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VIVIAN H. REES (VIV)
Born: May 25, 1931
Date of Passing: Nov 13, 2022
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VIVIAN H. REES
Peacefully in his sleep on November 13, 2022, Vivian Rees left this world.
He will be deeply missed by his two daughters, Heidi Rees and Melissa Chalker; his son-in-law Anthony Chalker, and his two grandchildren, Isabelle and Ivy. He will also be missed by his family in Britain: nieces, Pat Reid and family and Felicity Tagarsi and family, nephew Philip Rees and family, sister-in-law Irene Mann, nephew John and their family.
He will also be missed by his dear friend Beryl Gray, his 'Canadian' nieces Sheila, Margaret and Kathryn, Allison, Lindsay and Vivienne and their spouses and children, and his special friend Virginia Hart and her family.
Vivian was predeceased by Sheila, his wife of 59 years who he loved with all his heart, his brother Leonard, sister-in-law Valerie, and by Sheila's brothers, Bert, Jack, William and Mervyn Mann; and sister Julia Earnshaw, and his dear friends, Doug and Keta Mitchell and Frank Gray.
Viv was born to Archibald and Lilian Rees on May 25, 1931 in Swansea, Wales. His happy childhood was disrupted by the Second World War, transforming the world around him and altering his young life. He left school early to contribute to the family and worked as a mailroom clerk at a coal company, a manager trainee at a bookstore, a salesman at the Wales Gas Board and then at manager at a shipping company.
In 1947, Viv joined the Air Training Corp and quickly moved up to the rank of Flight Sergeant. During this time, he was selected as the ATC's representative on the Swansea Youth Council. Needless to say, he quickly became Chairman of the Council which sparked his lifelong commitment to serving in the community In 1956, Viv met Sheila Mann, his future wife, on his 25th birthday. They were married on November 30, 1957 at Pantygwdr Church in Swansea, Wales. They personified the phrase "opposites attract" but their deep love and respect for each other reduced these differences to an inconvenience.
In 1966, Viv took his biggest risk and with Sheila moved to Canada where they could give their daughters a better life. Contrary to information from immigration officials in Wales, a job was not waiting for Viv when he arrived in Winnipeg. He looked for work locally and then travelled across Canada looking for a job, determined to create a wonderful life for his family. He finally did find a Winnipeg position at Meadows Air Freight.
Viv's faith and his relationship with God was central in his life. Upon arrival in Canada, Viv and Sheila immediately looked for a church to join and found Broadway-First Baptist Church tucked into a little corner of their neighbourhood. Viv quickly became very involved in church life: singing in the choir, serving on the deacon's board, usually as chairman, and taking up the challenge of preaching.
Similarly, Viv became a leader within the Welsh Society of Manitoba. He was usually on the Executive and was often the President. His involvement extended to singing in the choir, often as a soloist. Recently, his poetic memories of Wales was put to music by a fellow musical Welshman and performed by the Welsh Society Choir.
Singing was Viv's chosen art until recently when he began writing. His reflections on life's small pleasures or a simple observation about daily tasks were lyrical. His musings and his "Thoughts on..." were enjoyed by his family, his many friends and acquaintances and earned him a very large fan club!
The family would like to thank health care staff throughout Winnipeg who helped keep our father healthy and happy over the last 10 years.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Broadway-First Baptist Church, 790 Honeyman Avenue.
Donations in celebration of Viv's life can be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 07, 2023
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Viv and I worked together back in the early to mid 90’s at A.D Rutherford and Co. We kept in touch right up until this past year. Viv was a friend, confidant, mentor; a father figure at work! Our connection was rugby. He was Welsh- Rugby is religion. I played. Being a young lad whose uncle owned the firm I worked at, Viv, saw that I was struggling with the office dynamic. Viv made my work life bearable! We had great conversations. Daily. I learned about Viv’s life, past and present. March 1st was always special. I attended a few St. David’s day dues with the Welsh Society. In ‘97 I moved to Victoria for rugby. Viv and Sheila were travelling, and, made it to the Island. We got together for dinner at a nice pub for fish and chips, and, a good local beer(s)! This continued with Viv and I right up until Covid. After that, Viv’s emails and writings kept our communication line open. This past summer, I had survived the flood, had our summer business go for the first time in 3 years, moved houses, and, managed some travel in the late fall for the first time since pre-Covid! I emailed Viv when I got home, but, for once, didn’t get a reply. The beautiful words , either written, or, spoken, in that lilting, sing song accent, have stopped for now. Viv, you will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family, and, dear friends of Viv go out. Darren Raeside - Posted by: Darren Raeside (Friend, and, former co-worker) on: Feb 16, 2023
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Linda and I met Vivian through the Welsh Society, we are so sorry to learn of his passing. We so enjoyed his company and loved his stories of home. Rest in Peace Vivian - Posted by: Peter Firth (Fellow Welshman and member of the Cymdeithas) on: Jan 11, 2023
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One of the finest men I have ever known. Always looking for ways to be of service to others. His family was a credit to him and they were all touched by his love and returned that love. Till we met again. - Posted by: William Sturgess (Friend ) on: Jan 07, 2023
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I miss you so much Uncle Viv. I'm thankful of all the conversations and time we had together but I wish we still had more. I wish I could be looking forward to seeing you finally again this year, as hoped. I wish you had met Dewi really, in person. We'll always remember you with so much love. You brought so much joy to us all these last years. Thank you. I'm so proud of you. I hope you're still enjoying singing now... XXXXXXXXX - Posted by: Jo Reid (Great niece) on: Jan 07, 2023
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Uncle Viv, I love you like a grandpa and already miss our long conversations and email exchanges. I loved asking you about our family history and about memories of our home, Swansea, from decades ago - about WW2 and you being evacuated to a tiny hamlet in West Wales. I am very grateful for all your wise words and writings - your 'Thoughts on...', emails and even your recent lyrical memories as Facebook posts. I have them all saved as I am sure many of your family and friends will. I think most of all I will miss your voice - a beautiful deep resonant voice with a Welsh and slight Transatlantic lilt - often telling a joke or a wry one-liner to make people smile. My mum once said something like that in another life you would have been a singer or a writer or a radio presenter or a preacher. I know this sentiment would have meant a great deal to you. You are already very much missed by all your Swansea family. x - Posted by: Becky Reid (Great niece) on: Jan 07, 2023
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Goodbye dear friend, I'll see you again some day. - Posted by: Tom Jones (Dear friend) on: Jan 07, 2023