Vivian Kuhn

Vivian passed away at Victoria hospice following heart and diabetes complications. Family and friends are invited to services and refreshments. (A) Victoria memorial celebration services: Mon. Sept. 9. 1:30pm. Cadboro Bay United Church. 2625 Arbutus Rd. and/or (B) Kelowna celebration of life service: Sat. Sept. 14. 11:00am. Rutland United Church. 1370 Rutland Rd. Open mic encouraged. Vivian Beatrice was born a twin to parents Arthur and Edith Geen in Reston, Manitoba. A few years later, the family relocated to an orchard in Ellison, BC, just north of Kelowna. Sadly, her twin brother Irwin died in a tragic accident in 1946, leaving Vivian and her brothers Glen (passed away in 1990) and Gerald. Her parents passed away in 1975. After graduating from Rutland High School in 1953, Vivian attended Vancouver Normal School. She started her first career, as an elementary school teacher, in Vancouver and Maple Ridge, BC. She married Tom Pelton, and while continuing to teach full-time, she raised four children: Doug, Brad, Tim and Kristy. She also became a specialist in teaching children with learning difficulties. After many years in Maple Ridge, the family moved to Victoria where Vivian started her second career as a successful realtor with DFH. She and Tom also became avid bridge players, and as usual, Vivian made many good friends through work and bridge. In the early 1990s, Vivian and Tom divorced, although they remained good friends, honouring the happy times they had shared. Vivian started yet another career, as a painter. Vivian had always been creatively talented and was already a skilled seamstress, quilter, knitter, and decorator. Her talent for colour and design was now expressed in her whimsical, happy paintings that provided a window into The World According To Vivian. At this stage in her life, Vivian met up again with an old friend from Kelowna, Al Kuhn, now a widower. They married in 1994, and Vivian moved to Als newly built log house in Kelowna, where they set up the Blueberry Hill Gallery. Vivian became a successful artist, creating many beautiful watercolour and acrylic paintings. Al and Vivian spent many happy years in Kelowna before moving to Victoria in 2010. They enjoyed their time here, where they were active in the Cadboro Bay United Church and Goward House. They also enjoyed the company of Vivians children and their families who live in Victoria. Sadly, Vivians heart disease and diabetes claimed her strength. After a long struggle, she passed away in the Royal Jubilee Hospice on August 27, 2013. Al was at her side, as he has been for the 19 years of their marriage. Vivian was a warm, loving and welcoming person. There was always room for more people at her dinner table and in her heart. She will be greatly missed by her husband, Al, who lovingly remembers her as a gracious companion and a loving wife who gave great hugs. She is remembered with love by her children Doug Pelton (Jaye), Brad Pelton (Teresa), Tim Pelton (Leslee), Kristy Vidal (Richard), step-children Chris Kuhn (Marjory) and Donna Drought (Peter), grand-children Kimberly (Phil), Catherine (Fabien), Jake, Thomas, Michaela, Amanda, Brandon and great-grandchildren Taiya, Brianna and Liam and also her brother Gerald Geen (Kay), sister-in-law Olga and her nieces and nephews. The world is a much less colourful place without her.