One definition of the word Legend in Webster’s Dictionary is: “A person that inspires”. Clearly this definition fit former Fire Chief Ray Mitchell to a tee. Ray Mitchell passed away late on Sunday evening surrounded by his family at his home. Ray lived 70 extremely productive years, but has left us all way too early.
Ray was a proud father and husband to his immediate family. Ray was the leader of his other family, the Eden Prairie Fire Department for 17 years. Ray began the family when he saw the need for Eden Prairie to create it’s own fire department. the year was 1966 and by March of 1967 the fire department had recruited enough Eden Prairie residents to to begin operations. Ray, of course was elected by the other members as their Chief. Ray had a lot of help from his capable crew of firefighters, but Ray had a vision and helped to shape foundation that has served all of us who have followed for many years. Below are some pictures taken yesterday and an original picture of Ray in his dress uniform as Chief. The ceremony was beautiful, as was the day. Ray might be gone from us, but he will never be forgotten.
