The city of Lexington is mourning the loss of one of its most talented young men, Patrick J. Mitchell, a talented artist/composer/performer and a community activist and whose contributions to arts and media will never be forgotten. Mitchell, who died on September 12th, was well loved among his peers, family and the public for his bright smile, cheerful disposition, and the passion he had for adding joy in the lives of others via his artistic pursuits.

At his time to RADIOLEX, a community based radio station; Mitchell was a host to several popular shows such as “I’m Too Old for this” as well as “Kiss of Lyfe. ” Mitchell’s co-workers at RADIOLEX fondly remembered him as a source of light and love, always urging people to stay happy.

Mark J. Royse, general manager at RADIOLEX expressed himself saying, ‘Mitchell is a very creative person and had been extremely good in the different fields of design. ’

Apart from being a radio broadcaster, Mitchell engaged in other activities that included journalism, as a photographer, acting as well as play writing. A more proof of the artist’s participation in arts shows was in small facilities and spaces like the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center as well as the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Center.

The play called “Waiting Room” which Mitchell performed shortly before his death and which dealt with themes like redemption and possibility of having the second chance in the afterlife was considered to be especially thought-provoking.

Mitchell’s contributions are not only associated with the masterpiece but includes other spheres of his activities. He was very empathetic and involved in social justice causes even using his music to speak for the community’s ills. Maxwell, son of the man said that his father used to have a lot of time for community service and the two carried out many project aimed at helping the community of Lexington.

Therefore to honor Mitchell’s achievements in promoting art and the welfare of society the Lyric Theatre has set down plans to display his art works. Christian Adair, the Executive Director of the Lyric Theatre, said that the venue would like to have Mitchell’s life and achievements commemorated through this exhibit which should be available to the public for one to two weeks as from September 25th.

RADIOLEX will also honour Mitchell by replaying his previous programs on 20th Friday September where he is expected to warm the hearts of the listeners as he did to many before his demise. Colleagues and friends remember his signature sign-off from “Kiss of Lyfe”: For example, there is one sentence that I saw on his Twitter account and it was ‘Always remember don’t ever let anyone steal your joy’.

Some members of the Lexington are seeking to pay tribute to an individual that was this instrumental in the growth of this city through art and creativity by remembering Mitchell and emulating the good that he did. His death is a sad testimony to how a person is capable of changing a community through art, activism and zeal to pass positive messages to the society.

Several heartfelt tributes have been made by Mitchell’s family, friends, co-workers and fans from different parts of Lexington, especially within the art and social justice sectors, and this shows how much he impacted their lives and how much they miss him. This was a man who had a number of gifts and with them, found ways to brighten people’s lives and create hope and order for his community, which he adored.