1935 ~ Mike Fred Moshenko ~ 2026 "The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful staff on the 3rd floor of Taylor View Towers (North), who cared for Mike during the last two and a half years of his life. We will always be grateful for the kindness, compassion, patience, and genuine care they showed him. Their support brought comfort not only to Mike, but also to our family, and we will always remember the kindness they gave him."

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mike Fred Moshenko, who passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 91 years, with his beloved wife, Livia, by his side.

Mike was born in Vandura, Saskatchewan, on February 27, 1935. His early life was marked by hardship and loss. Orphaned at a very young age, Mike was placed in a number of foster homes, where his childhood was far from the childhood every child deserves. He was often expected to work hard and was treated more as a source of labour than as a young boy who needed to be cared for and loved. Often, all he had to play with were his dog and a stick.

At just fourteen years old, Mike set out on his own, taking on all kinds of work, from odd jobs to working in lumber camps in northern British Columbia. He eventually made his way to Prince Rupert, where he partnered with a friend in the restaurant business.

It was in Prince Rupert that Mike met the woman who would become his wife and lifelong partner, Livia. A recent immigrant from Italy, Livia spoke very little English, while Mike spoke no Italian at all. Language was no barrier to their immediate attraction, and what began with very few shared words grew into a deep and enduring love that lasted for more than sixty-six years of marriage.

After they were married in Prince Rupert, Mike and Livia moved to Calgary, Alberta to begin their life together. Their family grew quickly, with four daughters arriving within five years. During those early years, Mike worked for Elna, where he trained to repair sewing machines.

When the opportunity arose in 1967 to purchase an Elna shop in Red Deer, Alberta, Mike and Livia took the leap. They moved their young family to Red Deer, where they put down roots and began the next chapter of their lives.

Despite having had very little formal education, Mike possessed an incredible ability to learn, adapt, solve problems, and work hard. Together with Livia, he owned and operated White Elna Sewing Centre for more than thirty-five years.

Mike and Livia also quickly became part of the Red Deer community. Mike was very involved with the Kinsmen Club of Red Deer where he formed many friendships that lasted throughout the rest of his life.

Although much of his time was devoted to his business, Mike always found time for the things he enjoyed. He loved golfing and travel, watching football, exercising, and reading from his extensive collection of National Geographic and other travel books.

Mike also had a wonderfully inventive mind and was always coming up with some new contraption to make life easier. Some were ingenious, some unconventional, but all were distinctly ‘Mike’. His curiosity, creativity, and ability to figure things out were part of what made him so uniquely himself.

But his greatest legacy was the family he loved so deeply. Mike was kind, loving, generous with his affection, and always ready to share a laugh. He took great joy in his family, and they were always happy to be around him and looked forward to spending time with him.

Mike is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Livia, and his four daughters: Deborah (Brian Overton) of High River; Sandra (Chris Warren) of Red Deer; Brenda Moshenko of Sherbrooke; and Gina (Kenn Thompson) of Calgary.

‘Nonno’ had a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren: Lindsay Griffin (Kyle), Ashley Criebardis, Mitchell Warren (Karlee), Natalie Warren (Phil), Victoria Pinard (Cynthia), and Natasha Pinard (Roy).

‘Bisnonno’ was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Damian and Gavin Criebardis, Brooklyn and Liam Griffin, and Eleonora Niyongabo.

Mike refused to let the hardships of his childhood and youth define him. He chose a different path, and his life became a testament to resilience, perseverance, determination, and the strength of the human spirit. From a boy who had so little, he built so much: a loving marriage, a thriving business, lifelong friendships, and, most importantly, a family who loved him deeply.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful staff on the 3rd floor of Taylor View Towers (North), who cared for Mike during the last two and a half years of his life. We will always be grateful for the kindness, compassion, patience, and genuine care they showed him. Their support brought comfort not only to Mike, but also to our family, and we will always remember the kindness they gave him.

Mike will be missed more than words can say and remembered with love, gratitude, and deep affection. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had him in our lives for so many years, and we will carry his memory with us always. A Private Family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.