Mrs. Vivian Julian Newkirk

1939 - 2013

Mrs. Vivian Julian Newkirk obituary, 1939-2013, Regina, SK

BORN

1939

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Ross Funeral Service

123 - 4th Ave East

Assiniboia, Saskatchewan

Vivian Newkirk Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 14, 2013.

Vivian Julian Newkirk (nee Giraudier)

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Vivian Julian Newkirk of Regina, SK. Predeceased by her parents Suzanne and Ernest Giraudier, brother Lawrence Giraudier and niece Carolyn Therrien, Vivian leaves to honour and celebrate her life, Harvey Newkirk her loving husband of 34 years; her daughters Deanne Newkirk (Kris Holthe) and Renee (Duane) Cook and the grandchildren she so adored and who in return adored her, Emily Holthe and Dalan Cook. Vivian's passing leaves to mourn her brothers, Marc (Lois) Giraudier, Leonard (Valerie) Giraudier, and her sister-in-law Thelma Giraudier as well as numerous other in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and Harvey's children Kim (Brent) Drozda, Ken Newkirk and Brad (Candice) Newkirk.

Vivian was born March 24, 1939 at Coronach, SK and grew up on a ranch in the beautiful Big Muddy Valley. In her early 20's, Vivian was an airline stewardess with Air Canada and later attended the University of Regina and graduated with a Bachelor of Education. She taught high school and elementary school in the separate school system until her mid-fifties. Her empathy and compassion for children and animals were always evident as she drew them like magnets. Vivian loved to play cards and travel and she enjoyed many family vacations in Canada and abroad with her family. A talented artist and an amazing cook, Vivian would often peruse her library of cookbooks to prepare the perfectly prepared meal for special occasions.

It was a privilege to know her, to call her wife, mother, grandma, sister and aunt. Vivian's last days were made comfortable by the exceptional staff at the Regina Pasqua Hospital Palliative Unit and Grace Hospice, whose compassion and care are greatly appreciated by her family.

Vivian's Celebration of Life will be held at St. Ignace Roman Catholic Church, Willow Bunch, SK on July 9, 2013 at 2pm. Donations in Vivian's memory may be made to Prevent Cancer Now. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. To leave an online message of condolence and photo, please visit www.rossfuneralservice.com.

