In Memory of Bud (Charles) Mitchell, one of the true Pioneers of the Truck Camper Industry…
The name of the company, Mitchell and Sons, comes from the company starting as a joint endeavor, headed by Harry Mitchell Sr., when started by building a small camper for himself. Other people soon wanted Harry to build one for them.
The operation grew and in 1961 the company moved from Henderson CO to a larger facility on 64th Ave in Commerce City in 1961.
The sons came to manage the business. Mick (Harry B.) was the CEO and Bud (Charles R.) ran the marketing/ sales. Mitchell and Sons, Inc. built excellent campers and the firm was the largest in the area. They sold factory direct to the customer. Their line up started with Truck campers and eventually came to include chassis-mount motor homes, 5th wheels and a small trailer with slide out beds, being perhaps the first with slides.
The company survived the oil embargo of 1973. By 1976 they had sales outlets in Albuquerque, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and Commerce City. They were the largest RV manufacturer in the US to sell factory direct to the customer. Things were looking good for the business, but disaster struck on March 15th, 1976 when fire broke out at the factory. The damage was severe. They were able to continue on a more limited basis for a while.
Shortly after the fire, the 1978 oil problems brought huge fuel costs and the market went down hill. They left the RV business about 1980.
The company is now run by Bud Mitchell's nephews, Steve and Dave Mitchell, and producing mobile-home patios.
Bud (Charles) passed away on July 1st, in addition to his wife, daughter and brother, Mitchell is survived by sons Carl Mitchell of Arvada and Craig Mitchell of Brighton; daughters Carol Prater of Westminster, Cheri SaBell and Cindy Bittner, both of Lakewood, Cayttie Heister of Minot, N.D., and Chloe Hodges of Lakewood; 30 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Bud Mitchell Obituary from the Denver Post
History Synopsis of the Mitchell & Sons Camper company and picture of 1968 10ft Mitchell Truck Camper from Clattertruck on RV.net.
I am sorry for your lost. I am sure that the Mitchell & Sins Camper company wouldn't be where it is now if it weren't for him.
ReplyDeleteCan't say I'm related, but it is a sad loss for the Truck Camper industry as a whole, as another pioneer has passed away.
ReplyDeletegosh surprised and saddened to hear of Bud's passing. I was an employee for Mitchell Campers thur the 1970's and was there when they had the fire.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I was the only woman, for many years, working on the manufacturing side. Ahead of his time.
Hi I need some help. I am looking at buying a Mitchell Motorhome 1977. What should I be looking for? The owner is a friend and used it for her now grown children so I image they have had it for 20 years. We have young boys and love camping. She wants $2300. Everything works with 100,000 miles. Can anyone help figure out where to go or who to talk with about price and what to look for thanks. tanyagioia@yahoo.com We live in Colorado mountains so warmth and gas mileage is an issue
ReplyDeleteTime is precious for all of us and auto dealers can help you to save time. A dealer is a certified and insured person who can buy and sell truck at any given time.
ReplyDeletecash for trucks near me
My name is Fajar. I live in Bedono in Central Java I was in a very chronic financial issue and terminal health situation some few weeks back. After all my search for assistance from friends and neighbors proved abortive, I feel there was no one who truly cares. I became so exhausted due to lack of funds to expand my business and my 2 kids aged 5 and 8 were not also good looking due to lack of proper care as a result of finance. One faithful morning I saw an old time friend of my late husband and I told him all I have been going through and he said the only way he could help was to direct me to a good loan officer in USA that also helped him, He explained to me on how he was financially down and how he got boosted by this loan officer ( Mr Benjamin Lee who grant him 7,000,000.00 USD loan at an affordable rate of 2.2% rate . He further assured me that they were the only legit loan firm he found online. He gave me their email & WhatsApp That was how i applied and was also granted a loan and my life changed for the good. CONTACT THE ONLY GENUINE LENDER Mr Benjamin Lee VIA WhatsApp - +1-989-394-3740 And Email: 247officedept@gmail.com to resolve your financial mess.
ReplyDelete