Vivian’s Obituary
It is with a very heavy heart that we, a huge, blended family, announce the passing of our precious angel after a courageous battle of cancer. Her loving husband Jack and granddaughter Echo were by her side. She was not afraid to die because of her strong faith. She knew she was going to be with family again. God has guided her through life’s challenges. Jack insisted on keeping her at home for as long as he could because he did not find it a job to take care of her, and they got their wish.
Thank you to everyone who helped provide such wonderful care for Vivian until her final moment.
Vivian grew up through tough times. As a young mother married to Irvine, they moved around a lot in small sawmill towns in British Columbia. In the early 1970’s, Vivian and her children moved back to Wanham, Alberta, where she resided for the rest of her life. Soon after, Jim and Vivian began their life together when the youngest of their children (combined eight), Maureen, was 2 1/2. Later, nine years after Jim’s passing, Vivian married Jack Gulick and she moved out to the farm where they lived happily for 9 years.
Losing her beautiful daughter Maureen (39) of breast cancer was very hard on Vivian. Vivian and Ken came to form a strong relationship as it was up to them to help guide Trin and Cassie through life without a mother. Then tragedy struck again, losing Cassie at 19 years old to a diabetic coma. Ken was always very special to Vivian, she loved him like another son.
The Gulick family soon embraced Vivian shortly after they met her. “Vivian was the kindest lady we had ever met.” We laughed when it was said that if they had a choice, they would keep her instead of Jack. She taught them how to hug! Vivian got to experience lots of travelling once she married Jack. Her written notes give details of trips that they took to the Grand Canyon, helicopter rides adventures in Tumbler Ridge, and they also took a trip to Nashville for a family wedding on the Goodvin side. We would like to thank the Gulicks for being there for Vivian and taking such good care of her.
The Pine Pass ACT has been going strong for 44 years. This adventure helps mold our children by watching the four generations. It is a group effort to feed, entertain and forge the mountain to get wood, and stumps, to keep a fire going for five days straight, rain or shine. One of the awards is a happy camper, in memory of Ken Sorgen who left us way too soon. Vivian loved going to the Pine Pass and she always had a line-up of grandchildren at her trailer door when it was time for ice-cream.
The Sorgen side of the family are known for their breath-taking hugs, I’m sure many have experienced. They are kind and loving with a teasing side to them.
Spending time in the house filled with pictures that filled every wall in every room really put life into perspective. It shows how short and precious it really is.
Vivian had a bad spell one day and we thought we were losing her. At this time out of shock, we called Orvis to come and say his goodbyes and called Sanford, Gerald and Carol and she whispered I love you to them. Her brothers, sisters and sisters-in-law meant the world to Vivian through the years.
The smell of grandma’s roast beef supper will always be remembered, and there was always enough to go around. Vivian would go to the cupboard and pull out some canning and everyone would enjoy a feast, and dessert, like cinnamon buns or dark chocolate cake with maple icing, banana cream pie from her white pie holder.
Endless notes were found reflecting on family functions that she held dear to her heart and how she was so blessed to have all of us in her life.
At the end of each of Grandma’s notes there was always a message to trust the Lord in your journey of life. Love one another and get along. Pretty simple message. She lived a long life so let’s follow her advice so we can too. So now every time you hear an Elvis song you will be thinking of Vivian. Direct quote from: Vivian “please be good to each other; remember I am watching from heaven. Love and blessings until we meet again.”
Signed
Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Auntie and Vivian.
Born on January 17, 1939, in Holden, Alberta, Vivian passed March 7, 2022, at the age of 83.
She idolized her parents, including father Hubert Sorgen of Preso, South Dakota; mom Violet Otilda Bjerkseth-Evenson of Ryley, Alberta. They raised 5 boys and 3 girls. Her siblings included: Sanford (Rose), Ralph-deceased (Fay), Orvis (Carol), Duane (Yvonne)-both deceased, Gerald (Vicki), Hannah (Roland Elgert)-both deceased. Carol (Jim Dean-deceased).
Vivian married Irvine Goodvin in 1956. They had 4 children.
Ronald (Trisha) – Echo (Dan), Gregory (Shelby), Maria
Dale (Marlene) – Bryanna (Morgan)
Dwight (Corrine) – Tyson (Matthia), Sheldon (Stefanie), Devon
Maureen Viola (1969 -2009) (Ken Potratz) – Trinity, Cassandra (1994 -2013)
From there: 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Vivian married her best friend and soul mate Jim Goodvin in 1981. Jim had 4 boys.
Jim (Marianne) – Christina (Cory), James, Tamara.
Gary (Carol) – Kirk (Christina), Owen (Shilo)
Greg (Diane) – Heidi (Brad) Scott, Aaron (Victoria)
Ken (Brandy) – Glen (Kaitlin)
From there: 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren
Vivian was heart broken to lose Jim to cancer August 19, 2003.
Nearly a decade latere, on November 7, 2012, Vivian married Jack Gulick. Jack has 5 children.
Colleen (Ernie) Hemmingway – Jodi (David), Cory (Tyler), Christy (Hung)
Darlene (Darcy) Mason – Allana (Derek), Tyrell (Emily)
Marty (Karen), Gulick – Michelle (Jay), Kirk (Kaylyn)
David (Judy) Gulick – Cambie (Jay), Braydon (Bethany)
Randy (Roxanne) Gulick
12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren
Read More
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Vivian Hazel Marie Goodvin-Gulick Sorgen January 17 1939 March 07 2022..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Peace River, Province: Alberta