Thane W. Mitchell, born July 30, 1941 in Houston, Texas to Harold and Elisebeth Mitchell, passed away Jan. 28, 2008.

A proud graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Washington in communications, he lived most of his life in the Seattle area.

He served this country in the Army from 1961 to 1965. He was a local musician, a board member of the Folklife Festival and the Seattle Folklore Society for many years and a former owner of the Folkstore.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Susan; two sons Thane T. (wife Lorraine) and Jeffrey L. (wife Kathrin); granddaughters Lauren and Brittany; stepmother Lucy Mitchell and many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Prospect Congregational UCC, 1919 E. Prospect St. on Capitol Hill. Friends with instruments are asked to come in hopes that a bluegrass jam session breaks out.

A former resident of Whidbey Island, Mr. Mitchell did indeed get his bluegrass jam session. His ashes, along with his dog Bear’s ashes, were scattered by his sons Thane T. and Jeffrey L. on his favorite lake on jet skis at 50 mph. He is missed by all of us.