5:49 PM Tue, Aug 28, 2007 | Permalink
Pat Dooris
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Covering the collapse of the huge wind turbine in the high, golden hills above the small town of Wasco, Oregon brought a mix of emotions Monday.
Photographer Chris Rhodes and I ran into profund saddness as we interviewed the friends and former co workers of Chadd Mitchell who died Saturday afternoon.
He was inside the top of the wind turbine when it collapsed.
Mitchell used to work at the hospital in Goldendale, Washington where he was clearly a leader.
He helped his co-workers organize a union and was running for election to the hospital's board.
These are people who are used to seeing pain and suffering. They are strong and not easily shaken.
But they openly wept as they gathered to tell us about the bright light that had just gone out in their small town.
I also felt the rage of Chadd's younger brother as we talked on the phone about the loss of someone he loved so much. "He was everything to everybody" he said.
Later---I felt amazement among the massive towers of the wind farm. I'd never been to the Klondike property north and east of Biggs Junction. Its hard to get a sense of how big each turbine is---but they are massive---20 stories tall---with blades designed to spin in winds up to 55 miles an hour. It truely is amazing to see them stretched out over the rolling hills.
I felt confusion too---what would make one---and only one---collapse in a 25 mile an hour wind?
And saddness again---at the life that was lost when the huge machine snapped in half. I suspect the impact is only just beginning to be felt among those who loved Chadd Mitchell so much.
His friend Bob Yoesle tells me there is a memorial fund set up for Chadd's family---the details are below.
Chadd Mitchell Memorial Fund c/o Riverview Bank, PO Box 103, Goldendale WA 98620
You are also welcome to post comments to this blog---we'll update them as often as possible.
Pat
Chadd Mitchell:
You were such an amazing person, friend, and father! Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you mourns with a heavy heart and knows that things just wont be the same without you! You definitely were a light in the darkness for everyone who knew you, and for our community. Chadd would have given anyone the shirt off his back and everything else he had too! He was selfless, intelligent, and inspiring!
We love you so much Chadd, and can not put into words how much we will miss you! It is so unfair that you were taken away too soon!, but your spirit will not pass on with you, it will continue to live on in all of our hearts. We thank you so much for everything that you did, and were!
Your friends forever, Brittani & Greg
I am the only son of Bob Yoesle, Orion.
You wrote a good blog, and I'm happy to see a more personal perspective on the matter from the media. Chadd was indeed everything you describe and more: a leader, a good person, a great friend to my dad, and a person who valued the contributions of the average worker. That's why he wanted to run for the Hospital Board - to give its employees more of a say.
I knew little of him, but my dad considered him one of his best friends. And for his sense of loss, I ask all who read about this story to, at the very least, give pause and reflection to the tragedy. Keep your friends and family close. Because sometimes, that's all we have, and we often don't realize it until one of them is gone for good.
Chadd was a positive influence to everyone he met. And though I didn't know him that well, I will miss him.
~ Orion
I have been with the Mitchell family for 4 days straight now. I know his wife, I've played with his kids, and I've laughed histericially with Chadd my self. Chadd was a man like no other. Chadd was, and still is my closest friend in the world. I love that man like a brother. He was the man that always made you laugh, the man who'd give you a shoulder when you needed to cry, and when you had a question about anything...he knew the answer. Losing Chadd is the greatest tragity I've ever seen. So I ask anyone who reads this story, pray for his family, pray for his friends, but most of all... pray for Chadd. Pray that he is well taken care of and he is waiting for us with that heart warming smile on his face that he greeted everyone he ever met with. Chadd...I love you Bro, and you'll be in my heart always. ~Ray
I will start by saying that my heart goes out to Chadd's family. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling and the sense of loss you are dealing with. I wanted to take a minute to share a few moments I had w/ Chadd. I remember the day I met Chadd, our initial meeting was formal; Rosa meet Chadd, Chadd, Rosa... we argued from that moment on in a fun and forgiving way. We built a friendship on integrity and mutual respect. After I resigned from the hospital I saw Chadd sporadically but one moment vividly stands out in my mind. It was this past spring and I was delivering papers to a client at the hospital. I was also 8 months pregnant and as I approached Chadd he hugged me and rubbed my bulging belly and talked to my unborn son. Not caring how many people or who was around, or that my cheeks were now the color of his, Chadd asked if he was allowed in the delivery room as I was a scheduled C-section. I would not have had it any other way. Not only was he my friend but he was incredibly intelligent and I trusted him to take care of me. When my delivery day came, that is what he did. He took care of me and my significant other and put our minds at ease. I always teased him that he had no clue what he was doing but I was envious of Chadd as he was all that we all want to be and more...successfull in both his professional and personal life, outgoing, charismatic and genuine. As the days pass it is evident that Chadd was a huge staple in our community and he touched so many lives in so many different ways. Chadd I love you and I will miss you. May you Rest in Peace.
