It is with tremendous sadness we announce the sudden passing of Sorrento resident Michael Mosher; a man of great character, incredible strength, and courage. To all those lucky enough to know him, “Mike” was the real deal and will be sorely missed. Not only was Michael legendary for his party antics, his zest for life was also on display jumping out of airplanes, riding a motorcycle, or driving a fast car. When he felt like calming down, a fishing pole on his boat would suffice.
But Michael was also a very hard worker, dedicated to his profession as a Radiologist in Salmon Arm. Before he graduated from BCIT in 2006, Mike applied himself and completed courses for his high school diploma. The strain was tough
on him both mentally and financially, but Michael was no stranger to overcoming adversity in the face of overwhelming odds. When he was only 20 years old, Mike was diagnosed with an enlarged heart, and needed a heart transplant.
His condition deteriorated to the point where he needed an artificial heart to live while waiting for a donor. Our prayers were answered on August 1st, 1986, when Mike became Western Canada’s youngest transplant recipient at the time.
It would be remiss of us not to thank the donor’s family and all the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, family, friends (especially Lindsay Tompkins) for doing their part in extending Michael’s life. As time progressed, however, Mike suffered through many more painful and chronic health problems, but he never let it show. His exuberance for life masked what only he himself could have known...that the end was probably near. Michael died three weeks after his 42nd birthday.
He is survived by his mother, Mianna Tompkins, father, Lanny Mosher, sister, Lana Mosher, and brother, Justin Larson. On behalf of all who knew you Michael, thank you for all your love, positivity, honesty, loyalty, perseverance, craziness, and laughter. You have taught us through your example that life is not worth complaining about the petty things.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at the Scandinavian Community Centre at 6540 Thomas Street in Burnaby on Tuesday, January 15th from 1-5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s name to the B.C. Transplant Society.