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42 Entries

August 11, 2013

Marilyn Ross

Posted by Marilyn Ross

August 11, 2013

Marilyn Ross

Posted by Marilyn Ross

August 11, 2013

Marilyn Ross

Hi Deanne & Renee:
Here are some of my memories of your mom, when we were growing up, in the Harptree area and going to school at Muddy View.
I don't just remember when Lawrence & Vivian started coming to school at Muddy View, but I know she didn't start Gr. 1 with me in the fall of 1946 but they are in pictures that my mother took of the students in the winter of 1946 – 47.
Vivian and my brother, Wayne, sometimes ‘rubbed one another the wrong way' – anyhow one day on our way home from school (we walked in the summer time) Vivian decided she would take him down & kiss him. Well, it ended up Wayne was in the thistles when she got him down. Just then the teacher, Amy Bell, who boarded at our house, came up over the hill. Vivian was taller than Wayne, even though he was a year older. Suzanne & the kids lived at the farm (where Kirk & Tammy now live and we lived where Norm & Beulah now live) during the school days and then went to the ranch on the weekend.
Later they rode their horses – Vivian on ‘Buddy' and Lawrence on ‘Flicka' and Paul Hodges met up with them & rode on his pony ‘Dick'. Hodges lived a couple of miles south of the Giraudier farm.
Roy Bailey came to teach at Muddy View when we were in Grade 6 and then we would play a lot of softball. Quite often, Lawrence played ‘short stop' and Vivian on First Base and when Lawrence would catch a ball he would ‘wing' it over to Vivian – sometimes it would send her back a step or two. Mr. Bailey would tell Lawrence not to throw it so hard as we didn't have very good ball gloves back then and after a game Vivian's hand would be sore and red. Anyhow, we got to be a pretty good team even though there weren't too many of us. Mr. Bailey took us to Bengough to play the Gr. 7 & 8's and we beat them.
After my mother died, in May of 1955, Vivian came & stayed several nights with me and I spent quite a bit of time down at the ranch. Quite often that included some horseback riding, but I was never too brave about that. One time I went with Lawrence & Vivian to chase in a bull. By this time she had a bigger pony so I got to ride Buddy, but they put Buddy & I in a corral out in ‘the bottom' until they had the bull in the fence where he was supposed to be. I always enjoyed my self at the ranch and always felt welcome.
When we were in Gr. 9, Lawrence, Vivian and Mark went to school in Harptree as Lawrence had his driver's licence and it was closer to the ranch. I stayed at Muddy View and Leslie & Lillian Anderson came to school there – Leslie & I took Gr. 9 by correspondence with Mr. Bailey's help. Then, for Gr. 10 Vivian and I boarded with Roy & Helen Bailey in Bengough. Muddy View school had closed. As I said before sometimes Vivian & I would have a little dispute over who was going to sleep on which side of the bed – I don't remember now if it was the inside of the bed or not. It was a very small bedroom and the bed was missing a leg so had a makeshift leg under it and if we made a dive for the back of the bed sometimes it would make the bed fall down. Then, Bailey's would wonder what was going on in there? One night Helen & a friend were going to go to a movie at the theatre and Roy & the friends husband were to baby sit (Roy & Helen had 2 little girls). Well, the men were going to try & get us to babysit, but Vivian & I planned on going to the movie too, so we thought we would sneek out the window. The men must have suspected something because as I was just about out the window they opened our bedroom door, so Vivian gave me a push & she jumped out, too. The men had to babysit, ha.
Tom & I were married on June 4, 1960 and Vivian was one of my bridesmaids. After we had been married a year we moved to an apartment on 3954 Rae St. (just behind the Golden Mile Plaza) and Vivian lived a couple of blocks further west, so we would meet up in the morning, in the summer time and walk to work. She worked in the Administration building (I think it has a different name now, but it is the one just south of the Legislative Building) and I worked in the Legislative Building. It took us a good half hour, but we enjoyed looking at the nice old homes on Albert Street.
In March of 1964, Tom & I ordered a new Mercury car from the Ford plant at Oakville, Ont., and I wrote Vivian a letter telling her that we were coming down to Toronto by train to pick up this car and drive it home. When we arrived it was snowing quite heavily (wet spring snow) but Vivian and a room mate came to the Station in a taxi & picked us up & took us to their apartment where supper was ready. In the morning she had a flight (to Chicago, I think) but it wasn't a long one so it was decided that Tom would go to the Airport with her in her car and come back to the apartment and we would take a bus to Oakville. Well, Tom didn't pay much attention to the drive to the Airport and coming back realized he wasn't sure where she lived and she had an unlisted phone number. I was getting kind of anxious back at the apartment as we were to catch the bus at a certain time to make our appointment to pick up the car. Anyhow, he managed to find the apartment and we got to the Ford plant on time. Afterwards, we drove to the Airport to pick Vivian up when her flight came in. She took us to Casa Loma and we also went to a movie while we were there. We only stayed a couple of nights before we headed home.
I remember Vivian showing me how to put make-up on after she had been in training for a stewardess and how she was taught to pack a suitcase. She always looked nice, very classy and she had nice hair – I don't remember her every having a ‘bad hair day' when we were younger.
When they first came to school at Muddy View they had been speaking a lot of French at home so we would laugh at them for their pronunciation of some words (tree for three & butter peanut sandwiches) so they got so they didn't want to speak French. Many times I wish we had have learned to speak French from them.
These are a few of my memories – fond memories.
Marilyn (Kemp) Ross

July 24, 2013

Angela Ell

I did Vivian's hair for over 15 years, Vivian was a very special person and I enjoyed our times together so very much. Renee and Deanne you are her pride and joy! And that grand-baby, she couldn't get enough.
Vivian was such a great comfort to me when my Mother passed and I am so thankful that I was lucky to have had her in my life. Your loss is great and I am so sorry. Take care of one another and remember she loved you all so much.

