Paco

Monroe, Utah - On December 3, 2022, Paul Mitchell died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning in Monroe, Utah.

In Salt Lake City, Utah, Paul Lorenzo Mitchell was born to Kenneth Holmes and Jeannette Elizabeth Cowdrey Mitchell on March 3, 1954. He grew up with seven siblings across the Midwest and Guam.

He made up his own nickname when watching a western film and was inspired by a character named Paco.

Paco was married to S. Antoinette “Toni” Mitchell for 24 years until her death in 2012.

For over 20 years, Paco worked as a registered nurse and nursing instructor in the ER and ICU prior to his early retirement in 2012. He moved to Monroe for the mountains and recreation, as he loved and appreciated the beauty of nature in all its varieties. In July 2017, he met JoAnn Liddiard on the mountainside while walking their dogs. Paco shared his remaining days with his love, JoAnn, until December 3, 2022.

Despite having a severe heart condition, he stayed active and worked around the house and yard. He continued to travel to Arizona every winter and live his childhood dream of being a rock hound while hiking with JoAnn and their four dogs, Jack, Squink, Squirt, and the pack's newest member, Sofia.

Paco enjoyed many hobbies, from gardening to camping and boondocking to creating mosaic art with JoAnn. Their latest floor-to-ceiling glass mosaic was an 18-month project encompassing scenes of mountains, rivers, rocky cliffs, meadows, and a phoenix. The 'PaJo' mosaic' now rests on display at the bottom of their stairs, embodying their appreciation of nature and art.

He donated his time and money to multiple organizations to help preserve our planet and our democracy. While in Monroe, he participated as a member of the Sevier County Democrats, hosting many meetings to show support for the local community. Paco was also a member of the infamous Central Utah Jack-Pack.

Paco is remembered as a kind, generous man with a twinkle in his eye. He loved life and everyone in it, expressing his affection with frequent teasing of his friends and family. Paco often said that he was the happiest man alive. Staying cheerful and humorous, even in times of sorrow, he promoted the philosophy of being grateful for our existence in this universe. He taught the people around him lessons of honor, generosity, and gratitude. His sister, Elena, described Paco as "the embodiment of generosity."

Paco was a compassionate critical thinker and a good listener who offered experienced counsel. He was able to have deeply spiritual conversations while taking a highly analytical and logical approach to even the silliest topics.

Paco had the most amazing skill during a time of mourning - to switch your focus from your personal grief to a celebration of the deceased life. His brother, Greg, described that he would lead you from the drudgery of remorse to the gratitude of life.

Paco was a loving spouse, companion, brother, son, uncle, and friend. Paco was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas, his father, Kenneth, his wife, Toni, his mother, Jeannette, and his brother, Kenneth.

He is survived by his companion, JoAnn, and his five siblings, Elena, Myron, Jeannette, Lorena, and Greg. He is also survived by many beloved stepchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Known to have had nine lives, Paco lived every day in the present as the gift that it is. On Thanksgiving Day 2022, Paco sent a memorable message to his family that remains poignant at this time, "Yabba frickin do. Let us all enjoy the feast we call life while we have it. I know I do."

Burial will take place at a later date in the Mitchell Family Tomb in Duchesne County, Utah under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.