Vivian Gowan

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.