"MAY GOD BLESS CHAD MITCHELL AND HIS FAMILY,ONLY KNOW HE IS TRULY LOVED BY ALL." WE ARE DEEPLY SADENED BY THE NEWS THAT THIS YOUNG MAN HAS PASSED AWAY AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE.ALTHOUGH WE (PERSONALLY)DID NOT KNOW HIM WE SEND OUR LOV. MY HUSBAND WORKED AT THOSE WIND TURBINES IN (KLONDIKE)OREGON FOR 4MO.WE LIVE IN TEXAS,AND THE DAY HE WAS HIRED,WAS THE DAY MY HUSBAND LEFT TO COME HOME...I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT WE AND ALL HIS CO-WORKERS ARE TOREN APART BY THIS TRAGIC LOSS...WE AS WELL HAVE 3 CHILDREN OF OUR OWN,AND GIVE OUR HEARTS,PRAYERS AND SYMPOTHY TO THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THIS YOUNG MAN...."MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN THE TIMES OF NEED AND SORROW......GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!"~JEFF&ELIZABETH
I have been a wind turbine technician for several years now. Every day, we climb these things and sometimes don't realize the risk involved. I have shared this story with all of my guys and made them aware of the situation. I was saddened to hear of this incident. Our entire team sends out their thoughts and prayers to the family and friends affected.
On a more personal note: I've been a close friend to chadd for about 7 years and i couldn't have asked to know a better person. I was introduced to chadd by Don Molnar Jr. and at that very moment i knew he was an incredible individual. Chadd's personality is amazing it would make anybody that met him gravitate to him. He was the core of all his family and friends. This is a terrible incident,to lose a man that meant the world to me and everybody around him. It's as though he was a brother to me. Man, he was there for a person for everything and i will miss him dearly!! He always greeted people with a magnetic smile and positive attitude on everything and lead you in the right direction if he saw that you were straying off the path that you should be on. I can't say enough about chadd he was a legend to me larger than life and somebody i could count on and that is a hard trait to find in a person. Chadd is the type of person that when he left the world it left a whole in the hearts of many and a whole in the universe that can never be filled. I pray for you and your family. CHADD: REST IN PEACE BRO, WE ALL LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU FOREVER!!!! And for me:"I Wish you didn't have to leave us so soon, you will be in my heart and in my memories for the rest of my life." "I love you brother."
I was on my way to a birthday party on Saturday when my phone rang. It was my son Greg delivering the unbelievable news. Greg had just been in California in California by way of El Paso, TX to be in their best friend's wedding - Mike. So it was Bradd, Chadd, Greg and of course Mike. It seemed they all had the greatest of times. Now he is back in the Northwest to be with his friends again. I have a heavy heart too and offer my deepest sympathy to the family and friends, especially to Bradd, who's my son's buddy. Bradd, hang in there son, God will grant you the strength to carry-on. I am so sorry for your loss.
The last few days have been very bittersweet for me in that with the news of my good friends passing, me heart has been broken and at the same time I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness in rediscovering his life through the testimony of his friends and family that he leaves behind. I am amazed and inspired by the life you led and all of your accomplishments bro.
In this life we are only allotted a few people we can trully call great friends. He was one of my great friends,... selfless, honest, loyal, smart and he had a great sense of humor. When I was kicked out of school at 16, he walked with me every morning to my new school for a few weeks not because I asked him to but because that's the type of guy he was. He was like my big brother who always had my back.He was that guy that could make fun of you and make you feel good about it. I will never forget you Chadd.. I'm still in disbelief, I always thought I'd see you one more time.
My heart goes out to your children. May God walk with them through all the windy paths of life. May he keep your wife and family safe from harm and may he provide solice and warmth in this time of loss.
