Please feel free to post memories of Mitch below ("Comments Section"), or email pictures and stories to memories@mitchmenlove.com.
Mitchell Kent Menlove (36) of Phoenix, AZ died Monday morning, July 19th at 1:24 AM from heart complications. Mitch was born on March 21, 1974 in Salt Lake City, UT. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ickes Menlove, their three children, Maxwell Mitchell (10), Morgan Kent (8), and Makenna Elizabeth (4). We are also anticipating the birth of Mitchell Kent, Jr. very soon. He is also survived by his grandparents, Robert and Marjorie Kent, parents, Dean and Coleen Menlove, Siblings: Drew (Elizabeth), Chad (Angie), Mindy (Christopher) Rich, Margee (Dave) Connolly, Marc (Mary), and Matt (Jessica).
Mitch married his favorite return missionary, Elizabeth, in the Salt Lake City Temple on January, 23, 1998.
Mitch was many things, among those he was an outstanding father and husband, a devoted member and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as a Bishop for 5 1/2 years in the Phoenix East Stake and touched many lives. There were those that talked about their faith and those who lived their faith, Mitch truly lived his faith as a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
We will miss his wisdom and wit that often made us laugh. He always had a listening ear followed by loving counsel and guidance. He had an intuitive sense for all people. He enjoyed golf, hockey and tennis and all things outdoors.
In Mitch’s professional life he rose from the rank of intern lobbyist to one of the most influential lobbyists in all of Arizona. He achieved mutual admiration from both parties and this was because Mitch had impeccable integrity, strong work ethic, and no guile.
The final words that he heard from his son, Morgan, after summiting Mt. Humphrey’s together, typifies how everyone felt about Mitch’s influenced in their life, “Thanks for believing in me Dad.”
Remembrance services will be held Friday, July 23rd, at the Holladay North Stake Center, 4395 S Albright Dr. (2145 E) The viewing will be held prior to the service from
9 - 9:45 AM at the same location.
Holladay North Stake
4395 S Albright Drive (2145 E)
- 8 AM Family Viewing
- 9 AM Public Viewing
- 10 AM Services
Internment will be at Wasatch Lawn cemetery in Salt Lake City directly after the services
Thinking of you and your wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteAll the best. The Hardy Family
Dear Menlove Family,
ReplyDeleteWe have thought about your sweet children and especially hope that they will remember their special dad throughout their life.
I remember that once when I was talking to Elizabeth at the park several years ago, I noticed that MaKenna had especially cute gold and sparkly shoes. When I commented on how cute they were, Elizabeth quickly replied that MaKenna had got them with her dad... her dad loved to take MaKenna shopping to buy her special "girl" things- like those fun and sparkly shoes! :)
I know Mitch loves his children and MaKenna especially is her "daddy's little girl".
We pray for your family and wish you the very best.
The Hatch Family
Dear Menlove Family,
ReplyDeleteWe want you to know how special your family is to us! We have been so blessed to have you as our friends!
I have had great joy working with your children in primary, they will always be so dear to me! Kaylee just loves MaKenna!
I have been so thankful for the example that Mitch was for Robert while they were serving together. Even though at times it was hard to have Robert away from home with all the meetings, I was always so comforted knowing that he was with Mitch.
I remember a time when I was talking with Mitch and I told him how lucky your children and you were to have him as their father and your husband, and he replied back saying "No, I AM the one who is blessed to have them!"
Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your sweet husband with all of us! We are all better people because of him and your family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your little ones! We wish you the best of luck with this new special little angel that will be joining your family soon!
We love you!
The Robert and Kortney Manwaring Family
His illuminating Christlike Spirit,and the bright smile.
ReplyDeleteWe will never forget that.
Sam, Eileen, and Emma Judd
Kevin Walker (Elder Walker-missionary greenie in Kentucky w/Elder Menlove)
ReplyDeleteI have so many great Elder Menlove stories I would like to share with you and your children, but will share a few of my favorites:
1- We had a lot of trouble during a period finding anyone that really wanted to listen to us. We fasted and prayed for success. We quickly found Raidee Glenn and challenged him for baptism on our first appointment. I could tell how badly Mitch wnated me to have a good missionary experience and he was excited as I was. Following this appt. we rode our bikes home, singing, laughing with new vigor and increased faith. I rememeber us yelling "We are going to baptize all of Louisville with the faith we have now." I remember us loudly singing parts of hymns, and a heavy metal lyric or two thrown in their by Mitch. That's how I'll remember Mitch- two boys riding their bikes in Kentucky, laughing and singing, doing the lord's work, and having more fun than any 2 boys should have.
Kevin Walker- Logandale, NV
Elder Menlove/Elder Walker Story #2:
ReplyDeleteI have a great memory of Elder Menlove and I playing basketball in the Jefferson Projects in Louisville, Kentucky. I had been begging my trainer E. Menlove to play some ball in the hood as I am a ball-player. We had been building this up all week until P-Day and it finally arrived. I remember all the brothas' laughing at us as the only white guys on the playground, but we knew we were pretty good. We began to play and began to beat up on the teams they threw at us. We started to notice people on the sidelines were betting on us and the crowd was growing. We had to keep telling them we were missionaries so they didn;'t get violent or crazy with us and that seemed to keep things a bit lighter and fun. We felt the pressure but continued to win, noticing more bets were being placed and we felt uncomfortable and some serious pressure on us now. The last game, in the only way Mitch knows how to do, he asked the group if we beat them they had to listen to one of our "lessons". We won, walked away before we got beat up and taught these 4 young kids the first discussion. A funny story but the gospel and the teaching payoff woven in their in true Menlove fashion. To their credit, they listened to the discussion but bolted as soon as we were finished.
