WINDSOR, VT
Mitchell G. Lavell, 72, a longtime resident of Windsor, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 30 at his home in Windsor.
He was born November 14, 1945 in Windsor the son of George and Barbara (Britton) Lavell. He received his schooling in Windsor and graduated from Windsor High School in 1964 and later North Hampton Commercial College where he trained as an accountant. He was first employed for Cone Blanchard Machine Tool Company in Windsor, followed by Honeywell in Boston. He spent time raising money for the Chief of Police Associations. Mitch served as a long term care giver to John Nichols until his passing, and then for his mother, Barbara Lavell.
His most famous long term commitment was to never missing an episode of "Days of Our Lives". He would spend time relaxing with a cat on his lap watching the never ending story. He also had a long term commitment to playing "Bridge" every Thursday, where he partnered with Fuzz to try and beat Cece and Martha.
Mitch loved all animals, including his three cats. For years while taking care of John he would leave the remains of his barbecued chickens out "for the crows". Many years later when a huge pine tree was damaged in a storm and had to be removed, they found every crotch of the tree full of dried chicken bones. He once partnered with Doug and Fuzz to raise two piglets into full grown pigs for slaughter. Mitch had a friend who wanted to dispose of cases of out of date formula which the pigs loved and got huge. After several months the pigs were ready to be butchered but one of the pigs got loose and ran until it died of a heart attack and then had to be buried rather than butchered.
Mitch loved fast cars and golf. He used to compete with his friend, Dana over who could hit the balls furthest or have the fastest car. Mitch almost always won, although they both usually ended up in the woods looking for their long hits. They also liked to ask each other what club to hit, so that if they missed a shot, they could jokingly blame each other. Mitch achieved at least 3 hole in ones, one of which Dana witnessed at St. Johnsbury Country Club. Mitch just grinned; he was a very humble guy. All of his friends recall Mitch never got mad and always had a smile.
The first two years it was held, Mitch won the Dartmouth Outing Club tournament with Dana and Bob Willard as partners.
Mitch was a gifted athlete who excelled at whatever sport he tried; including football where he could throw a ball 70 yards. He was the first skier to go off the Windsor High ski jump at Mt. Ascutney. The jump was later taken down because it was too dangerous with to short an out run. He was always the unofficial "Glendersprung" jumper at Mt. Ascutney and most always won any slalom event entered.
Mitch was predeceased by his parents. Survivors include, one brother, Thomas G. Lavell of Loxahatchee, FL.
Friends are invited to join in a remembrance gathering at the Windsor Welcome Center, (across for the Windsor Station Restaurant on Depot Avenue in Windsor) on Tuesday afternoon, December 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
There will be another gathering on June 10, planned for the new lodge at Mt. Ascutney for all the snow birds and out of towners.
Committal services will be held at a later date in the family lot in the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Windsor.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor assisted with the arrangements.