Dear Ralph, hard to hear quite lately that you have already past away about half a year ago. After meeting you for the first time at the IBBS symposium 1996 in Leeds you were always a very valuable teacher who helped and encouraged me to find my personal scientific orientation in geomicrobiology. However, I refused for family reasons your invitation to work in your department at Harvard University we both shared in the following years independently similar research interests whether in industrial microbiology or in the field of cultural heritage. I felt greatly honored to have the opportunity to meet you as a very friendly and open-minded person and to exchange during all these years so many interesting ideas and unusual methodological approaches.  Actually working myself in the valley of kings in Egypt, I always remember, passing the tomb of Tutankhamun. your engagement in the investigation of the  supposedly microbial impact within the "Curse of the Pharaoh" which I am trying to continue now considering your unconventional and prudent scientific approach.  My deep condolences to your family,  especially your grand-children,  who will surely miss you. Thank you for the time we were able to share and rest in peace !!!

It was a privilege supporting Ralph as his secretary for a little over 10 years, at Harvard. In that time I got to know him, not only as a brilliant scientist, lover of plants, and chocolate, (a kindred spirit ☺️), but he was a compassionate, humorous, principled, and wise man. His dedication to his work was only eclipsed by his devotion to his wife, Muriel, his three daughters, and grandchildren. In 2015 we celebrated his 80th birthday gathering students, post-docs, and other collaborators, whom Professor Mitchell mentored over his long career. Individuals came from all over the globe to mark that milestone year. I have so many other fond memories of Ralph that I will cherish. (After all, it’s not everyday you get to hear an Irishman put on an English accent to muse over ‘horse steak’ shockingly on a menu!) He really was a mench. To the girls: Trish, Dara, & Susan … and the grandchildren, I’m sending you my love … Ralph was so very proud of each of you. Remembering his Irish roots, this Irish proverb seems apt: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”  🙏

Have known and worked with Ralph for 50 years on Tyler Prize Executive Committee.  He was not only an outstanding scientist, but also a dear friend.  I will greatly miss our phone conversations over the past few years.

Our dad with all six (!) of his grandkids. I've never seen him happier! Trish

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Ralph Mitchell

November 26, 1934 – April 7, 2025

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