The news was very sudden when I had heard that Mitch Menlove was in the hostpital last week since I had not heard anything before that. My first impression was that he had broken a limb or something of that caliber since he was always a very outdoorsy kind of guy. I remember him telling me that he and his brothers would often go out riding snowmobiles in SLC, or hearing about he and his boys cliff diving in Hawaii into pools of water that I know I wouldn’t have dove in. But that was Mitch, that’s the sort of guy he was.
ReplyDeleteMitch married my wife and I. We have our wedding video to always remember that special favor he did for us. Nobody else could have done it, and I know Mikhaila and I are so very thankful to him for that. I remember deciding who would marry us, and we just knew it was going to be Mitch without having to really think about it. I also remember when I decided to go to school at U of U; Mitch met my Dad and I up there to show us the campus. He helped me get a place, convinced his brother Matt to give me a mattress and showed me almost all of Salt Lake. Another time we went to conference as a big group. Another time our families all met up in Maui. Fathers and Sons outings, Sundays with the young men, meetings with him as our Bishop and even when he worked at DeMenna & Associates when I would come in and shoot the breeze with him. Mitch was very close to me.
To me, personally, Mitch was so much more than just a friend; he was a mentor. He was someone I could look up to always. Even when things weren't going his way, he rarely had a sour look on his face and I never saw him in a bad mood. Unlike a lot of fake people in this world, Mitch was always genuinely glad to see me and referred to me a "joseephus" (to this day I am not sure why!). Mitch is one of the people that made me want to continue my progression within the Priesthood simply because of how he carried himself as an LDS man. He was also the best Bishop I have ever had, hands down. He cared, sometimes more than necessary.
I just wanted to share really quick an aspect of my prayers this week and how they changed. When he was in the hospital I kept praying to God and asking him as humbly as I could to let the Menlove family keep Mitch. It was the first time I can remember saying “please please please please” in a prayer over and over. However, I also knew that if Heavenly Father needed him elsewhere, that there really isn’t anything I could do or say to change that - but I didn't want him to go. When I received the news that our friend had passed on, I immediately called Mikhaila to let her know and then I prayed with tears in my eyes to thank God for the gift of having Mitch Menlove in our lives for as long as we did and to ask Him to watch after Mitch. Mitch came in to this world loved, he left this world loved and there was nothing but love in between. His last name has the word “love” in it for crying out loud, and that is exactly what he embodied. I’ve thanked God every day since for him, as well as asking for Heavenly Father and Mitch to look after Elizabeth and the kids. My heart breaks for them, but I also know that those kids have some of the best genes and blood in their veins. They have the potential to be as amazing as Mitch was, if not more amazing, and they will always have Mitch looking after all of them from above. Until I see him again, I am certainly going to miss him a lot. I'm sure he has pets that have died over the years, but I hope he looks after my Dog, Pacer, until I get there. I love you Mitch, and I miss you buddy.
Love,
Joe & Mikhaila DeMenna
Elder Walker Memories- #3
ReplyDeleteMy last few, special memories are what made me love Mitch so much: The "P-Day Eve Pixie Parties" as he called them getting together Sunday evening and having some fun. Mitch would down the large pixie-sticks by the dozen and we would all laugh, nasty. I'll miss Mitch trying to re-enact his 'high-school cowboy riding the mascot' on anyone he truly liked. If you were praying, on the ground in any fashion, you were fair game. He would unexpectantly creep up and jump on top of you and begin riding you as he had done in high school on a visiting mascot during a high school basketball game at mid-court. He would yell, scream "yahoo", "woo hoo" and it was always funny (for me anyway) and would leave everyone rolling on the ground with laughter. I will say he became more selective and dignified with when he did this, as he became a zone leader and assistant. I will miss the "Menlove Hug" after not seeing him for awhile being squeezed something fierce by him always accompanied by a grab of the back-side. He would always then tell me "You mean stuff to me!"
To the family and friends of Mitch,
ReplyDeleteI only met Mitch briefly as our paths crossed when I left the employ of Matt Salmon, but he impressed me as a very talented individual in the arena of public service and more important a person of great integrity.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss and mourning. May the Lord give comfort and strength.
Sincerely,
J.R. Ellingson
To Mitch's Family,
ReplyDeleteI send you my deepest sympathies. Mitch was a warm and just truly nice person with a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by many.
I worked with him on some renewable energy issues and also enjoyed some lively and interesting conversations on politics, the Verde River, and more.
I cannot imagine how much you miss him. Please know he touched many lives in a positive way.
My thoughts are with you.
Dear Menlove family,
ReplyDeleteThese last several days have been full of gratitude but also sorrow. Sorrow for Elizabeth and the children, but humble gratitude that I was able to have Mitch and his family as my friends. As a bishop he served with quiet humility, strength, love and happiness. He gave so much of himself and I am truly thankful for the support and friendship that he gave to me. I realize this is a time of struggle for the entire family. Please know how much we love him and how enriched our lives are for being able to know him. Elizabeth, your husband always talked about you and how much he loves you. He always commented that he is a better man for being married to you. Your children are all a treasure to him. Thank you for so unselfishly sharing him. My prayers are with you.
Suzette Meyers
Dear Elizabeth and Family,
ReplyDeleteOur family has been deeply moved with Mitch's passing. The influence of a good person is very far reaching. I know my brother, Matt Holdsworth, and his wife Megan cherish your friendship and their joyous memories of Mitch. We mourn your loss and pray for your comfort.
Ray & Heather Gabaldon (Matt's sister)
Dear Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI had the privilege of working with Mitch in my role as Director of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, and I was heartbroken to learn of his death. Even from my limited perspective, I was keenly aware of the joy Mitch derived from you and your children, the leadership role Mitch played in your Church, and the respect and admiration he earned in the way he conducted his professional and community work. Everyone I know was impressed by his warmth, kindness, and generosity, as well as his enthusiasm, sincerity and integrity. He always exceeded anything we could have asked for in support of our cause. My colleagues and I miss him terribly, and we will hold Mitch’s memory and inspiration in our hearts as we try to find a treatment to end Alzheimer’s disease as soon as possible. He was a truly special person.