To his friends and family I would like to create a video montage for him and have it ready for all who want one. If you have pictures of him that you would like to include or video, please call or email me @ 818-636-4431 or email: mgoleco@yahoo.com
I just dont know how to begin. I met Chadd when we were both 15 years old. I guess you could say I was one of the people he used to get into trouble with. I knew Chadd was great even then. He had such a memorable and exuberant personality, Chadd was what I call a REAL person he never just walked though life he made sure you knew when he was around. Someone on a previous blog had said something which reminded me of his old self she said "He was looking forward to winning the election" He would probably say he was a bad kid when he was younger and got into trouble but to tell you the truth he was really good he never did anything that I would call bad he was just always at the wrong place at the wrong time. Chadd was so full of it, someone on a previous blog had said something which reminded me so much of old Chadd she said "He was looking forward to winning the election" I'm sure he completely believed he was going to win and he probably would have. Chadd loved to challenge people I believe he did it just to see what they were made of. We were really close he and I back in the day and unfortunately we had a falling out many years ago and I have not spoken to him since. I really look back and realize it was not worth the friendship. To all reading this blog "Don't sweat the small stuff and remember life is precious and if friendships are great then don't ever take that for granted" I guess Chadd taught me that in his passing. I want all to know there are people in Southern California that Chadd affected so many years ago and are thinking of him on this day with a heavy heart. I was so proud to see the accomplishments that he had fulfilled in these last 15 years and it fills me with great joy that he was able to help and bring happiness to so many people's lives. I Love you Chadd you will always be in my heart and my fondest memories. My thoughts and prayers are out there for all the people mourning for our dear friend. He is still alive in all of us.
Chadd was a close and trusted friend. Larger than life, he was someone who embraced life with without any reservations. There was no challenge he was not capable of meeting, and he showed by example what was possible to accomplish with love, dedication, and courage in the face of adversity, and in spite of any personal fear or misgivings.
Because of these qualities, he was an natural leader and became the heart and soul of the small hospital in Goldendale where he worked before taking the job with Siemens wind division. He stood up for everyone in our union organizing effort, from housekeepers and maintenance workers to nurses and imaging technicians. And while doing this, he'd find time to help you move your furniture, install cabinetry, work on your car, or talk you through personal problems you were having.
More than anything he cherished the love of his life Tana, and their children Kayla, Zach, and Kinley. He would absolutely beam with love when talking about a trip they had spent together, or his plans for the future to secure the best life possible for them. Please keep them in your heart and thoughts in the difficult days ahead.
I miss you terribly my friend and brother...
chadd i love you u r a awesome uncle
Chadd Mitchell was the type of person that many textbooks describe as "legendary" in their time. His courage, strength, integrity, honesty, humor, and kindness epitomizes this man. The world has lost a very special soul that enriched and touched many lives. Chadd never met a stranger and his compassion and love for people was always visible and he easily gave it. His presence will remain forever in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.
Chadd, you and your life did make a difference in this world. As your bright light shines eternally, you will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers will continue for your family.
Chadd, thank you for blessing our lives.
Chadd is my brother I miss him more than anything in this world. He will be greatly missed but never forgoten. Remember one thing just tell your family that you love them because you never know if it will be your last chance, for god has a plan for all of us. I LOVE YOU BROTHER !!
i WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY
DOUBLE DDS FOR LIFE
Chadd Mitchell,
Johnny and I just returned from your grave-site with an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment. We remember you served your short time on this planet with a dedicated passion and commitment that was unwavering. You never compromised your "integrity for security". Although your not with us any longer, the spirit of Chadd Mitchell will remain forever. If we had more "Chadd Mitchell's" in our society, apathy would not exist.
I know you have been greeted by your Creator, "job well done, Chadd."
I dont know where to begin I have so many memories of chadd and, Chadd was like a brother to me, I met chadd through his brother bradd. I remember 1 year bradd and i flew up to washingon for a golf tournament and chadd was their to get us, it was my first time to goldendale, which i might add is a nice town small but nice, We had a great time. Chadd and Bradd were always the ones's teasing me but it was all fun. He will be greatly missed by everyone, Ill always remember you brother,I love you bro.
