Obituary of David William Mitenko

April 6, 1975 - Red Deer, Alberta

November 24, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

 

David William Mitenko of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at the age of 47 years.

 

David was born in Red Deer, AB, on April 6, 1975 and later that year moved with his family to Calgary. David lived with cerebral palsy. His health and physical challenges were significant and required considerable daily and ongoing care. Through advocacy and loving care of his parents, family, and caregivers, David lived a rich and fulfilling life. David's personality and presence touched many people, whose lives he greatly enriched. David played a central role in our Mitenko family life which grounded the family in empathy, generosity, and an outward focus on others that showed itself in many ways over the years.

 

David communicated using some sign language and a word book.  He became very adept at conveying his thoughts, needs, and wishes, often using acronyms and abbreviations that usually took us a while to decipher. He was patient with us and likewise us with him.  He took pleasure in developing his own way of making himself understood, especially when others figured out what idea he was getting across.

 

David’s favourite activities included swimming, bowling, and attending Options Day Program for city day trips, exercise and arts programs. He developed wonderful relationships with his many support workers. He also enjoyed being part of the church communities at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and most recently, Center Street Church.

 

David loved to travel and took so much pleasure in talking about and planning trips – to the family cabin, Meadow Lake, Montana, Lethbridge, Vancouver, and his biggest trip - to Toronto with Ronnaley. He always looked forward to Camp Horizon and to road trips with his dad to Edmonton to visit friends and West Edmonton Mall with a stop at the Red Deer Value Village.

 

Music was special for David. He loved old classics,  like songs by Allan Sherman, Raffi, Fred Penner, Sharon, Lois, & Bram, and many more. David preferred vinyl records, especially the album covers, and made use of many, many record players.

 

As a young child, David attended Providence Child Development Society and then Calgary Quest School. David’s needs motivated Mary and Nat, along with other parents, to found Quest to provide comprehensive services for multi-handicapped pre-schoolers. Quest is built around the belief that every student can learn and grow to their potential, regardless of their challenges. Mary served as director of the school for ten years.  Over the years, Quest has grown to become a Special Education Private School offering programs to Elementary, Junior and High School aged children.

 

After Quest, David attended other schools leading up to graduation from Bishop Grandin High School. Inclusion in regular school programming was important to David and his parents. He particularly enjoyed automotive class, which led to his interest in everyone’s cars – what car were you driving, does it have a CD player, and where would the next trip be to?

 

From early on in Calgary, Rose Viray served as David’s caregiver, supporting Nat and Mary with David’s daily care and through the years becoming an integral part of the Mitenko family.  In 1995, David moved into in his own condo in Kingsland, where Rose continued to support him.  Rose was a constant loving, compassionate, selfless, and practical presence in David’s life.  David loved Rose’s patience and gentle manner and they shared a beautiful connection with each other.

 

After Rose’s retirement, Dave and the family were blessed again with Ronnaley Cayenne, who provided loving, energetic care in a family setting with her husband Brian, daughter Brianna, and roommate Scott DesJardine.   David developed a special bond with Ronnaley, and loved her joy and laughter, her strength and encouragement, and her down-to-earth, honest approach to encourage his independence and enhance his day-to-day life. 

 

David will be most remembered for his gentle sense of humour, his smiles, and his laughter. Throughout his life, he gave his genuine feelings and emotions, and in return, he received care and love from so many people, for which we are extremely grateful. 

 

David was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Nestor (Nat) and Mary Mitenko. He is survived by his sisters, Lynn Dawson (John), Cathy Eastwood, and Lisa Grothman (Gary); and brother Dan Mitenko (Nikki); as well as nieces and nephew , Teagan, Adrian, Rachel, Claire, Allison, Ella, Flynn, and Rove; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

 

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. (MT). Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Mitenko’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta, 12001 – 44th Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2Z 4G9 Telephone: (403) 543-1161, www.cpalberta.com .

 

In living memory of David Mitenko, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

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