During this awfully challenging time, and in the years ahead, I hope that you and your family take comfort in your faith, your memories of Mitch, the joy you and your children gave him, and the impact he continues to have on so many people.
With heartfelt condolences,
Eric Reiman
Quite simply stated, Mitch Menlove is one of my very favorite people that I've ever met. Further, his talents, charisma, personality and success has made him among the few people I admire the very most. I think it goes to the type of person he was since I feel so strongly on those points after only knowing Mitch for less than a year and having not seen him or spoken to him for a number of years.
ReplyDeleteI was stunned to hear of Mitch's passing. My deepest, most heart-felt sympathies go out to the Menlove family. You are in my prayers. I wish I could be in Salt Lake for the remembrance service tomorrow, but circumstances will not allow and I thought I'd write this email instead.
Mitch and I were technically mission companions for the last 4 1/2 months of his mission, he as an assistant to the president at the end of his mission and me as the mission recorder at the start of my mission. I say "technically" because Elder Menlove's primary responsibilities at that time were working with the other AP. However, his official assignment was to me, and I was at the time and have always been very proud that Elder Menlove was my companion -- and that's how I've always referred to him.
Continued from above...
ReplyDeleteI first met Mitch a couple of months before I served with him, and his greeting was unforgettable. We were in the chapel of a ward building, and I had never seen the guy before. He was coming down off the stand, extended a big hug and said something to the effect that he had heard of me and that he was excited to finally meet me. Seconds after meeting him, I felt as though he was my friend and, even without seeing Mitch over the course of the last 14 years, I still consider him a great friend. I felt an instant familiarity and connection with Mitch. Mitch once told me that, because of the way we immediately cliqued, he thought we must have had the same Heavenly Mother. Not only have I always cherished the unique gospel perspective offered by that sentiment, but, because of the way I admired Elder Menlove, I've considered his implication that we shared an especially similar spiritual DNA as being the nicest thing he ever said to me. I would love to boast that our connection was unique, but judging by the type of guy Mitch was and the many memories I've been able to read these last couple days about Mitch, I'm sure many people feel the same way about Mitch.
I have many fond memories of the 4 1/2 months Elder Menlove and I lived together in the basement apartment under the mission office. When I was laying in the top bunk of my bunk bed, Mitch would often build momentum jumping on a small exercise trampoline in my room and then make a leap next to me on my bed (that each time I thought would break the bunk) and we'd lay in bed exchanging pre-mission stories. Mitch hung a sheet from the top bunk to cover the space between the top bunk and his bottom bunk to turn his bed into a cave, decorated with Christmas tree lights on the inside. The cleverness stuck with me, and my 6 year old son has often slept in a cave, rather than the bottom bunk, over the last few years (even to the point the my wife sewed him a special cave wall, replete with a window!).
Mitch is as smooth and charismatic as any person I've ever known. I worked my way through college doing door-to-door sales and selling used cars, and for the last 8 years I've worked for large, international corporate law firms. I've known and worked with some great salesmen and negotiators, but I've never met someone with powers of persuasion that exceeded Mitch's. Due to Elder Menlove's other responsibilities, we didn't tract together often. However, I never saw him get turned away from a door, talking until he built a rapport with the contact that allowed him to teach. He told me he'd get in and teach at every door he took the lead on, and he managed to do so with people I never could have convinced to let me in. I recall I story I heard of one of his converts from the mouth of one of his converts. Apparently having a tougher time making it into this eventual convert's house, as the door was closing Mitch slid his foot in the door to prevent it from closing and to allow him more time to talk. Mitch eventually taught and baptized the family.
Eating fajitas at Don Paulo's was always a favorite with Mitch. Once he ordered a virgin strawberry daiquiri. When it came, Mitch took one sip and the rest sat on the table untouched for the remainder of the meal. As we were paying the bill, Mitch told us his daiquiri was mistakenly served alcoholic and that he had spent the meal debating whether to take another drink. Mitch stuck to his convictions even when nobody would've known any different.
When I was 11 years old, my mother died. After her death, she was certainly placed on a pedestal in my house growing up, and I think we would've been hard pressed in to find anyone who said anything that tarnished my mom's reputation of perfection. As an adult, I've often wondered what it would've been like to know my mother as an adult, both for her good and her bad. To Max, Morgan, Makenna, and the soon to be Mitchell Jr., I want you to know as you grow older that no one had to place your dad on a pedestal to memorialize him. My present recollection of your dad as an adult was that he is a great man deserving of his pedestal.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Dave Toy
David Toy
Attorney at Law
The above 3 comments are ONE coment and had to be separated because of length. Sorry... Admin.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth and Family,
ReplyDeleteI met Mitch when I was inactive from the church, and welcomed me with open arms to the Madison ward because I was too afraid to go to my own ward. At that very time I knew he was filled with that Christlike spirit, and he still his.
In May 2009 you all welcomed the Deaf Branch to your building, with open arms, Mitch made sure everyone felt welcomed.
He has a big heart, and even my husband Sam told me all Mitch had to do was smile at you when we said hello, and you could see the Christlike spirit illuminating from him. My husband knew he just truly cared about everyone.
I remember in Primary maybe a few months before being released as bishop. Mitch told a story in Primary about how he went running one day, and there was a small pebble in his shoe, instead of stopping to get the pebble out, he just kept running, and the pain got worse. He said it was like sin, if you don't fix it right away it will keep getting worse.
I will remember that story forever. Mitch always has a way with words.
You guys are an inspiration to so many people. I know Mitch is watching over you, and cheering on at that stop sign.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We love you!
Eileen Blakey Judd , Sam, and Emma Judd
Deaf Branch Primary President
I love the Kevin and Dave mission stories. I could read them all day. I just arrived from California and will be at the funeral tomorrow, and I honestly wish we could set up an old style zone conference at the church and just tell our favorite Mitch and Elder Menlove stories.
