Mitchell Lewis, who has died suddenly at the age of 21, was a physics student and held the position of Welsh Affairs Officer-elect for Swansea University’s Students’ Union.

Mitch was born to Adrian and Sharon Lewis on the 5th January 1992, at 3:30am and named Courtney Mitchell Lewis. He weighed six pounds and nine and a half ounces.

Mitch’s love of science began at an early age, when his family were forced to put a lock on the bathroom door as every bottle, lid or holder would be filled with concoctions of shampoo, shower gels, shaving foam and toothpaste. Every time they were about to be thrown away, Mitch would say: “don’t throw that, that’s my potions!”

As he grew up, he became interested in dinosaurs as well. When most boys of 5 years of age wanted to be firemen or doctors, Mitchell’s response when asked was that he wanted to be a palaeontologist; to which most people would say to him “what’s that?”

He attended Penywaun playschool and Meithrin at The Urdd preschool in Aberdare, in the area of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Soon after, Mitch went on to attend Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar, and then Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun.

He always loved computers and learning; if Mitch found a topic he was interested in, he would spend hours studying until he knew exactly what it was all about.

Mitch was also a fan of online computer game World of Warcraft, of which he enjoyed greatly, as well as walking the family dog, Shadow, for hours at a time.

Mitch came to University in 2011 to study physics and soon after started working in JC’s bar.

One of his former co-workers and friend, Sion Durham, said: “It was working in JC’s that I and Mitch first met each other.

“Both of us would do the cellar shifts on a Thursday Morning. The Wednesday night before always took its toll!

“There was never a dull moment, spilling mops, dropping bottles or buying frozen cookies. It was like finding a brother, totally opposite but still we became extremely good friends.

“Even though we finished working last year we still stayed friends! We often would sit and chat after his cellar shift to catch up.

“It is a great loss and I am really going to miss him.”

Many people came to know his sense of humour behind the bar of the student watering hole, and remember his warming smile; in fact one friend even went as far as naming him “The man who always smiled”.

Described by many as kind and genuine; he also had a well-known love for Strongbow cider, which he could and did drink exceptionally quickly.

Mitch grew as a person at Swansea, becoming the cheery and loving gentleman missed by so many.

Becca Tompkinson, Mitch’s best friend, said: “Losing a best friend has to be one of the hardest things anyone could ever imagine; especially a friend as amazing as Mitch.

“He was one of those incredible individuals who knew everything and also knew how to cheer you up and make you laugh whatever the situation.

“I have countless memories and it’s difficult to pick one, from our first ever night out together resulting in me getting kicked out to our constant singing of Les Mis songs and dance offs in Sin.

“He was always there, Strongbow and lime at the ready.”

Former Students’ Union President Luke James said: “Mitchell was so dedicated to our students’ union and his friendliness made it a better place to be every day.

“I was so sad to hear the news but it’s obvious his unique impact on our university and so many people’s lives will be felt forever.”

The university’s director of student services said; “We were shocked and saddened to hear of Mitchell’s death.

“As a third year student and an officer and member of staff of the Students’ Union he made a considerable contribution to campus life and will be missed by many.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time and we offer them our deepest condolences.”

He is survived by a large extended family, as well as his parents, Adrian and Sharon, two sisters, Sophie and Jodi, and a half-brother, Paul.

 

The following poem was written by Mitch’s mother, Sharon:

There aren’t enough tears in me that can wash away the pain
of knowing I’ll never see you smile or hear you laugh again
or feel your arms around me, see your blue eyes shine so bright
to talk with you for hours from morning through to night

You knew I’d find it difficult to keep going day by day
not having you here with me and the price I’d have to pay
for accepting that you had to go you felt you had no choice
so I shut down everything in me and listened for your voice

You told me everything was fine, that you’d found your inner peace
and that in your darkest hour you’d felt the lightness of release
that your energy is here with us, not gone only transferred
to live in joy and happiness was your message that I heard

So I’m making you this promise Mitch that when I’m down and blue
to remember all the wonderful things that are special about you
and I’ll pack away my tears after grieving a short while
and find the strength you give to me
to think of you – and smile!

 

With thanks to the Lewis Family and Catrin Parker for contributions.