Mike and family;

I can’t tell you how sorry I feel hearing about Mitch. My prayers will be with all of you. I have so many memories of Mitch It’s hard to give just one. It was so much of a pleasure to just have been his friend. May the lord be with all of you.

God Speed “MITCH”

To Mitch’s family, and to Mitch from afar:

I remember Mitch from when I was a kid and he coached us at Yakima Tennis club. I remember him as a very kind man, who was encouraging and also had a great sense of humor despite our childish jokes!. I now live in Chicago but my old friend and tennis partner let me know that he passed away. I am so sorry to hear this, and want to extend best wishes for his family, as I’m sure he will be greatly missed. I am sadder that he is no longer with us on earth. Best, Tracy Gilmore

Mike & family-

I am so shocked and have so much sadness when I read about Mitch. I can remember watching Mitch and Mike playing high school tennis with my brother Craig when I was a kid. Later on I was lucky to have Mitch help coach me tennis at Yakima Tennis Club. I learned so much from Mitch and cherish the good memories from those days and will always remember the California trip to visit colleges that Mitch helped bring myself and others to. I laugh everytime I think about the lip sync we all did at YTC when the Australians came. Mitch and Kevin Young did “You Lost that Loving Feeling” routine from the Top Gun movie. I have that lip sync on video tape to always look back and laugh at. When Mitch was the boys coach at IKE, I always wished that he could have been the girls coach as well.

Thanks Mitch for the wonderful memories and all you taught me!

Sharon Williams and Ronda Koester former NW Orthopedics employees wish to express our sincere sympathy to your family. Mitch left this world too soon and will be dearly missed.

Joanne and family,

I care and share your sorrow.

Your friend,

Kay

Dear Mike, Joann, Emmett, Paki, and Family,

I was saddened when hearing the news of Mitch’s passing.I had the honor of first meeting Mitch as “The Class of 82” opened the doors of WVJH! One could not miss Mitch’s smile that lit up the hallways as we passed from class to class. Mitch was blessed with many gifts and talents and being an exceptional friend to everyone was one. Through our years of high school Mitch had a way of making every individual feel special through his kind words, encouragement, or that bear hug he often gave! The “Class of 82” has lost a dear friend! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely,

Anna HinkleyKramer

Dear Mike, Paki, Joann and Emmett,

Having known Mitch since elementary school, I have many fond memories of time spent with him. Mitch was a great friend to me, and was always able to put a smile on my face! I remember Mitch as a person who always chose to live life to the fullest. I admired Mitch for following his dreams and always giving 100%; he was an inspiration to me in many ways! I always appreciated Mitch’s outgoing personality and positive attitude; somehow he was always able to find the good in any situation. Mitch was a caring, warm hearted, fun loving individual who was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Even though Mitch and I did not keep in contact after college, I always knew that the next time I did see him, we would have picked up right where we left off

I send my love and most sincere sympathy to all of the family and friends who knew Mitch. He will not be forgotten.

Love,

Joanne Morgan Hennessy

Joanne, Emmett, Mike and Family,

I remember my days at WVHS and of Mitch with such happiness. It doesn’t seem possible that Mitch is now walking with our Lord in paradise. It gives me comfort to know that we all have a very special angel watching over all of us.

May the Lord hold you in the palm of His during this time of sorrow.

Dear Mike and family,

May God have mercy on the soul of your beloved Mitch and may his memory be eternal! May God comfort and bless each of you in this difficult time.