With my deepest sympathies,
Angela Ell

July 17, 2013

Pam Dawson

I haven't seen Vivian for so many years but I remember most vividly that wonderful smile. As a kid I used to love going to Auntie Susanne and Uncle Ernie's because we would always have such a wonderful time playing with our cousins on the ranch and aftterward the sing alongs and good fun. Vivian was always in the middle of the laughter. But most of all I remember her kindness and patience with her pesky little cousin. She leaves many behind to miss her but at the same time she leaves such wonderful memories for us all. My sincere condolances to you all - you are in my heart and in my thoughts. Pam Dawson

July 17, 2013

Barb Pratt

A remembrance of the good times shared with you, your Mom and Sheri at Regina Beach. wish i had found this earlier for the beautiful slideshow you put together Hugs xoxo Barb Pratt

Posted by Barb Pratt

July 13, 2013

Carol Newkirk

Vivian, We have been so blessed to have such a wonderful sister in law. We will remember always the many great visits, card games and laughs. We so often shared a laugh as we recalled the day many years ago when the kids were just little and Deanne and Lori were out riding and Renee and Debbie came running through the kitchen yelling 'run away horse, run away horse' and right behind them were 2 baby lambs bellowing ' baa baa' just as loudly. Around the kitchen table they all ran and right back out. Once we knew everyone was safe, you laughed and laughed and over the years when we would recall the story you would laugh just as hard.
During the time we spend in Regina after Lori's accident you and Harv were so great to all of us. You always made us feel so welcomed and at home.
We are thankful you are now at peace. We will miss you.
Love,
Carol & Wayne Newkrik

Posted by Carol Newkirk

July 12, 2013

Deb Inman

Many of my fondest childhood memories were spent with Auntie Viv, Uncle Harv, Deanne and Renee. Auntie Viv was a wonderful Aunt who always made us feel loved and welcomed. I am so very grateful for all the hours dedicated to teaching us to water ski and fish and for the endless meals and generous hospitality. We also loved when we were able to tag along and explore the Big Muddy and spend time with the Giraudier families.
You always knew that if you needed anything...a place to stay, someone to watch the kids or just someone to enjoy a game of cards with, Auntie Viv always made you feel like it was a pleasure to have you. I recall just a couple years ago I was in Regina for a meeting and stayed overnight. In the morning Auntie Viv refused to let me find the meeting location on my own as she said it was tricky to find. I assured her I had directions and would be fine but, she insisted that she would drive ahead so I could just follow her. So, not only did Uncle Harv and Auntie Viv get up early to prepare a huge breakfast, Auntie Viv escorted me across the city and then sent me off with big hugs and of course invitations to come back anytime. That is how I will always remember her, as generous, caring and full of hugs.
Auntie Viv - thank you for all the wonderful memories, we love you and will miss you.
Uncle Harv, Deanne, Renee and families - please know that we hold you in our thoughts and prayers and love you very much.

Deb, Bob, Carter & Ethan Inman

Posted by Deb Inman

July 10, 2013

Len and Val Giraudier

Dearest Vivian,

I am writing this the day after your beautiful funeral service. The service was so very appropriate for you Viv. I expressed this to Harvey, Deanne and Renee yesterday. Releasing the butterflies was such a touching gesture watching them flutter and fly away, some landing on the flowers as the song "I'll Fly Away" was being sung and played it was simply beautiful to experience. Vivian you were a wonderful big sister to Len, the best sister-in-law to me and a very special Auntie to Landon, Kirk, Carmen and Alanna you will be missed so very much by us all.
We are thankful that you now have peace after your extended battle with cancer. Len and I take comfort in knowing you have gone "home" and are now with your Mom and Dad, Lawrence, Carolyn as well as many other family members. It is not goodbye just a brief "pause" until we are together once again. So for now all we will say is we love you and we will see you a little later on!!! Love and Hugs Lenny and Val.

July 10, 2013

We were saddened to hear of your mother's passing, Renee...may fond, loving memories of a life well lived help to soften the pain. Doreen and Kristina

July 9, 2013

Vivian was a beautiful person. I taught with her many years ago at Miller Comprehensive and remember her fondly. My sympathies to her cherished family. Margaret Lipp (Regina).

July 9, 2013

So sorry to hear of your wife's passing Harvey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug & Brenda Norman

July 9, 2013

Peter Hein

Harvey, Deanne, and Renee: my thoughts and prayers got out to you and your family. Vivian is a special person and I will always remember her kind and loving attitude, as well as her smile. She will be missed but not forgotten. My sympathies.

July 9, 2013

Clayton & Janelle Holthe

Dear Deanne, Renee and Harvey,
May the memories and cherished moments you have enjoyed together continue to live on in your hearts forever. Vivian was a beautiful lady with a kind heart and she was very blessed to have you all by her side, loving her unconditionally! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

July 9, 2013

Helga Hein

Dear Harvey, Deanne and Renee,
I'll always remember Vivian for her cheerfulness and positive attitude. A dear, lovely person. My deepest sympathies.

