Son of George and Grace Evovich, Mitch was born in Burbank and grew up in Hayward. Mitch served in the US Army, earning the rank of Sergeant. In 1950 he graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry. In 1953 he received a credential and taught general agriculture until 1955. In 1952 Mitch purchased property in Hickman, where his first project was a Holstein dairy. Mitch married Lorna De Boer in 1953. They established a walnut orchard in 1969. Mitch loved animals and was an incredibly talented trainer. On the ranch he raised sheep, Quarter Horses and Border Collies.
He is survived by his wife, Lorna Evovich of Hickman; sister, Estelle Heinemann of Oakdale; nieces Margie Cox of Oakdale and Barbara Hart of Aurora, MO; as well as many more nieces and nephews. He will be missed by family, friends and his fellow local Cal Poly alumni. His final resting place is Roberts Ferry Cemetery. Donations can be made to Cal Poly’s Animal Science Horse Program. For checks, make out to Cal Poly Foundation with “Animal Science Horse Program (#237)” in the memo line. ATTN: Grant Kirkpatrick, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407. Or www.giving.calpoly.edu and specify the program name plus fund ID #237.
A celebration of life open house will be held at the Evovich Ranch, Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11 a.m.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
May 11, 2016