ReplyDeleteWe go out as 19 and 20 year olds and try to figure out how to be missionaries. I feel so fortunate to have been able to serve in the early months with Elder Menlove, Elder Jones and Elder Toy in the mission office. Dave Toy and I came out of the mtc together and we were mentored at the beginning of our missions by some of the best. Elder Menlove in particular taught me so well how to find true joy while serving. He was probably the happiest person you could know.
I remember an old storage area downstairs that was just unorganized, and had a whole bunch of random missionary apartment leftovers. He made that his personal project to organize and clean it and turned it into his personal training area. He was so creative. there was a jump rope and I think a mini trampoline. He would do sit ups as well and he named it "Mitch Tyson's Gym". The reference of course to Mike Tyson. It seems he could turn just ordinary stuff into something valuable by putting some work into it and giving it a unique name.(makes me think of the violin poem, 'Touch of the Masters Hand')
We also had a friend of the missionaries named Timmy Tim, in Louisville. He would call us by our name, repeated twice. Mitch was "that Menny Menlove". Tim was a sweet, mentally handicapped member from Louisville, probably in his 40's who had the heart of a lion and the innocence of a child. He used to love to call all the missionaries at night, and come hang out with us on pday. Mitch was an assistant to the president at the time, and often had to stay up later than the usual lights out time of 10:30. But if the phone rang past 10:30, Elder Menlove would answer the phone in a groggy voice, like he had been woken up and act like he was dreaming. He usually said something like, "Aunt Betty, is that you...Grandpa George....hello....hello...who is this calling so late." Sometimes it was a missionary from the other time zone in Indiana, and they would feel so bad they had woken Elder Menlove up. He was so believeable and everyone knew he worked so hard, so they would apologize profusely, and tell him to go back to bed. He would then let them off the hook and let them know he was teasing. Often times it was Timmy Tim and it was always sweet to listen to Elder Menlove talk to Timmy. I have never forgotten when he told him "Timmy Tim, I love your soul." It might have been cheesy if someone else said it, but you knew it was real coming from Elder Menlove.
Missionaries are always striving to be like the Savior. Charity is the pure love of Christ. I can say without hesitation, I have known no other person who displayed more Charity than I observed from Elder Menlove. During the "best 2 years" of my life, I will be forever grateful for the time I had with him.
I have never known his children or his wife. But knowing him, I am sure he has had an impact that will never be forgotten. I know he continues to live through the stories told. I also know he is working hard on the other side making preparations for a future family reunion.
Mitch's passing has brought about a great sense of vulnerability in my life. The reality of our mortal time on this earth could not be more pronounced than when somebody so young and so talented is taken from us so quickly.
ReplyDeleteWhile preparing to leave the MTC I was able to spend an evening with Mitch as his room was only a floor below me. We were trading memories from High School and our first year in College. During this conversation we discussed our different roads which led us to that night in the MTC. Mitch remarked how much more we can learn when led by the Spirit rather than through the everyday trial and error method we had so often put to the test in previous years.
This concept was not new to me but for some reason I have always remembered that night as Mitch very humbly brought the Spirit into our midst.
Mitch has always been a man on a mission with a definitive purpose. I wish you the best on your new journey.
Your friend,
Jesse Theurer
Dear Elizabeth and the Menlove Family,
ReplyDeleteI give you all of my heartfelt, sincere condolence. I am still in shock and heartbroken to know that Bishop Menlove is gone. He helped many people's problems, and mine as well, when I was married. I felt all of the blessings and the friendship that I had with Bishop Menlove. I will always and forever be grateful for his endless love for others, and the kind of man he was.
Elizabeth, if there is anything that I can do for you, or just even to talk and vent. Please email me: masami_mrto@yahoo.com. Please know that you will Always have a friend in me and please do not be a stranger. I love you, Elizabeth. Take good care, sweet Sister :)
Yours in Christ,
Masami Moroto
How very sad to learn that Elder Menlove passed. Alama the younger was he in ability, simply the best…He must have had some kind of wonderful parents. It is obvious to see that he came to this world with profound unique gifts, too. I remember how his name echoed throughout our mission as a “legend”. For me personally, with all the amazing Elders and Sisters I witnessed in the ‘Great K.L.M” He towered over all of us. Yet, I can say this because it was so easy to acknowledge; he achieved this status from more reasons than intellect and ability-- which again, from my humble perspective his cup over flowed. It was, however, his powerful way to tap into the pure love of Christ and extending it to all that crossed his path that caused me to hold him in such high regard. From my observation He wasn’t stuck on any personal insecurities; he was alive with confidence in himself. He knew who he was and was profoundly comfortable and happy in his own skin. It could be said of him-- He applied the Atonement and upon realizing all that was accessible through being clean and empowered with the Spirit, the Priesthood, and a close relationship with our Savior--- it was full throttle forward there was no looking back.
ReplyDeleteThey said of Joseph Smith He was Jovial, so very fun, and filled with immense kindness and love towards all. He opened an amazing window as to see what the character and life of Christ was like. It is safe to say as we go through life, we find those who have such an eye single to God’s will that they shine as we would think Jesus would. I stood with Christ when I was with Elder Menlove. How amazing he was at 19 through his 21st years in life. I wish I could have benefited through knowing him in his more latter capacities. Tributes to the man he was, left by those who did know him in recent years, leads me to feel envious of those who were closely associated with him. I feel inspired and re-motivated to live life more fully, and lay hold upon blessings of a righteous life much the way Elder Menlove was so richly blessed in his life. Thank you Father in Heaven for sending Elder Menlove my way…. Jared Beesley
I have so many great memories of Mitch. College was a magical time in my life and it was the time I met and became close friends to Mitch and Elizabeth. I was assigned, by Elizabeth, to look after him while she was on her mission. I did everything I could to honor her wishes. When you look back at old pictures and see a few highlights in his hair…I was the one responsible for those. The movie “Meet Joe Black” came out during college and we thought Brad Pitt looked so good with highlights, so I attempted to replicate the hairdo on Mitch (as if Mitch wasn’t handsome enough already). I remember my mom even commenting on how good Mitch looked with highlights. I think Elizabeth must have liked it when she got home from her mission, because we even added a little blond to that beloved head of hair right before they got married.
