Charles Lucien (Chip) Vivien Jr.

Charles Lucien (Chip) Vivien, Jr., passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at the age of 60. Born in New Orleans and raised in Covington, Louisiana, he also lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lafayette, Louisiana, Juneau, Alaska, Salt Lake City, Utah and Katy, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Brettrager Vivien, his children Charles, III (Karl), Samuel and Isabelle, his mother, Evella Abney Vivien (Snooky), his brother Mike and wife Tina Breaux Vivien, and his sisters, Pam Keaton and Debbie Vivien, his nephews Chad Vivien, Jerrod Venable (Shana), and Scott Brettrager (Angel) and his nieces Elise Toups and Whitney Campbell. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles L. Vivien, Sr., his parents-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Otto Brettrager, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Vivien, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. Walter L. Abney, and his brother-in-law, Chris Brettrager.

Charles graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Covington, Louisiana, and held a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from his beloved Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was an engineer in the oil and gas industry for 38 years working for Tennessee Valley Authority, Marathon Oil, Lankford Engineering and Pegasus. For the last six years, Charles was employed at BHP Billiton in Houston, Texas, working among friends and colleagues he greatly admired and enjoyed.

Charles was a devout Catholic who loved spending time with his family as well as helping others, especially with all things mechanical. His favorite pastimes occurred outdoors, with any form of skiing as a particular favorite. With a fun-loving spirit, he also had a calming presence and was a steadfast leader with a humble intelligence that will be deeply missed. Charles lived an exemplary life and forever lifted the path of those fortunate enough to have known him.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

A visitation will be held at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Katy, Texas, from 9:30 to 10:30am on Friday, May 12, 2017 immediately followed by a Catholic Mass and reception. A graveside service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at St. Michael’s Cemetery in St. Martinville, Louisiana (101 Cemetery Road) followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cancer Research Institute at cancerresearch.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Katy Funeral Home, Katy, TX.