Gavrila Viorel Moldovan

Viorel and Semida met in Spring and married in Fall of 1987; they had their first daughter, Ada, the following year. In Spring of 1989, they took off to pursue their dreams of America. Viorel left Romania and crossed the border of Yugoslavia first; seven months later, Semida and Ada joined him.

Viorel and his family arrived in St. Louis, Missouri on November 30, 1989. A few short months later, he took his little family for a cross-country drive of 3,500 miles, in a gifted car from bothers in St. Louis, with $50 in their pocket and a strong trust in God. They soon found a home in Bothell, WA and lived out the American Dream... Their family quickly grew, they had Tiss, Edward and Genoveva.

Like many who were starting out in a new country, Viorel did all kinds of work to support his family... from cleaning jobs, fixing cars, truck driving and construction work. Viorel continued his education after high school, receiving an associate's degree in aviation maintenance. Throughout the years, Viorel remodeled the family home, and they started an Elder Care home in 1999.

While Viorel was a hardworking man, he also knew how to balance life with activities and many hobbies... He loved to take the kids to Godfather's Pizza after church, go on hikes and ride motorcycles with the boys. He had a zest for life and adventure. Viorel took on many hobbies over the years: hunting, motorcycle riding, raising dogs, snowmobiling, bicycling, martial arts and his true passion, flying. He would come home to share his GoPro videos of amazing views; flying over the tulip fields, Snoqualmie falls, the Burke Gilman Trail, Mt. Si, Duvall and Chelan to name a few. Up in the sky, where many of us have not been, Vio would pray and talk to God. He said several times how flying made him feel closer to God and at peace.

A few things one may not have known about Vio: He had great passion for watches, he learned this meticulous craft as a young man. As one can imagine, he collected many watches over the years. He rarely showed his soft side, but he loved to read and recite poems, especially by George Cusbuc and Mihai Emenescu. He had a big heart for orphans and those unable to care for themselves; he took pride in what he did for his family and how he did it (to perfection). He was never greedy, envious, jealous or hateful. He was always positive and said, "Anything is possible if you want it!"

Viorel's life was short but very full. He did not waste a moment sitting idly, he spent time sharing positive messages with strangers, offering great advice when asked and helping whoever needed it. Vio left an incredible legacy behind, and he will be missed dearly by many families, friends and acquaintances.

Vio will be forever remembered by his wife, Semida and their children: Ada (Tibby), Tiss (Brie), Edward, and Genoveva (Chris). his grandchildren: Theo, Max, Remi and Levi (who is with him in Heaven); his siblings and their families: Elena (Vasile), George (Geta), Daniel, Viorica (Dorel, who is with him in Heaven), Daniela (Brian) and Angela (Vasile).

You will forever be in our hearts.