Obituaries

CARRIGAN, Vivian Mary (nee Davies) 1926-2014. On Friday, 9th May 2014, Vivian died peacefully in her sleep, aged 88 years, at Beckley Farm Lodge, Victoria, BC. Vivian, was the devoted wife of the late Raymond, loving mother of Danielle and Michele, mother-in-law of Andy and Justin, grandmother of Elliot, Natasha, Rochelle, Zachary and Emily and sister of the late Joan. She will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends in Canada, Jersey and England.She was born in 1926 in Liverpool, England and spent many happy holidays on the Scottish Isles as a child. During the war she was evacuated to Wales. After the war much of her spare time was spent singing with the Liverpool Philharmonic Choir where they gave many concerts around northern England. Her love of singing remained with her throughout her life.

Vivian enjoyed her work as secretary to the fashion buyer in ‘Browns of Chester’. In 1953 she and Ray were married and shortly afterwards, they escaped post war rationing when Ray was transferred with his job to Canada (Trenton, Ontario).  Here their daughters were born.  In 1963, they moved again, this time to St Thomas. She spent many happy hours working in amateur dramatic productions, especially musicals. Vivian was also very involved with the church and its choir. In 1971 the family moved across the Atlantic on the last sailing of the “Empress of Canada” before settling in Jersey, Channel Islands.

While in Jersey she and Ray made many lasting friendships and became extensive travellers. They made the most of their location with regular holidays to France and other destinations in Europe. Travel highlights included St Lucia, Monte Carlo, China and visiting the USSR before the Iron Curtain came down. In 1992, with their daughters living across the Atlantic, Vivian and Ray decided to return to Canada and settled near Sidney, on Vancouver Island.

Here, Vivian and Ray set about living life to the full. Never without a welcoming meal, or an entertaining story they created a congenial social oasis on Oceanspray Drive for family and friends alike. Over the next twenty years they reaped the benefits of their hard work: travelling the globe, doting on grandchildren, and pottering around their beautiful house and garden – a fitting end to a six decade marriage.

The last years of Vivian’s life were made sweeter by the loving care and companionship of those around her for which her family will always be grateful.

Vivian was a woman who touched the hearts of all she met.  She was a devoted wife, fantastic mother, fun loving grandma and a very kind, gracious, and elegant lady. She always had a smile, and was always singing a song. She made the world a happier place.

The funeral will take place on Saturday May 17th at 3 pm at Holy Trinity Church, 1319 Mills Rd, North Saanich.

Condolences to the family, if desired, can be sent to 29 Marlborough St, Victoria, B.C. V8V 4A6.

Remember Vivian with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.