Obituary of Vivian Ida Willick

VIVIAN WILLICK March 16, 1928 - July 13, 2019 Vivian Willick (nee King) passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep on Saturday July 13 at her home in Saskatoon. Vivian was born near Port Colburne, Ontario, and her family moved to a farm near Mildred, Saskatchewan when she was 7 years old. She loved horses as a young girl, and told many stories of living through the “dirty thirties” with her large family. During World War II she lost two beloved older brothers and an uncle. She often spoke of how hard it was adjusting to the harsh climate in Saskatchewan after having grown accustomed to the southern Ontario climate as a child. Vivian was a talented seamstress, and worked for several months in a factory in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba in her early 20s. She married the love of her life, Lawrence Willick, in 1951, and they began their life together on Lawrence’s family farm near Marcelin, Saskatchewan. In 1957 they moved to their own homestead two miles away. Together they raised eight children, farmed, and established a beautiful yard. She spent countless hours canning and freezing food from her enormous garden. Vivian loved creating beautiful flower gardens and sewing for her children and grandchildren. In retirement she and Lawrence babysat some of their grandchildren, and worked tirelessly to help renovate their children’s homes. She liked curling and was very active in her community; she recently celebrated 60 years of service with the Catholic Woman’s League in Marcelin. Vivian and Lawrence moved to Preston Park 1 in Saskatoon in September of 2016. Although it was incredibly difficult to leave her beloved home, Vivian’s strength of spirit shone through as she and Lawrence became involved in the Preston Park community activities such as billiards and bocce ball, and she allowed her inner “social butterfly” to emerge. Her family is so grateful to the staff of Preston Park 1 for the loving care they provided. Losing Lawrence in 2017 was devastating for her, but she amazed us all with her ability to adjust to living alone with great courage, and she continued to experience many moments of joy. Mother of eight, grandmother of 19, great-grandmother of 14, great-great grandmother of one and aunt to many, she inspired us with her energy, her passion, her feistiness, her perseverance, and her fierce love for her family. Vivian is survived by her children and their families: Robert (Barbara) Willick, Loraine (Dwayne) Northey, Marlene (Larry) Dierkens, Patricia (Mervyn) Arcand, Janet Willick, Jackie (Michael) Robin, Darryl (Wely Floriano) Willick, and Myrna Willick (LeRoss Calnek); her sister Amy (Walter) Schenk, brother Grant (Fran) King, and numerous nieces and nephews. Vivian was predeceased by Lawrence, her husband of nearly 66 years; her parents, Oscar and Ida; eight of her 10 siblings (Ferdinand, Conwell, Richard, Miriam, Alvin, Leonard, Beulah, and Eleanor); and her grandson, Jacob Leigh Calnek. Funeral mass and celebration of her life was held on Monday August 5, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Marcelin, SK with Fr. Phong Tran as celebrant. A eulogy was delivered by Vivian’s daughter Jackie Robin and her grandchildren shared special memories of their grandma. Music Ministry was provided by Carol and Ron Schira also grandson Caleb Calnek did a special song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, the Cross Bearer was Anthony Robin, Candle Bearers where Danielle and Natalie Robin. The readings were read by Michael Robin and Janet Willick, Prayers of the Faithful were read by Caleb Calnek. The Offertory Gifts were brought to the altar by Myrna Willick and LeRoss Calnek. Honorary Pallbearers were considered “All of Vivian’s Grandchildren and the Urn Bearer was Douglas Northey. All those in attendance were invited to a time of fellowship and lunch at the Marcelin Community Hall where a slide show of Vivian’s life was shown. Interment will take place in the Marcelin Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Beau Lac Funeral Home (beaulacfuneralhome.com), Mark Muir Funeral Director, Leask, SK (306) 466 - 4822.