ReplyDeleteMitch was always a dearly loved individual. He listened to my endless rambling about boys, life, school or whatever was on my mind. His honest advice was always just what I needed to hear. His soothing words, his boyish grin, his absolutely, irreplaceable life will truly be missed. What a guy…what a friend.
Not only was Mitch dearly loved, but he loved dearly. I really don’t think Elizabeth could have been loved more by a boy. He was intoxicated by everything about her. There was no question she was the only girl for him. I think when he encouraged the change of her name from E I to Elizabeth, it was a way for him to savor longer the sound of her name. Mitch loved his children…I know that with all my heart.
Alex and I are praying for you, Elizabeth. You told me something the day Mitch died. You said “just love your husband.” Personally, if anything good could come from this, it would be that I do love my husband even more now. I am cherishing every minute I have with him and with my children. Life is so fragile and we do not know what the Lord may have planned for us. We love you and your darling family. May the Lord bless you, comfort you and strengthen you.
Love always,
Sicely & Alex Buxton
Cousins Max, Morgan, Makenna, and Mitch, Jr.
ReplyDeleteI have a really cool memory of your dad (my uncle). Do you remember how we got to go to Disneyland together over Thanksgiving break? It was so fun. But I got really tired at the end of the day. Uncle Mitch wanted to stay until midnight. He had downloaded an ap on his iphone so that we would know which lines were the shortest. I complained about my sore feet. Mitch said, "Don't you want to stay as long as we can. Heaven is like Disneyland but with no lines." I know that your dad is enjoying all the fun rides in heaven with no lines. I love the way that was always funny and cool but also would be thinking about heaven too.
I love you! Your cousin, Sam Connolly
Cousins Max, Morgan, Makenna, and Mitch Jr.,
ReplyDeleteYour dad is soooo funny. He always makes me laugh. He likes to call my daddy a canary, because he is a good singer. Do you remember the fun trip we took to Lake Powell this June? I love how your dad always makes the biggest fires at Lake Powell and then we make smores. This year he poured gas on the sand in the shape of a giant C (for Connolly) Then he lite it with a match and said, "Hooray for the Connolly's" We had fun singing and laughing around that fire. Let's keep making big fires at the cabin. Love your cousin, Maya Connolly
Our hearts have truly ached for you this week and you have been in our very humble prayers. Your family is so very loved and cherished and the example of love and friendship you have shared will truly last through eternity. We wish for you the peace and the comfort that only comes through our Savior. Truly you have and will continue to see His hand in your lives.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Phil (Matt's brother) and Amy Holdsworth
To the Menlove Family:
ReplyDeleteI had the privilege of working with Mitch for the past two years. I still see him walking into a meeting with his twinkling eyes, half grin and ready handshake, anxious to get down to business. Mitch did everything with boyish optimism and energy. He pursued his causes passionately but never compromised confidences or his integrity to achieve an objective. His success in an often ruthless and ethically-challenged profession was all the more remarkable because he did it through honest and genuine interactions and good old-fashioned hard work. People sensed that about him and grew to trust and respect him. Yet, as dedicated as he was to his work, his family was never far from his thoughts. He never missed an opportunity to talk about his children or his wife and the baby they were expecting. He was truly fulfilled in life. No doubt, the same is true in death. God bless him and your family.
Sincerely,
Colleen Auer
I swear I don't think I ever saw Mitch in a bad mood. And the best part about Mitch was that he always made people smile. One day I pulled up into the House parking lot, and he was standing outside. I was wearing a pink dress, and Mitch said "I love the color pink on women, you look so nice today". Of course he could have just been saying that because he needed a vote on one of his bills, or was just trying to smooze - but that wasn't Mitch. He said nice things to people all the time without any hidden motives. A real rarity at the Capitol! I could not attend his Memorial service, but I wore something pink to remember him on that day. I will always remember Mitch's kindness, his smile, and his upbeat attitude. I will miss him, but feel comfort in knowing GOD has one of Angels back.
ReplyDeleteMichele Reagan
A Real Man
ReplyDelete“Wait,” he said, and a thoughtful pause
“my little son taught me a lesson, today.”
And the people listened
And they understood
How a real man leads the way.
“Iʼm sorry,” he said, to his young wife
a misunderstanding, an impatient thing -
“I love you forever,
you are my life.”
And a real man sees everything.
“Cʼmon, boys!” he calls, as little feet fly
to meet him at last home again!
A tired daddy plays
with two little guys
This man knows boys will be men.
“Iʼm right here,” he gently whispers
to a little girl whimpering in pain.
He cradles her close
and kisses her tears
In suffʼring there is much to gain.
Too soon, too young, he is suddenly gone!
The place of his leaving is dreadful sore.
But child soon to be
will follow the legacy
Of a Man whose love was all - and more.
~ for Mitch, Elizabeth, Max, Morgan, MaKenna and little Mitch
all my love to you, and all my gratitude for what you are to me and mine.
Cindi Tanner
July 20, 2010
Phoenix, AZ
My husband Ty and I were married eleven years ago last May. That following October, Max Turner, my husband's best friend, the best man at our wedding, unexpectedly left this life due to a river-rafting accident. I remember that afterward his mother was so hungry for any detail anyone could tell her about her son. The two of them were very close and she knew more than anyone else about him, yet she wanted to know anything and everything that anyone could tell her about him. She said it helped her to feel closer to him, hearing details about his life that she hadn't before heard. It is with that in mind that I tell you everything I know about Mitch Menlove. It isn't much, you know him so much better and more intimately than I ever did, but it may take several posts over several days as I think of more, but I want you, his dear family, to know everything I know, no matter how trivial or small it may be, just with the off chance it may bring you some small amount of comfort at some time in your lives.
