Charles Mitchell

Charles Mitchell, 66, of Livermore, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2008. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 on Friday, March 14, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 916 W. Prospect Road, Fort Collins. Charlie was born April 14, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, to William A. and Ruth Cobbey Mitchell. He grew up in Jacksonville, New Jersey, as the second oldest of seven children. Charlie attended Boonton High School, where he became a National Merit Scholar, co-captain of the football team, and a two-time State Champion Pole Vaulter. He attended Princeton University, where he earned his BS, MS and Ph.D degrees, graduating in Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences in 1967. While there, he broke University and Ivy League records in pole vaulting, and qualified for the NCAA Track and Field Championships. After graduation, Charlie moved to Fort Collins, where he became a Professor in the Colorado State University Mechanical Engineering Department. His courses included aeronautics, combustion, and statistical thermodynamics. His research incorporated liquid rocket combustion stability, alternative energy development and toxic emission reduction from internal combustion engines. He authored over 75 technical articles, received the Dean's Council Outstanding Faculty Award, and was invited to lecture in China and the Netherlands. In addition to being a rocket scientist, Charlie served as a volunteer pole vault coach to the CSU track and field team. He spent much of his free time working with his wife as a forest steward, restoring and managing the native pine forests on their ranch in Larimer County. He and Veta were selected as the Colorado Outstanding Tree Farmers in 2006. A loving husband, father, brother, uncle, coach, and teacher, Charlie lived his life with passion. He enjoyed mountain climbing, running, biking, camping, skiing, literature, and Ram football. Charlie constantly inspired those who knew him with his wit, courage, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Charlie is survived by his wife, Veta; his children, Charles Michael Mitchell, Darla Joanne Harrah, and Lynne Aquarius Mitchell; his brothers, Bill, Mike, John, and Steve, and his sisters, Cheryl and Jan. He is beloved by his many family members, students and friends whose lives he has touched. He will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice, in care of Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524.