Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr, naturopathic physician and Bastyr University co-founder, died January 23 in Seattle, WA just hours after the death of his son, Noah. Both deaths were due to myocardial infarction—Noah's at age 27 and his father's at age 59. The nation's – and, indeed, the world's – natural medicine community is in mourning. Dr. Mitchell was not only a doctor and teacher, he was an author and philosopher who thought deeply and creatively about the nature of healing and whose questions and ideas stimulated others to do the same. Although deeply committed to the Bastyr community, he gave his time and energy to all this continent's naturopathic colleges, teaching at every one over the course of the last 30 years and helping to ensure the survival of his beloved profession. His was a unifying nature – he was an advocate but never an adversary.

Dr. Mitchell did the first two years of his undergraduate work at Marquette University on a naval ROTC scholarship and then transferred to the University of Washington, graduating with a BA in history. He served as active naval reserve in Viet Nam for two years. He earned his ND degree at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1976. Dr. Mitchell was an extraordinarily gifted guitarist, who was on the cover of Time magazine at age 16 in his capacity as the private tutor for the owner of a leading guitar company. He supported his growing family and paid his tuition through medical school by teaching guitar.

Along with Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr, ND; Lester Griffith, ND; and Sheila Quinn; Dr. Mitchell co-founded Bastyr University in 1978, serving as the institution's first Dean of Admissions. He was a member of the faculty and of the University's Board of Trustees continuously until his death, teaching and inspiring thousands of students and colleagues through the years. Dr. Mitchell practiced out of the same office in Seattle where he began seeing patients three decades ago. He is survived by his parents Rachel and William Mitchell, Sr; his brothers Thomas and Michael Mitchell; his sister Laurell Macura; his daughters Rachel Colburn and Leah Mitchell, ND; his son Saul Mitchell; his son-in-law Richard Colburn; the mother of his children Roberta Mitchell; and his grandchildren David Mitchell and Regan Colburn.

There will be many individual and collective tributes written about Bill Mitchell, but it will be difficult, if not impossible, for words to express the profound impact he made on his chosen world. His writings and teachings about botanical medicine built a bridge between ancient herbal lore and modern medicine, integrating and advancing the knowledge passed down to him by some of the great naturopaths and herbalists of the mid 20th century and greatly enhanced by his own lifelong study. His steadfast belief in the vis medicatrix naturae – the healing power of nature (one of naturopathic medicine's core tenets) – took him in fascinating philosophical directions that stimulated creativity in clinical practice and individual thought among his many students. His books, Naturopathic Applications of the Botanical Remedies; Foundations of Natural Therapeutics: Biochemical Apologetics of Naturopathic Medicine; and Plant Medicine in Practice: Using the Teachings of John Bastyr, ND, were written to conserve, share, and explore knowledge—not to garner fame or wealth for himself. He was currently working on a case-based textbook of naturopathic therapeutics, demonstrating the application and efficacy of naturopathic medicine through the use of clinical cases; sections of this book were already in use for teaching students at Bastyr University.

He remained over the last 30 years exactly who he was in 1978 at Bastyr's founding—a man of spiritual and intellectual curiosity, gentleness and humility, intelligence and vision, humor and serious purpose, whose great love for nature was expressed through his passionate commitment to his profession and to his family, patients, friends, students, and professional colleagues—although he would not have sorted people into those categories. All were friends to Bill and he gave his friendship without judgment and without limit. According to founding Bastyr president Dr. Pizzorno, "Dr. Mitchell was the heart and soul of the Bastyr community. Co-founder, teacher, trustee, friend and confidant, he touched everyone. So many of us—students, faculty and colleagues alike—remember with great fondness the inspiring mountain hikes with the now deceased Drs. Boucher, Bastyr and Mitchell. They freely shared their healing wisdom and understanding of nature's curative herbs and left an indelible mark on each of us. Bill's passing is a huge loss."

Expressions of sympathy, grief, and profound loss have been pouring in from around the world to comfort the family and to honor the man. The family has planned a private memorial for Dr. Mitchell and his son, Noah, for close family and friends. A memorial service for Dr. Mitchell to be held at Bastyr University is being planned and will be announced on the Bastyr website, www.bastyr.edu, when the date has been determined.

Donations to the William A. Mitchell Jr, ND Fund can be made at any Bank of America, account # 31165251, or by sending a check to the Fund at 518 1st Avenue N., Suite 28, Seattle, WA 98109.

ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Bastyr University, in Kenmore, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in the study of natural healing. It is the leading university for natural health sciences in the United States, encompassing a multidisciplinary curriculum and world-renowned research. Founded in 1978 by practicing naturopathic physicians, Bastyr University integrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the wisdom of ancient healing methods and traditional cultures from around the world. Its mission is to educate future leaders in the natural health sciences that integrate mind, body, spirit, and nature. Through natural health education, research and clinical services, Bastyr University improves the health and well-being of the human community.