lot of living (and at last count over 60 cars) into 60 years.

Mitch grew up in a neighborhood with a band of brothers Blaine Davis who was like their third brother, Roger Rusho and Kevin Murphy to name a few.

Mitch graduated from Newport high school after an event filled 12 years some good some not so good. One of his claims to fame was being voted Mr. Playboy 1977 by his senior class. He was pretty proud of that and would let you know it. He excelled in sports with his passion being football. He suffered a few concussions and had surgery on both shoulders and an ankle as a result. He also played basketball, baseball and track. Mitch went to EWU for a short time. He did go on to become a punter for the Golden Hawks a semi-pro football team in Spokane.

Mitch and Dave Hunt, Bob Lithgow, Joe Kriznesky and Lance Hahn took a road trip to Arizona and wound up living there for a while where Mitch worked spinning records as a DJ at Fat Albert's Disco Tech. They had some great times at 101026 place, which became quite the hotspot in Yuma.

He came back to Newport, met and married Terrie Erickson on July 25th 1981. They had a small business cleaning exhaust systems in restaurants. Then both went to work at Keytronics in Newport. They had two beautiful boys, Bradford Michael and Tyler Mitchell and were married for 12 years.

In 1984 the whole family took a road trip to Los Angeles to see brother Brad and for the 25th Anniversary celebration of Disneyland. We could write a bestseller about that trip alone! Mitch was the notorious Yickey Mouse. A great family trip and the only one ever.

Mitch started his career in broadcasting in 1985 at Newport High School's radio station KUBS where he spent a lot of time broadcasting games. He went on to obtain his vocational degree and became a teacher. Of course, he had to first make the rounds to former teachers and apologize for his antics as a student so they would take him seriously. And they did. He developed a family bond with all his fellow teachers. He had such a great time with all of them and them with him; Sauer, Murphy, Fredericks, Rowsey, Seimson to name just a few great friends who were with him until the end. Also, Jamie Pancho who visited him regularly.

Mitch became a mentor to so many kids whom he loved and who loved him and who went on have successful careers in broadcasting. David Bradbury for one, says Mitch was how he got inspired. He also was there if a kid just needed to talk. Jake Wiley credits Mitch for pursuing his career in Basketball. Which he still plays. So many others have praised his compassion and guidance. Mitch also became a coach in Newport for many years in football, basketball and golf. He also coached Little League. He played town team basketball for Newport and played baseball for the Club Rio and The Crossroads.

Mitch also coached in Priest River and Sandpoint where he and Scott Salesky took the 4A girls basketball team to the state basketball championships. He was so proud of that. He also taught in Ritzville and Cusick. In every sport he played or coached to say he was passionate is an understatement.

Mitch married Lori Evanson from Priest River in August 1996 and they had a beautiful daughter Hadley Paige. Lori also worked and coached at NHS. They had such camaraderie and friendships with the teaching staff, such a great group of friends.

Mitch was also a volunteer firefighter for years. He was a member of the Rodeo Association and had many great stories of herding calves under the bleachers with Jeff Howe. Had many great times at the Rodeo

Mitch loved his family deeply and had such a great bond with his brothers and sisters. Our holidays were filled with love, laughter and lots of rowdy fun. Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, birthdays and just family gatherings. We all looked forward to being together a big boisterous group where many friends stopped by to share in the fun. Some of the highlights were the football games in the front yard with Mike and Mitch and their nephews, Marcus and Chad, otherwise known as the Turkey Bowl with the family cheering them on from the front porch. Mike and Mitch got older and the undamaged trees in the front yard fewer so we rolled out the poker table for entertainment instead. Rousing games of Acie Deucie and later Texas Hold'em til long into the night. No fists were ever thrown. We were so blessed.

Mitch's life took a turn in August 2003 when a week after his mother Grace died he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The whole family headed over to the University of Washington hospital where six surgeons operated for eighteen hours to remove the tumor from around his optic nerve. The communities of Newport, Priest River and Cusick came together for a fundraiser and auction at The Ranch Club for his benefit. We were blown away by the generosity of these small-town people who raised around $17,000. He felt so blessed and was so humbled. It helped so much for his treatments. Post-surgery Mitch headed to Loma Linda, CA for five months of radiation with the only Gamma Knife radiation machine in the United States at that time. His good and true friend, Jeff Storms, drove him down and stayed with him for the first two weeks. He had radiation every day, not an easy thing for someone who was claustrophobic. His brothers Mike and Brad traveled to see him while he was there and stayed with him for a few weeks. In the end, the radiation is what caused him to pass away at the very young age of 60. His condition was diagnosed as "Organic Brain Disease" and gradually diminished his ability to live everyday life. It was a sad and horrific end for such a vibrant and outgoing person.

He and we were so blessed to have Jim Murphy who stepped up to be his caregiver and guardian angel. Jim took over Mitch's finances for the last three years and was there for him two to three times a day, every day to make sure he was ok. A truer friend no man has ever had. Mitch's last few years were made so much better because of Murph. Mitch loved him and Jim loved Mitch. There are not enough words to express our gratitude and appreciation for this man. A true hero. Thank you Murph for your selfless devotion and for making Mitch's last few years as good as they could be.

We are also so blessed and thankful for the care Mitch received at the Newport Long Term facility and from Dr. Jeremy Lewis. He could not have had better care. Thank you for your compassion and kindness. Such a great group of caregivers and staff. They were by his side at the end.

Mitch never knew a stranger just a friend he had yet to make. He had many of them far and wide. It was a rare day when out and about with Mitch anywhere that he didn't run into people he knew. He touched so many lives through teaching, coaching, broadcasting and his zest for life! His best friend was his twin, Mike. They had so many great adventures and lived to tell them! He was so lucky to have a loving family and awesome friends. There was quote on Facebook that said, "You know you are from Newport when you have a Mitch Stratton story. He was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

Mitch was preceded in death by his father, Lefty, his Mother, Gracie and his sister, Cindy who I'm sure were there greet him.

Mitch is survived by his children, Bradford, Tyler (Kyle Hansen) and his daughter, Hadley. His twin brother, Mike, who is lost without him his older brother Brad and his sister, Wendy and Roger Leslie. Nephews, Marcus Anderson, Chad Leslie and Jason Stratton. Nieces Monica Weise (and Rob), Jennifer LeDoux (and Lathe) and Gracie Stratton. A large number of great nieces and nephews: Megan, Gage, Courtney, Owen, Keila, Braden, Savannah, McKinley, AJ, Aiden, Freddie, Ridge and little Cindy.

There will be a celebration of life on November 2nd at 11:00am at Newport High School followed by a potluck meal in the cafeteria. I've had so many people asking to help so a dish for the meal would be greatly appreciated. A story sharing session will follow at Kelly's afterward.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Maws and Paws booster club or a charity of your choice. Sherman-Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services in Newport is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com.