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Emerson Mitchell ’71

April 23, 2023, at home in Martinez, California.

Emerson Mitchell was a teacher, a mentor, and a genius problem solver. Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, he earned his bachelor of arts in mathematics from Reed, his master of arts in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His professional career was in computer programming. He was active in his church, Walnut Creek Methodist, and in the pursuit of social justice. Formerly Emerson was active in the Society for Creative Anachronism, known there as Emory MacMichael.

In the early 2000s, Emerson, a lifelong teetotaler, nearly died of liver disease of unknown cause. He was in a coma and in hospice care, but woke up and was eventually able to receive a life-saving liver transplant. It took several years for Emerson to regain his energy and intellectual ability, but he persevered. In retirement, Emerson and his wife, Johanna Meyer-Mitchell ’73, MD, enjoyed slow cross-country road trips to visit their grandchildren on both coasts, taking plenty of time to enjoy the sights along the way.

Emerson is survived by his wife; his son, Merlin Meyer-Mitchell; his daughter, Arwyn Daemyir; grandchildren Nina, Tristan, Brisen, Taelyn, Aspen, Juniper, and Rowan; sisters Jean Mitchell, Terri Mitchell, and Sue Connolly; and brothers Bill and Mike Mitchell.

Appeared in Reed magazine: Fall 2023