ReplyDeleteI first saw Mitch when he was sitting on the stand in Sacrament meeting the first time I attended the Biltmore ward. I remember looking at him and thinking, "There is no way I can ever go to that man with any sort of problem. He is much too good-looking for that. And besides, he has to be at least five years younger than I am." (and he is - exactly 5 years).
Later that same month, he, along with his two councilors, Brother Setlow and Brother Carruth, came to visit me in my home. I was struck by how genuine he was and unpretentious he was. He asked me what he could do for me. I told him that I just wanted good home teachers so that I could call on them for priesthood blessings when my son or I needed them. He said he would do his best and that I could call him, personally, if I needed one. I told him I didn't want to do that because he, being the Bishop, was so busy. He very kindly put me in my place by saying, "Sister Barlow, with all due respect, I would appreciate it if you would let me make that determination. If I can be there, I will be. If I can't, I will make sure someone else will be there." I have never forgotten that. I was impressed that he cared about me, this new member of his ward, whom he didn't know anything really about, enough to personally make sure my spiritual needs were met.
Not long after that, I was out of town, in Carlsbad, California vacationing with my family for our annual camp at the beach. It was on a Sunday, and my phone rang. I answered it because I saw that it was a 602 area code. It was Bishop Menlove. He said, "Hello Sister Barlow, I noticed that you were not in Sacrament Meeting today and I just wanted to let you know that I missed you." I was impressed and touched by that. Never before, in all my life, have I personally been called by a bishop to have them tell that first, they actually noticed I wasn't there, and secondly, to let me know they missed me. That simple act told me that this is a bishop who really cares for his ward members. I was really touched by that small gesture which meant so much and, again, have never forgotten that.
For now, I'm off to bed, my little twins will be up early in the morning, so I better get my energy rest. I told Elizabeth at the viewing that knowing Mitch was life changing for me and it was. I'll write more about that in my next entry.
I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet many of Mitch's family members this past week. You are all such lovely people. What luck to have traveled on the same flight back up to Salt Lake City with Mitch's parents, MacKenna and her Aunt and Uncle. It was a pleasure to sit across the row and talk more with Mitch's parents. It is evident that Mitch was truly born of goodly parents.
I agree with Mitch's former companion,
Elder Beesley, who said, "Thank you, Heavenly Father for sending Bishop Menlove my way."
Much love to you all,
Ann Barlow
Mitch represented me and my employer, Cisco Systems. I always looked forward to seeing Mitch. In every interaction, Mitch was able to effectively execute on the task at hand, convey real warmth for those involved, and make me laugh with a few side bar thoughts shared after the meeting (usually via text message).
ReplyDeleteHe was usually running late, and would fly into our office in one of his impeccable suits, with a huge smile.
I feel so fortunate to have known Mitch.
All my best,
Allison West
Bishop Menlove is such a great man. I admired him from afar. I first knew him from being at the Lythgoe's all the time in high school. I always thought he had a strong character and loved him, because I knew the Lythgoe's loved him so much. Even though we weren't close, I still would call him a friend.
ReplyDeleteAbout two months ago, we had a stake dance. Bishop Menlove was there to chaperone, and Paul talked to him for about an hour while there. He is just so easy going and deeply interested in you.
I have also admired Elizabeth from afar. I think she is so beautiful and they have the most adorable kids. I have thought about you, Elizabeth everyday, and pray for you and your family. Mitch is up in heaven with your baby on the way. How sweet it is.
love,
Emily and Paul McKellar
There are so many unforgettable things about Mitch. He always went out of his way to have a conversation with me at family get togethers, and NEVER failed to invite Allan and me to visit him and Elizabeth in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteI will never forget Mitch's love for Madonna.
He insisted that "The Immaculate Collection" was an integral part of one's music library.
I will also never forget one time in college he showed me his check book. He was so proud of his "Kindergarten style" checks. The print was in all little kid writing and they were decorated with pictures of crayons.
Only Mitch...
Dear Menlove Family, I have loved reading all of these memories of Mitch. They are just as I remember my childhood friend: fun-loving, full of life and energy, and a kind, good heart. When I think of Mitch, I remember his silly laugh that made everyone laugh- that was Mitch... you were just happy when you were around him! You couldn't help it! Elizabeth, Max, Morgan, MaKenna, and little Mitch... when I was a little girl, I lived up the street from your Grandma and Grandpa Menlove... only they weren't grandparents then, but GRAND parents of seven little children. Two of my best friends in the world were their daughters (and your aunts): Mindi and Margee. We had a great time roller skating, riding bikes, and playing dress up, but more than anything we loved to play with our Barbie dolls! Problem was... Mitch did too. He wanted to be part of the fun! Sister Menlove suggested to Mitch that he make us a Barbie House- he happily agreed and went to work. A couple hours later, multiple cardboard boxes, several rolls of duct tape, and a pile of construction scraps from Bishop Menlove's workroom...and you should have seen what that Mitch Menlove came up with! It wasn't a house, it was an ESTATE. It had bedrooms, dressing rooms, jacuzzis, a guest house, servants quarters, I think a movie theater, and a pasture for the horses! (I'm pretty sure we didn't even have Barbie horses, but that kid thought of everything!) I remember thinking how LUCKY Mindi and Margee were to have such an AMAZING brother! They ARE lucky... Mitch IS amazing... and I feel so fortunate to have known such a good, great young man. My love to you all..Kami (Redd) Giles
ReplyDeleteI was very moved by the service for Mitch; his two boys reading his obituary, his two brothers, heart-broken with their loss and the stories of his friends were both crushing and lifting all at the same time. Crushing for the loss, lifting for the life Mitch led and the example he left behind.
