I first met Doug in 1958, as we were both entering Grade 5 at John Lake School. I can’t remember exactly how and why we got to know each other, but simply by circumstances and geography, I ended up spending much more time at Doug’s home than he spent at mine. In public school, it was mainly because Doug lived a little closer to John Lake school than where my family lived. During high school, the Slimmon household was roughly half the distance between where I set off every morning and Aden Bowman Collegiate; so if Doug and I happened to come home for lunch ( which we often did), I could potentially drop by the Slimmon household 4 times each day! Inevitably, Doug’s house literally became my home away from home and I simply loved being at his place. Inevitably, I got to know the Slimmon family, and particularly Mr. and Mrs. Slimmon, very well. Mrs. Slimmon – Vivian – became a particularly important person in my life. Although I think she must have been horrified at times over the escapades that Doug and I somehow survived (I’m pretty sure that Doug would have blamed me for most of them!), the way I drove when I sometimes chauffeured her around, our language and stories when we sometimes forgot she wasn’t one of us – pre-teen and later teenage boys – high on hormones – sensitive little savages as the writer Wallace Steigner would have called us. Despite all of that, Vivian was always welcoming, cheerful, interested in what we were doing and ready to join in … at least in some activities: playing board games and cards at the kitchen table, ping pong in the basement, putting us to shame high-jumping in the back yard. She was also a wonderful cook who tried to keep our ravenous hunger at bay. I have nothing but the warmest and fondest memories of those days and I will never forget the tall, lanky and pretty mother of my friend Doug. Memories are the building blocks of our lives and a good chunk of my life is built on those early times in the Slimmon household. Vivian was a very special and classy lady and it was a privilege to have known her for most of my life. Deepest condolences from Helena and me.Roland Dyck

Sad to learn of Aunt Viv’s passing, particularly the unfortunate circumstances.  She was pretty amazing to be living on her own, at the age of 95.  Dawna Rumble ((Vivian’s niece)When I think of Aunt Viv I think of how much she liked playing games.  I remember playing pick-up sticks with her in their kitchen when I was pretty young.  She and Uncle Jim loved playing card games with Mum and Dad when they visited the farm.  She was also a great cook and baker and was proud of her efforts.  Dianne Slimmon (Vivian’s niece)Once when they were visiting the farm she (Viv) bragged about how she could tell what beer was what so we blindfolded her.  She nailed the 3 that we gave her.Mike Slimmon (Vivian’s nephew)My deepest sympathies to the family.  Take care.  Lil McRae (Vivian’s niece)Grandma had a positive and loving impact on my life.  She always would tell me how proud she was of me and that she would always pray for me when I would go to places like Afghanistan or Pakistan.  Nathan Taylor (Vivian’s grandson)I worked in Saskatoon from 1965-1970 and had many wonderful visits to Uncle Jim and Aunt Viv’s house on Hanover.  When Aunt Viv would come to Vancouver in late years, she would call me and we would get together for lunch or coffee so I will always remember her with fond memories.  RIP Aunt VivDennis Lyons (Vivian’s nephew)One of my favourite memories is Dad telling us the story of a summer holiday in Saskatoon and arriving in the afternoon for drinks and dinner,  Uncle Jim had whipped up a blender of daiquiris, all ready to blend, when they arrived.  Unfortunately he’s left a spoon in the blender mix which, when activated, shot the whole beverage around the kitchen, cupboards and all.  Aunt Viv, always an immaculate housekeeper, was not impressed.  Wendy Slimmon (Vivian’s niece)Always hard to lose someone even if they’re not young.  Good health, having your faculties and enjoying life for 95 years is remarkable and a very fortunate life.  My sympathies go out to Doug, Judith, John and Kim.  Joy Phelps (Vivian’s niece)I remember Auntie Viv fondly with her big laugh and twinkle in her eye when she shared a joke or a funny...like her “round to it” necklace.  I also remember the beautiful way she looked and sounded when she sang.  It appeared to bring her to a deep place.  Tannis Slimmon (Vivian’s niece)My most precious memory of my mother when I was a child is her reading Heidi to me at bedtime, with my cat curled up under my hair.  When we got to the part of the grandfather dying, we both cried.  I also remember her coaching my baseball team in elementary school and sewing a bumble bee costume for me for an operetta.  When we went on road trips as a family my mom and dad would sing together, with Mom singing the melody and Dad harmonizing all the golden oldies.   I also remember “birding” with her and my dad.  This began as an annual search for the elusive whooping crane but merged into a trek to Pike Lake to feed the chickadees.  The look on my mom’s face was pure rapture.  We did this trek well into her years with a walker.  Travel on safely Mom, surrounded by love.  Judith Slimmon (Vivian’s daughter)

Vivian was so gracious and welcoming when I met her in Saskatoon.  I have such a clear memory of her feeding the chickadees.  Marion Compagnon  (friend of Vivian’s daughter)

Doug & Family I am sorry to learn of your Mom's passing You are in my thoughts Rick Brunsdon

OBITUARY

Vivian Slimmon

Passed away on SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Mourning Glory Funeral Services

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