Editor, The Herald:

I was very saddened to hear of the death of Joe Mitchell this week. As a highway contractor who has been working with VDOT for over thirty-five years I can truthfully say that I never met a man who I admired or trusted more. Joe Mitchell for many years was the embodiment of honesty and fair dealings in the Dillwyn residency. He often would say that Dillwyn was fifty miles from everywhere but due to the esteem contractors held for him there was always plenty of competition for his maintenance projects. I worked very closely with Joe for the past twelve years and it was always a pleasure to stop in and see him, no matter what the reason. During all these years I also learned something else; there was no one with VDOT in the entire Lynchburg District who was held in as high esteem as Joe was. Anytime a question or a problem arose on a project the first person everyone went to was Joe Mitchell. In his Dillwyn residency his experience and expertise were revered by all who worked with him. I am not the only contractor who will miss Joe. There are many more who feel the same way as I do. I feel sorry that Joe did not get the opportunity to retire and enjoy his last years. We will certainly all miss him in the contracting industry. Men like him don't come along very often.

Shawn Mooney

Executive Vice-President

S. L. Williamson Co. Inc.

Charlottesville