This stalwart couple first joined the wooden boating ranks in 1981, when presented Dick Clarke, then V. P. and General Manager of Sierra Boat Company with a certain lost soul in the form of a 17' Chris Craft 'barrel back'.
Dick took full aim at the two innocent newcomers and convinced them that the "resurrection" was just a day and a dollar away....!!!!!
"Solace", as John subsequently named their 1940 model hole-in-the-water, was brought back to life (almost miraculous eh wot), in the Sierra Boat shops with both Mitchell's assisting in the restoration process.
The diameter of the local wooden boating circle was much smaller then and when a move was initiated to charter a local chapter of ACBS in 1980, the Mitchell's were among the fledging group, brining much needed enthusiasm and organizational skills. In 1985, when Lake Tahoe was named as the site of the chapter, for the presentation of our credentials at the International ACBS Convention, they played instrumental roles in the staging of "The Event".
But who are these people, and what are they doing in McKinney Estates? It would be less accurate to say that their current lives were "meant to be", John after all, is a Californian by birth, retired from a career as an Engineer for Global Marine. Roz on the other hand is a rare 4th generation Australian.
They met in Australia where Roz was an Elementary School Principal. The couple met in 1973 and were married on the Rock of Gibraltar in 1975.
After a long honeymoon in and around the Mediterranean and living on a Mediterranean Island for two years, the two returned to the U.S.A. in 1987 5Santa Barbara), found Tahoe in 1978, and 30 days later moved here permanently. Enamored by their surroundings, like so many before them, the Mitchell's determined to make a life here, and so they have.
John continued a world wide communte until his retirement in 1986 and Roz decided real estate was an option to keep here busy while John was away. In 1989, Roz decided to get her Broker's license and opened her office in Homewood, the following year she bought out her previous Broker and now has additional offices in Tahoma and Rubicon. So now Roz has her own real estate corporation along the West Shore. Just look for the "Aussie Roo ----"Mathilda" and you will find Roz, very willing to list, sell or rent to you.
The Mitchell's are admitted cat fanciers, the latest feline stray was discovered in the 'timer' box at a complex Roz manages. "Timer", the little ball of fluff is doing well and is kept company by Chloe dog.
"Solace" now calls Sunnyside home port and on many a summmer's day she leaves her berth, carrying the Mitchell's and their delightful outing along the North and West Shores of our spectacular Lake.
by Carol Van Etten