Vivian Gowan

December 21, 2011

Vivian was born in 1920 in Fosston, Saskatchewan to Adolf and Nelly Minge. She grew up on the farm that her parents homesteaded. Vivian was the second oldest of five girls. She worked long hard hours in the home, helping her mother clean and prepare meals for family and hired men that worked on the farm. Her sisters worked outside doing chores around the farm. Vivian also enjoyed spending time with the family at her parents’ cabin at Greenwater Lake.

Vivian left the farm to take hairstyling in Regina. She also took courses in Toronto. After completing her courses she worked in Tisdale and later in Kelvington, working alongside her eldest sister, Alice. Vivian was an accomplished hairstylist and won many awards.

Vivian married Thurlow Gowan on August 15, 1951 in Saskatoon. In 1952 they moved to Flin Flon, where Vivian opened her own beauty salon and Thurlow taught school in Creighton. They enjoyed fishing and boating in the many lakes around Flin Flon.

In the late 1960’s Vivian and Thurlow moved to Abbotsford, BC. In the 1970’s they returned to Flin Flon where Thurlow continued to teach school in Creighton until he retired. After Thurlow retired they returned to Abbotsford.

After returning to Abbotsford Vivian set up a beauty salon in her home and continued to do hairstyling. Vivian was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed cooking and entertaining family and friends. She also enjoyed square dancing, which she and Thurlow enjoyed for many years.

Vivian and Thurlow had no children, but had a Boston Terrier, named Bonnie. Over the years they had more than one Boston Terrier and they were all named Bonnie. They also had a Boston Terrier named Dee, which was a pup of the last Bonnie. For a time, Vivian and Thurlow also raised Boston Terriers. Their Boston Terriers were their pride and joy.

On December 21, 2011 Vivian passed away peacefully at Bevan Lodge with her youngest sister, Doris, at her side

Vivian is predeceased by her parents and eldest sister Alice Minge. She is survived by her husband, Thurlow, three sisters, Gina Gushel of Regina, Ardiz (Duffy) Enger of Victoria, and Doris Barrett of Abbotsford, as well as many extended family and friends.

She will be forever loved and cherished by her beloved husband, Thurlow, of 60 years.

A Celebration of Vivian’s life will be held on January 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Bevan Lodge, 33386 Bevan Ave, Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Donations in memory of Vivian may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family online memorial register.

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Messages of Condolence

Dearest Mr. Gowan, I remember you as my favourite teacher (you and Mr. Brecht also). You taught me in Grade 4 and 5. I was very good at sports and you were always such a great coach. Thank you! I just retired from Creighton School myself where I was a Speech/Language assistant for 23 years. I am married with 3 children and 3 absolutely wonderful grandchildren. I was so sorry to hear of your loss, and I wish you the best for the future. Cheryl Pogue (nee Kenke) ~ Cheryl Pogue (Kenke)

Dear Mr. Gowan, Condolences on the loss of your beloved Vivian. I remember how close you and her were when you lived in Creighton. Her shop on Main Street is still there and I believe it is a lawyers office now. You were my grade 4 and 5 teacher and I always felt so important in your class. Thank you for your encouragement and kindness you gave so freely, it affected me in such a positive way. God Bless you. Penny Holmes-Bilquist ~ Penny Holmes-Bilquist

Mr Gowan. I am sorry to hear about Mrs. Gowan. In grade five I was in your class at Creighton and remember you as a great teacher. Straight out of hairdressing school Mrs. Gowan gave me job at Curl Craft which I was very grateful for. Over the years I have often thought about both of you and wondered how you were. Take care and my prayers are with you. Iris Bailey (Smale) ~ Iris Bailey (Smale)

Uncle Thurlow...wish we could be with you during this difficult time. We have great memories of Auntie Vivian and we will miss her very much. Please know we are thinking of you now and always. Love Linda and Kevin Weber ~ Linda and Kevin Weber

My Dear Mr. Gowan So sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved Vivian. I remember how close you and her were when you lived here in Creighton. Her shop is still on Flin Flon Main Street. Bless her. I hope you remember me as you were a very special teacher here in Creighton. I was in your room in grade 4 and 5, and your encouragement and kindness made me feel included and important. Do you remember letting us "conduct" O Canada every morning? These are such special memories. Thank you so much. Take care and please know that you made such a difference in our lives. Sincerely, Penny Holmes, (I was also your paper girl) ~ PennyHolmes-Bilquist

Dear Thurlow I am so thankful for the great, though short, visit my girls and I had with you and Vivian in August. I am truly sorry I can't be there with you now. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Minge families at this very sad time. Love Jean Thompson ~ Jean Thompson

Uncle Thurlow, We are so sorry to hear about Auntie Vivian. My memories start with her cutting my hair at the shop in Flin Flon and include many happy visits at the cabin I am so pleased we had a good visit this past August. Auntie Vivian will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Leila & Bert Munro ~ Leila & Bert Munro

Dear Thurlow: On behalf of my mother Phyllis Little, my brothers Bob and Don Little and Sister Shirley Armstrong, we would like to extend sincere condolences to you on the loss of your Vivian. May she rest in peace. Mom always spoke fondly of anything that included you and your family. Take care of yourself, and know that others are thinking of you at this time of loss. Sincerely Sharon Ackerman ~ Sharon Ackerman

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR VIVIAN ~ wendy stout

Vivian Gowan

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