Greg
I never grew up with a brother, but when I married Bradd, I got Chadd as my brother-in-law. Chadd was the best brother a man and sister-in-law could have. Although we lived in different states we would get calls from Chadd just about nightly. Even if he didn't have anything important to say he still called. Our daughters' faces would light up when they heard their Uncle Chadd on the other end of the phone talking in a silly voice. When we saw Chadd a few times a year-It was LOOK OUT ! HERE COMES THE DD"S! Bradd and Chadd could be so annoying together-but they sure made EVERYTHING fun. Just by watching Chadd and Bradd together you could tell that they had just a special and unique bond of brotherhood and friendship. They loved each other so much. Bradd looked up to Chadd for advice and Chadd looked out for us. When I look at Bradd now, it is like a piece of him is missing- however I know that Chadd still lives in him and his children, and with Tana -when they meet again they will pick up right where they left off-having the time of there lives. I know that Chadd is watching over us all and I hope he knows how much of an impact he had on us all. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. We love you!
Chadd Mitchell
I will never forget my big cousin. As kids I remember Bradd would look up to Chadd as if he were a King. I myself would love to hear my big cousin Chadd was coming over. Man, Bradd and I would get excited when we would all get together. You were always the respected one and of course the toughest cousin of the group, but had the softest heart for your family. At this time I'd like to cherrish those family memories and with tears in my eyes, I can still close them and remember my big cousin. The guy that played football and baseball with us and was always king. I remember the last Dodger we went to and you were still giving that wonderful advise. Bradd's wedding and all the chaos. Man those were the times. In the end, it was the I will see you next time routine that hurts the most. You were supposed to live forever!!! I love you cousin and you will always have a special place in my heart. I know Bradd is now taking charge but Mitchell's all stick together and if there is anything I can do to love your family, or help them in any way it will be done. I will see you later in eternal life where there will be no more sadness.
I love you Chadd
Your Cousin,
Jesse Mitchell
Just A Special Note For McKinley "Chadd" Mitchell:
Oh my goodness baby girl, I wish there were words that could describe how much your daddy loved you!!, but love like that can not be confined to words. What completely breaks my heart is that you are lucky enough to have one of the best dads I've ever met or seen! I am so sorry and so sad that your time with him was so short. I just want you to know that you and your dad were inseparable!; and how much he really loved you! You guys were always together, you always knew if you saw Chadd that little Kinley was not far behind. You acted alike, you look alike, and you both loved with a special quality that I guess only a "Mitchell" can possess. You made your daddy complete. I wish I could just go and get him and give him back to you, but unfortunately all I can give you is reassurance, love, and memories. I just want you to know McKinley that your dad loves you more than words, and always will! He will continue to live on forever threw you (which as you grow older will realize is quite an honor). When you think about him, & start to miss him, I want you to just listen real close to that voice inside your heart; because that's your daddy hugging you and reminding you how much he loves you!!
All my love sweet heart,
xoxo
I cannot help but think of the following lyrics every time I think of the amazing man, father, and partner this man, I am honored to call friend, was. He has touched so many of our lives in so many blessed ways. I will miss the smiles and laughs at the family gatherings, but I know that he will be watching over us all and giving us his 2 cents any time he can.
Chadd you are truly missed by all!
We love you!
"Once in a while, someone comes along.
That one in a million heart,
So pure and so strong.
They can face up to the tears.
And somehow still find a smile,
That we only get ev'ry once in a while.
Once in a while, someone has the eyes,
That one in a million look,
That never tells lies.
They can get you on your feet,
To walk that extra mile.
We only see ev'ry once in a while.
That's why we call them heroes.
That's why we know their names,
And once you've heard their stories,
You're never quite the same."
~Kat~
I'm a good friend of Lani's. I spoke to her on the phone today and she told me. My husband and I saw the article in the paper a month ago and were curious if Don and Lani knew who it was. I would've never expected it to be Chadd. I'm so saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult and emotional time.
Uncle Chadd
I only got to see you once a year but it was the best time of the whole year.I would get so happy when I heard we are going to Washington to see Uncle Chadd.I would pack up and get in the car and we would start driving.Once we got there we would always go do something fun together.No matter what you always had a smile on your face.Once you started smiling the whole family would.You were always there for all of the family.Once I found out you died I was shocked and I started crying.When I saw the site it was horrible.I will never forget you Chadd and I will always love you.
Nicole Yanecko
It's November, three months later, and we still miss you more than we can bear.
To the Family of Chadd Mitchell, I never had the opportunity to meet Chadd, but reading the articles and his background, the welfare of his family and others came first. May God grant you the strength to stay strong....
Xavier
It is December, 5 months after the horrible accident. Everytime I listen to the song Far Away and Photograph I have a weird feeling in me like I am missing something important in my life. Chadd i really miss you.I love you Chadd!!!!!!
love,nicole