Fr. Joseph and Denise Copeland and family

Mike, Joanne, Emmett & Family,

Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about Mitch. Mitch was a great guy and a good friend. He was “what is good in this world.” He was kind and always had a smile and encouraging word for everyone. When we were in high school and I needed a laugh, I just went to find Mitch and knew he would make me smile! As we grow older and have our own families, we tend not to see friends as often as we would like, but I thought of Mitch often and always wondered how he was doing living and working in the Tri-Cities. Sometimes I would run into him at the “mall” and he would always want to know how my family and I were doing. He cared for others. Mitch will truly be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless,

Julie Pannell Burton

I first met Mitch in the Spring of 1982.Eisenhower and West Valley’s tennis teams were matched up.From that day forward I knew Mitch was something special.I still remember during the doubles match how courteous he was.He was quite a gentleman.In 1986 I had the pleasure of working with Mitch on a daily basis as tennis instructors at The Yakima Tennis Club.Those years were truly “magical” and Mitch was an integral part of that magic! As I got to know Mitch it became quite evident that Mitch had an undeniable passion for tennis and life.He demonstrated this every day through his instruction.The kids and adults adored him. I will never forget his infectious laugh or his big smile.Mitch you are truly an inspiration to all of us.God bless you!!

Mike, Beaulaurier/Perala families, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Mitch. I still can’t believe it. Mitch was a good guy and a friend in high school. Unfortunately our paths only crossed a couple of times after that. When we did see each other though, it was like no time had passed and we could talk about whatever. I wish I would have kept in touch with him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, whether for a little while or a lifetime. Sincerely, Sharon Gilbert Oliva WV class of 83

Mr. Mike Perala was a wonderful teacher of mine at Davis HS and always talked so highly of his brother. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Memory Eternal!

Joanne, Mike, Paki and Family, Please know that we are grieving with you. He was such a wonderful person and there is no doubt in my mind he is sitting with Jesus right now. Mitch, you had a very special place in so many people’s hearts…you will be missed so much. God Bless you.

Love, Dannielle, John, Ashleigh, Jacob and Savhanna Basso

Mike, Joann, Emmett and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have many fun memories of Mitch from our friendship at WVHS and Central WA Univ. He was a born leader and could rally the troops for any cause but did it in the gentlest of ways. He was kind, had an amazing spirit, was a friend to all and a smile that warmed your heart. I will miss him and am grateful for his friendship and inspiration in my life.

Love, Becky

I had the pleasure of meeting Mitch years ago in Walla Walla where we both played on the tennis team together for the college. He was an inspiration, he was a vary kind and caring person. If I remember right at that time his goal in life was to become a lawyer. I am very sorry for your loss, I considered him a good friend back then. Living in the same area I am sorry we never ran into each other over the years.

Sincerely

Kathy Mason Brown

Richland

Mike and Family,

I was saddened to day to hear of Mitch’s passing. As my own children graduate, I often think back to my time at West Valley. I have fond memories of you and Mitch, and know he cared about his family and friends deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The class of ’82 will miss him.

Mike and family—

I know it’s been many years since we went to WWCC together. You were always in the back of our minds wondering where you are, what your’re doing now. I am glad that you two stuck together and are the true meaning of “family”.

What a shock to lose your other half at such a young age.

We are all crying today for your loss.

Take Care!!

We love Ya!

Joanne, Emmett, Mike, Paki, and family,

Even though I have not seen Mitch in many years, I still remember his smile and vest for life. I had the pleasure of commuting to Central Washington University with Mitch as we discussed our goals and futures. Mitch was, and will always be, an inspiration to me. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

God Bless,

Shelly Nagle

Dear Mike, Joann, Emmett & family;

I think it was in the 4th grade at Mt View that I first set eyes on the “cute” twins that had moved into our school. I was soon able to tell Mitch from Mike as our friendship grew. I have such wonderful memories of Mt. View, WVJrHS and WVHS. Words can never express my sorrow at your loss–My prayers are with you all. May God comfort and bless you at this difficult time. Mitch holds a very special place in many hearts.

Sincerely,

Yvonne

Mike, Paki, Emmett, & Joanne

Mitch was a best friend — someone I always enjoyed being around — there was never a negative thought when I was near him.

I have so many memories of Mitch that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I remember the first time I had the pleasure of friending a person that will always be in my thoughts and memories — Mountain View Elementary — Mrs. Majors mixed grade class — we were the youngsters in the class. That day I new that I had two best friends for the rest of my life — that included Mike also.

