Vivian was born on September 25, 1923 at the rented Gilbertson farm just north of Pinkham Saskatchewan to Cliff and Hannah (Forscyth) Townsend. She enjoyed being the middle child—Muriel the eldest and Robert (Bud) the youngest until Ross arrived in April of 1932. In a few years the family moved to the homestead east and south of Pinkham. Vivian, along with her siblings attended the school in Pinkham often being escorted to school by Baldy and Ted, the faithful farm team of horses. When Vivian finished grade 12, she went to teach in Bjorkdale School (Briar View) and because there was a shortage of teachers, she stayed for two years. She saw the sky and took to the road and ended up in Victoria, BC. where she was a chef for four years. This was a good time in her life but Marvin yearned for a farm of his own and so they headed back to Bjorkdale. It was a perfect imperfect life for her. She loved the coast but soon took to living off the land. Hunting, fishing and gardening soon became their way of life. She loved to cook and make quilts. Animals on the farm became pets and Sandi, her dog, became her best friend when she was left alone by Marvin’s passing. She continued living on the farm until 2009 when poor health forced her to move to the Tisdale Manor and then later Sasko Park Lodge and NewMarket Place.
Vivian was a caring daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, and great great aunt. She was greatly interested in the lives of her family and encouraged the younger ones to get a higher education. She looked forward to watching them grow and change.
Left to cherish her memory is her sister Muriel Jensen, special nephews Ashley, Darrell, and Shane along with their families, and children and grandchildren of her brothers Ross and Bud as well as other nieces and nephews and friends.