About the fund
The Ezekiel Hennessey Mitchel Memorial Scholarship is designated for graduating high school seniors from Benton, Polk, Lincoln, and Linn Counties pursuing careers in vocations such as the following:
- Home building trades
- Tile setting
- Carpentry
- General contracting
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Welding
- Entrepreneurship and/or small business development
- Other trades defined by Benton Community Foundation
Students must attain certificates or degrees from accredited trade schools, technical schools, or community colleges. Preferred candidates will have a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and have demonstrated excellence in extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership activities while in high school. Preference is given to graduates of alternative high schools.
Background
Ezekiel “Zeke” Hennessey Mitchel (May 13, 1990 – February 19, 2023) was born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1990 to Ruth Hennessey and Jeremiah Mitchel. Though he was born on Camano Island, WA, he spent most of his life in the Willamette Valley.
He grew up in Corvallis, where he graduated from College Hill/Corvallis High School in 2009, and then lived in the Independence/Monmouth area. He received his religious education at St Mary’s Church, and found joy in service to others. As a youth he was a lifeguard and library volunteer for many years. He achieved the Life Scout rank.
Career and Family
After high school, Ezekiel worked at Subway where he met Anna Clink, the love of his life, in 2011. Afterward, Ezekiel, always a gentle giant, worked as a security guard at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where he was known for his patience and kindness with those in need.
Eventually, Ezekiel joined Anna in the tile and design business. He worked initially at Mid-Valley Tile, and then as the operator of his own business: Mitchel Tile Company. He had a reputation for honesty, integrity, and expert attention to detail. He took pride in his work and loved the artistry involved in tile setting. His fine craftsmanship is on display in countless residences and businesses in the Willamette Valley.
When he wasn’t working, he loved being outdoors, camping, and spending time with friends and family. He felt a special affinity for the Drift Creek Wilderness near Waldport.
Ezekiel and Anna married in 2020 in Independence. He was a devoted husband to Anna; a cat dad to Milo and Reese; a son to Ruth and Jeremiah; a brother to Amelia and her husband Michael, Veronica and her husband Cullen, Brenda, Brand, Beth, Betty, and Jeremiah Jr; a grandson to Younga; a doting uncle to Roslyn, Ava and Mathias; a stepson to Daniel; son-in-law to Kent and Theresa; brother-in-law to Stephen and Jason; and a loyal friend to many.
Despite the great efforts of Ezekiel and the medical staff at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Providence Franz Cancer Center, he passed away on February 19, 2023 from metastatic melanoma. He spent his final hours at home surrounded by his wife Anna, sisters Amelia and Veronica, and his beloved cats. A second fund was created to honor his memory: the Ezekiel “Zeke” Mitchel Legacy Fund.
His family and friends will miss him terribly, but will remember his love, humor, and good sense forever.
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