I remember during the summer months standing on the top of the hill above their home on Wide Hollow Road — yelling to see if they could hear me and if it was ok to walk down the hill just to hang out.

Having both the twins in my wedding as groomsmen meant so much to me — it meant that they traveled over 1,600 miles to celebrate with Natalie & I.

Mitchell will always be in my thoughts — not because I want to — but because he meant so much to me in my life and I will never forget him.

I will miss him so much and so will everyone that had an opportunity to be touched in their lives by him.

Thank you to all the Perala’s for their friendship, compassion, and just plain love for life.

Mitch, Everyone misses you so

much. I have known you since you were a toddler, your smile

was so warm. I saw you three

weeks ago with that wonderful

smile upon your face. What a great, gentle man you were.

My thoughts, prayers and love are with your family at this time. Your memory will be cherished forever.

Love, Cher

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mitch’s friends and family he will be greatly missed. If it were not for Mitch and his positive influence on me I would have never reached some of my goals in the sports world. There is no doubt in our minds that he is in Gods Hands. I can remember the days when we started playing tennis in the Larsen Park Davis Cup team and continued playing through all the other years. Mitch will always be remembered by me and my family. Thanks Mitch for all the great years.

My condolences to the family of Mitch. I was in Yakima when I got the news, but had to return to IL before the memorial service. I knew Mitch and Mike at West Valley, played tennis with them. Mitch was such a great person, I wish I had kept in touch with him over the years. It’s a comfort knowing he knew the Lord and we’ll see him again someday.

Mike, you and your family are in our prayers.

Joann and family:

We are sorry to hear of your loss of Mitchell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Phil and Joan

Mitch was a very special person. I recognized that right away when he showed up in my English class so many years ago. I loved his smile, and I loved the way he looked at life. I later appreciated his expertise when he counseled my son during high school. His positive attitude was contagious. I am so sorry that I missed the services, because we were in France when Mitch left us. Mike, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can’t quite get the picture of you two sauntering into my classroom out of my mind. But then I really don’t want to. Some memories are so sweet.

Joanne,Emmett,Mike,and Paki, I am so sorry for your loss. The thing I remember the most about Mitch was the smile that he always seemed to have. I hope that all of you in time will be able to smile about all the good times shared and all the positive things he accomplished in his lifetime.

Sincerely, Don Capps

Mitch Perala was a good human being and was a very humble person. I went to school with Mitch and Mike at West Valley and always remembered both brother’s being very close and very good tennis player’s. I was fortunate enough to partner with Joann during a Calcutta event at the Yakima Tennis Club and I always felt the closeness the family had for one another by the way Joann always talked about her kid’s! Mitch will be missed but we all will remember what a genuine human being Mitch was and I hope Mitch’s family will find comfort knowing how lucky they all are for having Mitch in their lives, I know I do! Sincerely, Greg Harmon

Mike and family,

How sad I was today when I read the paper. I have nothing but fond memories of Mitch when we were in High School. He was one of those guys everyone liked.

God Bless,

Dane

Mitch was a dear man and co-worker. He will be sadly missed. I have known and worked with Mitch as well as his brother, Mike, in Yakima as well as the Tri-Cities. He was always a gentleman with a broad and welcoming smile on his face. I admired his people skills and his ability to always look at the positive side. His faith was evident in all aspects. God Bless You, Mitch. You have touched this world.

Deb

Since college, my sister Linda Glover Larrabee, considered Mitch one of her dearest friends and spoke of him often. I was profoundly saddened to hear of his passing. Death has the power to end life. Death has the power to separate. Death has the power to discourage and defeat us. But, we know the truth: Jesus lives! Because he lives, we know we will someday live with Him and those who love Him. Our Lord’s victory over death is our victory. My prayer is that our God be with Mitch’s family to comfort them with the realization that even though this separation from Mitch is difficult, by the grace of our Jesus, it is only temporary. Linette Glover Hendrickson