MITCHELL, Moses (Pete)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Monday, October 3, 2011 - Moses “Pete” Mitchell June 25, 1942 — Sept. 22, 2011 “Big” Pete Mitchell passed away tragically in Parker, Sept. 22, at the age of 69. Pete was born in Windom, Minn. Pete’s family moved to Torrance, Calif., where he grew up and graduated high school. He loved that area in California and decided to raise is family there. In 1987, Pete moved to Lake Havasu City and never left. Pete loved everything about Lake Havasu City, mostly playing on the lake and the river in his 26-foot Hallett. Pete had two passions in life; water-ski racing, where he has been a top driver for the past 40 years, pulling hundreds of skiers. His biggest accomplishments in ski racing were his 1997 National Championship and his 2001 World Championship. He slept with both those trophies for weeks. His other passion was going to Buttercup Sand Dunes with his best friend, Mike Dixon, where they would spend weeks at a time out there. Pete will be missed by his family, all his friends in Lake Havasu and Parker and the water ski race community as well as all his sand dune buddies. Pete was preceded in death by his brother, Dick; and is survived by his son, Peter Jason Mitchell, of Lake Havasu City; daughter, Kelli Rae Grewer and her husband, Jay Grewer, of Lake Forest, Calif.; granddaughter, Alexandria Leighann Heatley, of Lake Forest, Calif.; as well as brother, Bob Mitchell; sister, Ellie Carter; and nephews, Joe and Mike Mitchell. A celebration of life will be Oct. 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Golden Sails in Long Beach, Calif. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to Riverdaves@facebook.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.