Mitchell Scott Blain
On July 31, 2017 this world sadly lost one of its warmest, brightest lights. Mitchell Blain was just 31 years old. There are certain people in this world who have the gift of finding joy everywhere they go and leaving it behind; he was one of these people. The infectious personality, humor and charm Mitch displayed as a child transcended into adulthood and served as a magnet to all who crossed his path, flooding souls with light and laughter and leaving smiles everywhere.
Growing up in Utah, Mitch was a very active person who, like his Papou, enjoyed spending time in nature outdoors. Whether it was hiking in local Canyons, skiing, fishing and golfing or swimming in the Pacific Ocean, Mitch knew how to have fun…and people just loved his playfulness. This was especially true of his brothers Nick, Ted and sister Crystal.
His absence is profound because he was truly a kind and helpful person who was able to openly and comfortably communicate his love and affection for others. You felt it in his hugs, the way he looked at you during a conversation and how he never hung up the phone without saying “I love you”. Mitch’s empathy for others knew no bounds and he was protective by nature; his instinct was to defend others and fight for the underdog. Mitch helped many people with their addiction and touched many people in so many ways. In some ways, this perceived label of having ‘strength’ masked some painful challenges beneath the surface of our gentle giant- namely addiction.
The challenges that come with addiction are often insurmountable even for one with Herculean strength. Our sweet Mitch faced a long, brave battle with addiction that spanned nearly half his brief life. He spent time in various rehabs and made significant strides following each of these stays. ‘Nothing changes if you do nothing to change it” he would say, reflecting his desire and conviction to improve. His internal strength could be seen day by day in how hard he worked to get better and in how optimistic he was about the future. However, all this progress was tragically cut short by his sudden death caused by the long-term effects of addiction.
It is our family’s hope that his death and our tremendous grief will not be in vain. Our desire is to bring attention to addiction, the heroin and opioid epidemic, and how it is stealing the lives of our children. We must eliminate the stigma attached to it and heighten awareness to the fact that addiction is a treatable, medical disease- not a moral failing. We feel so blessed and lucky to have had him in our lives. May his memory be eternal, as we will forever miss our Mitch.
Mitch leaves behind a brokenhearted family, which includes his loving mom Theo Haskins, dad Scott Blain, sister and brother-in-law Crystal and Jeff Bybee, twin brother Ted Blain, and older brother and sister-in-law Nick and Amanda Blain. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces - Jonah and Malia Bybee; Jordan and Mariah Rackley; aunts Angela Simmonds, Kathy Wyatt, Janet Warr, Gloria Velarde; uncle Tony Bicos, as well as extended family members that include his Great Aunt Thea Andy, Godmother Connie Pavlicas, Aunt Paula Mitchell, Uncle Christopher Pavlicas and a plethora of other family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2017 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mitch’s name to Utahnaloxone.org.