Carolyn & I will always remember Mitch as an amazing human.

Beer saved our lives….

I can’t ever forget when we were in Utah for the Outdoor retailer show.. I think it was 99, Mitch was working with Carolyn @Cutting Edge as our climber/buyer. We’d flown in Salt Lake a day early to meet with a few key accounts and attend a Mountain Hardware product launch… We arrived in SLC around 9am if I remember correctly, Picked up a rental car and headed to the convention center in Salt Lake. We were to meet with a few reps, talk some shop then head up to Brighton for the Mtn. Hardware launch… I think it was 11ish when we left the show to head up to Brighton.., Being a card carrying hippie, I was in line for a beer and wanted to grad a few before we headed up to the Canyons… Mitch then a young gun, was a little like “what” you want to grab beer? And of course the answer was yes… Now in SLC you must plan for these things such as buying beer.. It took a few minutes but I remembered where the nearest UT state liquor store was and set course and speed. Carolyn (my wife) were not really into the idea, but were as always good sports. SO, I entered the shop, promptly grab a six’r and back to the rental I roll…. A strange smell, musty, wet, still… I open the door to the Expedition.. Now the wind picks up, Mitch steps out, looks up and just says WOW! Carolyn jumps out, looks into the sky just as the cone of the tornado drops on the street we were just on…. She lands about a ½ block in front of us and starts to rip down the street… Of course, I yelled at my enthusiastic passengers to “get in” and lets go…. We followed the tornado a few blocks, 3 or 4 if I remember correctly with Mitch asking very nicely if I would “just please get the hell out of here”… We did, moved onto the demo/launch, watching the news laughing. Not at the devastation, but at my stupidity… Tornado chaser…

That night we checked into our hotel. Downtown SLC… Hammered by a once in a lifetime occurrence, drank a beer, shared stories with those affected.
Mitch, you will always be in my memories. You were and will always be an inspiration to both Carolyn & I. Thank you for your passion, and service.

Kindness to your family & friends.

Coop and Carolyn