In memory of William A. Mitchell, ND—1947-2007

Alternative Medicine Review, March, 2007 by Kathleen Head

Bill Mitchell, ND, beloved friend and colleague to many readers of Alternative Medicine Review, died from heart failure on January 23rd, just hours after the passing of his 27-year-old son, Noah, from the same ailment.

Dr. Mitchell co-founded Bastyr University (originally John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine) in 1978 and was its first dean of admissions. His heart, however, remained with practicing and teaching medicine, rather than academic administration. He practiced naturopathic medicine in Seattle and taught at naturopathic medical schools throughout North America for the past 30 years.

His love for herbal medicine encompassed a deep appreciation for the spirit of plants as well as their biochemical nature, and he knew the therapeutic value of even the most obscure flavonoid. His commitment to the philosophy of naturopathic medicine and the wisdom of plants compelled him to author several books, including 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.

Bill had the most incredible ability to wax philosophical and could keep an audience enchanted for hours, whether he was discussing biochemistry or naturopathic philosophy.

Bill's essence can be summed up in these quotes from two of his dear friends:

"Dr. Bill Mitchell was so many things to so many people. He was always passionately involved in whatever his focus was at the moment. He was totally committed to his family and to naturopathic medicine. His last words to me were, "Take care of my girls." I believe it is because of his dedication to his children that be joined his son on January 23rd. He has and always will be a spirit guide and couldn't abandon his son, Noah. My daughter, Brittany, said that Bill visited her after be departed and told her, "Tell your morn to walk in beauty.' I want the community at large to carry on his passion by 'walking in beauty' in every task we do; be would want it that way. He is so painfully missed and so joyously celebrated."

Molly Linton, ND

"Bill was a man whose heart was huge, spirit was gigantic, and sense of humor was without equal. He never ceased to surprise me with his compassion for everyone. He could never pass a homeless person without digging a dollar from his pocket. He had a mind that could keep you spellbound with his knowledge of medicine and plants, often talking about what the plant had to teach. I will always miss his laugh, his joy, his heart, and his spirit. He taught me great things and I hope I never forget his message."

Caroline Kuknyo

Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kathleen Head, ND

Editor-in-Chief