ReplyDeleteWhen my colleagues; Doug Cole, Paul Bentz and Ryan Smith, returned to my car for the ride back to the office it was a very quiet ride, save for the thoughts permeating all of our minds about Mitch, his family, his life and most importantly his legacy. I think the only comment in the car on the way back to the office was from Ryan Smith who said, “I have never left a funeral wanting to be a better man, until today”. Truer words may never be said and they enveloped all of us for the quiet ride home.
Over the past several years I had the privilege of getting to know Mitch fairly well. When Matt Salmon left Greenburg, Traurig for Washington D.C. Anne Hamilton who also works with us here at Highground and Doug began some conversations with Mitch about his future and where he would like to work. Both Doug and Anne approached me with the idea of Mitch perhaps joining our team, and I was thrilled with the prospect.
The joy and hope I felt was not driven by the prospect of greater financial gain but born of a belief and hope that Mitch’s addition to our firm would bring him into our daily routine; his warmth of character, his humor, his insight, his compassion. All of which would have made our work environment a better place, a better company and of course helped us to become better people.
When I heard of Mitch’s passing on that Monday morning, my first and constant thought since then, was how much I will miss the sparkle of his eyes and the warmth of his smile and the easy going nature in the way he carried himself. People like Mitch are rare, but they are extremely rare in our business, where the cynicism and the less attractive aspects of our human nature seem to overwhelm our good judgments far too frequently. While Mitch did not ultimately choose to join us at Highground, it wasn’t until the service on Monday that I fully understood why.
Mitch, as was said at his service, was a rescuer. Mitch had a great life; a wonderful calling in his church, and an adoring family. After the service I understood Mitch went where he felt needed, he had a calling to help people. I believe he saw in our team at Highground a pretty strong set of individuals and wondered how he would have contributed. It was my own immaturity which prevented me from really sharing with him how excited I was at the prospect of his joining our team. If I failed to tell Mitch how much I thought of him, that was my fault. In writing this note, I want his family at least to know how much I thought of their husband, dad, son and brother. He was a truly great and unique person.
I think now, Mitch is where he is needed. In our hearts and minds as a constant reminder to do the right thing, to live our lives in a way that creates a greater good, a more secure feeling amongst those closest to us.
His bond with Matt Salmon was unbreakable; he was a partner to Matt. What some, including me, may have interpreted as a weakness an unwillingness to take a risk, really wasn’t that at all. Mitch just loved his life, the people he worked with, the fact that he was constantly contributing to help others.
I will miss him and relish his memory. WWMD – What would Mitch Do should be heard around the capital! It will certainly be ringing in my head.
God Bless Mitch Menlove, for he so certainly blessed us.
Chuck Coughlin
President
Highground, Inc.
I will never forget Lake Powell with Mitch, the first time I met Mitch was when I was engaged to Matt. I had heard so many great things about Mitch prior to meeting him, and he more than impressed me. He hugged me like he had known me for years and presented Matt and I with an engagement gift, "The LOVE boat" a huge inflattable boat, perfect for Lake Powell, that was the first of many fun times with Mitch, I will never forget fishing with Mitch or just listening to his great stories of being Bishop or just about how much he loved being a dad of such awesome kids. I love you Mitch and am grateful to have known such an incredible man. - Jessica Menlove
ReplyDeleteEver since I was a young kid I wanted to be like Mitch. All the neighborhood kids did. We wanted to act like him, talk like him, everything. I loved going to the cabin in Brighton to play pool or watch movies when Mitch and his friends were there. I will always remember Mitch and those memories with great happiness.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Nick Redd
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ReplyDeleteI served a mission in the Arizona Mesa Mission, and I was in Bishop Menlove's ward in 2007. I was very sad to hear about what happened since it came as quite a surprise; also, this is a very similar story to what happened to my own family, and I can sympathize with what is happening too.
ReplyDeleteMy memories with Bishop Menlove include working with him in the progress of the Missionary work in the Ward, especially with the baptism of the Huskon's. I could never have asked for a Bishop more committed to missionary work.
When the Huskon's decided to be baptized, we had only a few days to organize the baptismal service, both because they wanted to be soon and because I was about to go home from my Mission. Bishop Menlove was going to be out of town on the day of the baptism, and this plus the fact that within only a few days we wanted to have the baptism, we thought there was a possibility he would ask us to wait another week or so. However, when we called him, he did all that was possible, including contacting one of his counselors to make the baptims of the Huskon's work. I was very thankful for how thoughtful and inspired he was. I am not sure if he knew that was my last week on my mission, but he let us have the service on the date we preferred, and on the date that had great meaning to me.
This and other interactions I had with him made me have great appreciation for the Bishop he was. He is a great example to me and I know that an even greater example to his family.
Leo A. Almeida (Elder Almeida)
To the Menlove Family,
ReplyDeleteMitch so touched my life. Five years ago I had been in the hospital and suffered a slight stroke after knee replacement surgery. I recovered completely and was back to work when Mitch came in the office one day. He told me he had been thinking of me and wanted to let me know that his 5 year old son had prayed for me to recover. I was so deeply touched by this gesture that I have never forgotten his kindness nor that of his son. I have always felt greatness in Mitch and it was confirmed at his memorial service hearing all the stories of what he did each and every day simply out of goodness and kidness. We are all better for knowing Mitch. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Linda Doescher
One thing I'll never forget about Mitch is how genuine he was when he spoke to children and teenagers. He gave them the same full attention that he gave to adults. He looked them in the eye and was fully engaged in the conversation. I've rarely seen that from any other adult. He was sincerely interested in what they had to say. He was able to offer advice or give them gentle warnings without being preachy. I'm sure Elizabeth was frustrated many times when he would bring my kids home from babysitting at their house, only to spend an hour with them chatting in the car. This was his true gift. He made everyone feel like they mattered to him, and that they were special and important.