July 8, 2013

My deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. You are in my prayers, Deanne and Renee. Sincerely, Joan Rink

July 8, 2013

Alanna Getz

Auntie Vivian,

I remember as a kid all the times we would come to visit/stay with you and Uncle Harvey at the cabin. We always had such a great time. We still look back on the videos we have from then and get a good chuckle.
I also remember the many times we stayed at your place in Regina for when I had rodeo's or hockey tournaments! You always welcomed us with open arms and were always making sure we had just what we needed to get a good night sleep. It was almost a guarantee that in the morning you and Uncle Harvey would be in the kitchen whipping up something for breaksfast for us!
You can now rest peacefully. Take care, and give Grandma Suzanne and Grandpa Ernest a huge hug from us down here!
Love Alanna, Dan, Kyra and Ryden

July 8, 2013

Judy McLennan

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

July 8, 2013

Stan Saylor

Deanne and family: Very sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. ...Stan Saylor, Regina

July 8, 2013

Clara and Allan Cook

Harvey, Dianne, Chris, Renee, Duane,Dalan&Emily.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

July 8, 2013

This is such a loss--55 years ago we Graduated together, Thelma, Malcolm, Vivian & I, not a big class but a memorable one. The first time we drove into Coronach on a Saturday night together(1957), we had a pack of cars following us, Vivian was the main attraction, she was so beautiful. Through the years, time did not change her much, still had that look, that smile, that personality, what a pleasure to be a friend and related too, What a wonderful Family you raised, we all will miss you Viv...Les

July 8, 2013

Sandra Lorenson (Holthe)

I didn't know Vivian well but when we were both in Cochrane, AB, helping out with our granddaughter baby Emily, we had a lot of fun together.
One day when we were downtown we walked past a store where a manikin was placed on a bench posed in such a way with its head turned peering through the window into the store. Vivian leaned in close to me and asked, “What do you suppose that person is doing?” On our way back, she burst out laughing and said, “It's a manikin, I've been had”
Missing a stop sign and saying “Oh I'm from Saskatchewan”
Then the day we were going to the drug store and so busy chatting that it wasn't until we had parked and were inside the store , looked around, looked at each other, laughed and realized we were in the hardware store!!
Vivian taught me one handed crib.
She also taught me the expression “Mes bras tombe” meaning My arms full… used when one is busy with family and friends. It was an expression she learned from I believe her Mother or Grandmother.
I carry fond memories of Vivian. She was a beautiful, delightful, splendid person who I was happy and honoured to know, even if it was only for a short time.

July 8, 2013

Clara & Allan Cook

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you and love you always.

Posted by Clara & Allan Cook

July 8, 2013

Leesa Giraudier Haslund

As a cousin I always felt we were doubly related since our dads were cousins and our moms were sisters. I loved the family gatherings especially when there was horseback riding and/or loads of singing and music.
In high school I appreciated the sleepovers at your place in Rockglen, sometimes for babysitting Deanne and Renee. You were my third big sister lending an ear, giving advice and always knowing how to make people feel special. Memories live on....

July 8, 2013

Chad Giraudier

Auntie you have been a thoughtful and loving person. We enjoyed your company and you were a great role model. Your kindness and love of life will be remembered. We will miss you so much.

Love Chad, Heather,
Bradyn, Kyle & Amaya

Posted by Chad Giraudier

July 7, 2013

Marc and Lois Giraudier

Vivian,you were the best sister and sister-in law ever. We have so many memories that go way back when we raised our families.We had a lot of good belly laughs together often laughing at the antics of animals or sayings and actions of little children(especially your grandchildren). Thanks for always making us feel welcome. We had a lot of good bridge games. You were the better player but never complained about your partner(me). Your bridge lunches were just like a Martha Stewart creation.
We had many heart to heart conversations and you always had such good advice. You were always available to drive me anywhere in the city.
Your work ethics were fabulous. When you cleaned your car or painted a room it was done to perfection. Thank you for all the Christmas cakes, canned tomatoes and pin cherry jelly. You helped me so much when I went to University by typing my assignments.
I'm so happy we were able to travel together to Vegas a couple years ago. You so enjoyed the scenery and everything was a true adventure with you.
Harv you had a remarkable wife. She said ''Harv and I work well together'' after you had both worked at clearing rock at the Lake/or painting the garage. She also said ''I like dancing with Harv, he's so smooth''. You loved, loved, loved, your two girls and worried so much about them. Now you can watch them raise their families from above.
Marc remembers riding horses to school with you and Lawrence and he said you were always watching out for him. He said you were a very good sister. You will be missed.

