Mitch DeBard Obituary (1961 - 2024) - Gig Harbor, Washington

“There are three needs of the griever: To find the words for the loss, to say the words aloud and to know that the words have been heard.” - Victoria Alexander Here is my attempt at finding the words to do Mitch the justice he deserves. Mitchell Wayne DeBard was born February 6, 1961 to Melva (Mel) and Richard (Dick) DeBard yet it was not until Mel married Jim Pickrell that Mitch had the father that made all the difference in his lifetime. As a child, Mitch learned everything he needed to know from this new blended family. He learned from example that humor is a valuable currency, love is done in service to others, and life is lived in small moments not in grandiose gestures. These characteristics followed Mitch throughout his life well-lived. In his youth, Mitch loved practical jokes especially when his younger sister Eva was the recipient. He loved the summers spent at Maple Grove at Lake Sutherland surrounded by water and nature, fishing, swimming and just being a kid in the summer decade of the 70’s. And, he loved anything that had an engine that he could take apart and fix. These passions stayed with him till his last day. Mitch did not follow a traditional path of one career. He was what one might call a modern Renaissance man, talented in so many areas. Early on he became a car whisperer able to restore a car from the inside out buying and selling many cars restored to their original beauty as well as maintenance and care on all of his loved ones daily drivers. In addition, Mitch was also a master of ceremonies as a radio DJ, karaoke host with his best friend Dirk and even an ordained minister marrying some of the most special couples in his life including his nieces Mary Ellen (and Chris) and Chelsea (and Shai), nephew Jason (Corena) and best friend Dirk (Christy). He was also someone that could sell anything to anyone if he believed in the product. Regardless of the work he did, Mitch believed strongly in signing everything with excellence. No task was too small to not complete meticulously. The proudest moment of Mitch’s life was becoming a father to his son, Taran, with his first wife Jill. In Taran, he saw the future and his ability to provide another person with the love and knowledge his dad Jim bestowed onto him. His love was unconditional and given with all his heart. The two of them enjoyed video games, seeking out new breakfast joints and sipping on cider. Together they planned to go on a road trip in the restored 66’ GS and Nova sharing the open road together. Love came again later in life when he met Brittane. Following years of living parallel lives, a couple of misread Tarot card readings and a chance elevator encounter, Mitch and Brittane became best friends who eventually realized falling in love with the person who you want to adventure and explore life with each and every day made a lot of sense. In fact, for two people who often said, “It ain't easy loving me” they both found that there was nothing easier. Together, they dreamed big dreams, lived each day and gave absurd amounts of love in their daily interactions. In many cards and Facebook posts to Brittane, Mitch would borrow the lyrics from the Beatles, stating, “In my life I love you more.” Mitch’s love was also strongly shared with Brittane’s daughter Madeline (Madi). Madi and Mitch shared a wicked sense of sarcastic humor and a love for car restoration, home remodel and cooking shows as well as movies. They especially loved ganging up on and teasing Brittane. Mitch often said he had one regret in his life and that was not getting to be a dad to little Madi. Their bond was fierce and their love was chosen which makes it even more special. Mitch is survived by many friends and family and a crazy feline named Gus, all who loved him immensely. Those closest to Mitch, will continue adventuring to far away places and return to spaces that hold memories, bringing a little of Mitch along the way to ensure his energy continues to be shared with the world. To honor Mitch remember to find glimmers on an average day, smile and laugh often and freely and hug your loved ones any chance you get. Special thanks to Eva Pinto, Mary Ellen DeBard Garcia, Dirk Johnson and Madi Hendricks. The best Diamond Dogs ever (Ted Lasso). Thank you for showing up, staying put and loving big. Please continue contributing to Mitch's remember page by adding photos, sharing a memory or sending a condolence to his family. Grief is a giant neon sign, protruding through everything, pointing everywhere, broadcasting loudly, “Love was here.” In the finer print, quietly, “Love still is.” -Heidi Priebe