ReplyDeleteI've thought a lot about how he developed that gift, and wonder if perhaps he initially just "acted" interested and caring, then over time it wasn't just "acting" any more. He learned to genuinely love people. He always kept the focus on them, and not on himself. I believe that through his experiences as a Bishop in our church, Mitch learned to love people as Christ does, and ALWAYS gave them the benefit of the doubt. He believed everyone was GOOD. I've heard many many people talk about working through issues with Bishop Menlove, and they always comment on how he helped them believe that Christ loves them and will never give up on them.
Mitch taught me that everyone has something good to offer. We had a fairly new member move into our ward that seemed to struggle to find her place there. He called her to be the ward choir director, and was so dedicated to helping her have "success" in her calling, that he changed the time for his ward council meeting each Sunday, and asked every member of that council to attend choir practice on Sunday mornings, so she would have people their to lead. He attended also. Now that's a dedicated Bishop, and typical of how Mitch wanted so much for people to feel good and be successful in their callings.
Mitch was an fabulous teacher. When I worked with him when he was a bishop, I was so amazed at his ability to teach and inspire in his meetings. He taught a leadership principle at the beginning of every ward council, and motivated us to just be good people. He made it seem so simple to reach out to others and help them, forgive them, and love them.
There's no way I can put into words all the ways Mitch has influenced my life for good. He and Elizabeth have brought so much joy and love into our family, and I will be eternally grateful for them.
Stacie Lythgoe
It is very difficult to write about Mitch because I don't know where to begin. Mitch, Elizabeth, Max, Morgan, and Makenna have been our family in Arizona for the past decade, and we feel the loss of each of them now that they have returned to family in Utah. Mitch brought great joy into our world as he was always finding ways to "have fun." Nothing was too hard, or too extreme to try. When Morgan was about 2 months old, our families hiked a few miles down the Grand Canyon and back. We've been camping, dirt biking, hiking, swimming, shooting, and even played tennis together as families for Family Home Evening. We celebrated each and every birthday together as "family."
ReplyDeleteMitch and Elizabeth convinced Kevin and I that we should buy a boat together with them. We knew nothing about boats, but he convinced us it would be "fun." We believed him, and have never regretted that decision. We have many many great memories of boating (I loved seeing the babies asleep in their infant carriers tucked under the dashboard). He made us all feel like champions when we tried new tricks, even though our attempts were often very lame. He said, "You can tell how much fun you've had by how much water is inside the boat." He was willing to do more than his share of the work, and yet made us feel like he was grateful to us. Typical Mitch.
I have always appreciated how much love Mitch showed to my children. They all love him like a big brother, or a second dad. Soon after we first met them, they stayed with our children while Kevin and I went out of town. When we returned, the kids were so excited to make Mitch's "cave man porridge" for us. It was macaroni and cheese with hot dogs in it. Mitch and Elizabeth made it so much fun to have us gone, the kids wanted to know if they could "babysit" again some time.
I also appreciate the great example he set for my entire family in helping out with work around the house (without complaining). Whenever we had them over for dinner, Mitch always asked what he could do to help, and was often one of the last ones working in the kitchen doing dishes. That really meant a lot to me.
I was saddened when I heard of Mitch's passing other day. I have never actually met Mitch in person but I knew his amazing family and loved them all. He was a great missionary and his family missed him dearly while he served. My heart goes out to all of the Menlove family at this time. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you the loved ones he left behind.
ReplyDeleteWith sympathy,
Tiffany Bloomquist
Bishop Menlove was such a strong example of loving service to our family. He welcomed us into his ward as newlyweds and truly made my husband and I feel like we the most important people in the world! He praised us for the small things we would do in the ward and built us up. One thing I will always remember about Mitch his is how much he loved his family. He was so proud of them and loved to share stories about the kids and talk about how much he loved and appreciated Elizabeth. One of my favorite stories he shared was how happy he was of Max when he made a keane observation about Chucky Cheese. I guess their family was at Chucky Cheese for a party and Max came up to his dad and said “Dad, this place smells like vomit”. Mitch thought this was so so funny and we all got a good laugh out of it.
ReplyDeleteBishop Menlove also helped me so much when my brother passed away. On one particular Sunday I was in the foyer during Sunday School preparing my Young Women’s lesson and Bishop Menlove came and sat down next to me and asked how things were going. I shared with him my grief and how it was really hard for me to come to church and feel the spirit so strongly without breaking into tears. He listened and shared his knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. That little chat was such a comfort to me and I will never forget it.
We love you Elizabeth and kids So so much!
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ReplyDeleteEvery now and then Mikhaila and I catch ourselves thinking about Mitch and the Menlove family - ridiculously enough, we were thinking about him while riding "its a small world" at disneyland (I know he would think that's funny). We came out of the tunnel crying rather than smiling and we then came to the conclusion, as we always do when we cry for Mitch and the Menloves, that Mitch doesn't want us to keep weeping for him. He wants us to be happy - that is what mattered most to him. He wants us to help our neighbor, drive a lady in need to her home in Globe on Christmas Eve, give the homeless man more than just a couple pennies, go to the cannery on a weekend, help an old lady across the street and get someone's cat out of a tree (haha). Mitch wants us to love one another like he does.
ReplyDeletePlease forgive me if it seems that I ramble, and if you don't agree with me then don't - everyone grieves differently. I love Mitch and the Menloves. He affected my life, and still does affect my life, for the better. If my wife and I argue, we inevitably end up asking each other, "Is this what Mitch would want?" He married us and made our love "official" in the eyes of the state, and I am so glad he it was him that did that.
I am so grateful for Mitch, but I really miss him, too. The entire DeMenna clan will always feel that void. Until we meet again, right?
Thought of you today, Mitch, as we set your brother apart to serve in a Bishopric here in Newport Beach, CA. Your name was mentioned and your influence felt. Thank you for continuing your watch over this family.
ReplyDelete