Posted by Marc and Lois Giraudier

July 7, 2013

Peter and Susan Love

We enjoyed the times we spent with Vivian at the cottage. May happy memories carry you through this difficult time. Our condolence to the family.

July 7, 2013

Lynn Frederick, Doug Gee

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

July 7, 2013

Linda Clark

I have fond memories of Vivian when she was school secretary at Bengough school where my late husband, Bryan Clark, was principal. She was a beautiful lady and, I am certain, an excellent teacher. So glad she went on to do that as she had so many skills.

July 7, 2013

Harold & Lynda Newkirk

We will certainly miss Vivian.She was a big part of our family.Vivian was so good to us.
Viv will always be remembered as our Sister -In Law and loving friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone of you.

July 6, 2013

Bill and Elaine Johnson

We are so sorry to hear of Vivian's passing. We were neighbours on Stern Bay, Regina in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Vivian was a kind, loving person and she will be missed by many. Harvey, Deanne and Renee our hearts go out to you and your families. What a beautiful photo tribute to Vivian.

July 6, 2013

Genelle Hoag

Love and Prayers are sent to the family.I feel blessed to have had such a loving, talented, caring aunt as I grew up.She was a strong branch on our ever changing and growing Giraudier family tree.She always took a genuine interest in each and everyone of us.She had a natural ability to appreciate the things that many of us overlook such as the love of nature,of animals and all children. I will miss your laugh most of all. love you always. Genelle ,Derek,Sarah and Chantel

July 6, 2013

To the family, we express our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Yvonne & Jude Boulianne Ste. Anne Mb.

July 6, 2013

Marilyn Ross

I have fond memories of when Vivian & I were growing up and spending time down at the ranch, which usually included riding horses (but not my favorite thing to do). We took our public school together at Muddy View & then when we were in Gr. 10 lived with Roy & Helen in Bengough. Sometimes we argued about who slept on which side of the bed or who's turn it was to dry dishes for Helen.
In 1964, Tom & I went to Toronto to pick up a new car & stayed with Vivian & her room mates. She showed us some of the sites around Toronto.
Vivian was always a classy lady! I am sure she will be greatly missed.

July 6, 2013

Leila & Al

Harvey, Deanne, Renee and families. We hold you close to our hearts. Vivian was a beautiful person and lived her life so fully and with such grace. Her passing leaves a void only memories can fill and we will remember her always.

July 6, 2013

Lori Nixon

Renee and Family. I am thinking of you and your family at this time I would like to pass on my deepest of sympathy. If you ever need someone to talk to you know where to find me. Take care.

July 6, 2013

We will always remember Vivian as a wonderful hostess who would greet us at the door with a smile. She was an excellent cook and would prepare such lovely lunches and meals and follow up with a game of cards. Vivian always helped organize the annual Giraudier Christmas party and made sure everyone had a good time and more than we could eat! Vivian was a very special lady and we will miss her. Our deepest sympathy to her family.
Love, Les and Lorraine (Prince Albert, Sk)

July 6, 2013

Candace Pollock

Dear Renee and family, I fondly remember your mother from our days of hanging out at the barns and at horse shows. She was such a lovely lady, and I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.

July 6, 2013

Evan Severson

All pain is now gone, May all your friends be comforted by all the happy times in years gone by. Those memories of happiness will always be remembered.

July 5, 2013

My beloved friend & almost sister - I will miss you dreadfully. Who will I go ATVing with now? I am glad that you are now at peace but you will have to perfect your crib game up there to play with the Dads. I will think of you often, my angel in the sky. My prayers & sympathy to all your family.
Love Noella

July 5, 2013

Shelley Hoffart (Haugen)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May you be comforted in your time of need and always. Big Hugs to you all!

July 5, 2013

Deanne Newkirk

Dear Mom,

We love you so very much. You were the most perfect mother, and we miss you very much. Go be with God. We will see you again. There is no separation, only one love.

Love,
Deanne, Renee and Harvey

Posted by Deanne Newkirk

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