VIVIAN JOYCE NESPOR (BURNSIDE)

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VIVIAN JOYCE NESPOR (nee BURNSIDE) May 4, 1931 - February 15, 2014 Sadly on February 15, 2014 Vivian Nespor of Lac du Bonnet passed away at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home at the age of 82. Mom was born in Winnipeg in 1931 and lived in Manitoba all her life. She grew up in Newcombe and Winnipeg and graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Mom met Dad, a Forest Ranger with the Manitoba Forest Service, on the dance floor at Holiday Beach and a year later were married on August 26, 1949. Mom was predeceased by her parents, John and Anne Burnside and her brother Ray. Left to mourn are her loving husband of 64 years, Joe, sons Harley and Ralph (Donna), daughter Cindy, grandchildren Kristian (Chelsey), Courtney, Cory (Kelly), Kristy (Dan), Jodi (Brian), Rikki (Brandon), Brett and great-grandchild Aribella; her sisters-in-law, Mary and Margaret (Gerry); nieces Linda, Cathy (Gerry), Chrissie (Jim) and Laurie. Mom worked for the Agassiz School Division for many years and then the Province of Manitoba for 19 years. During this time she was also involved with the Lac du Bonnet 4-H club where she thoroughly enjoyed working with the youth of the community. In 1967 Mom was the Chairperson for Canada's Centennial. It was here that she discovered that Lac du Bonnet was comprised of 26 nationalities which led to the production and displaying of each's nations flag at the town's Centennial celebration. In 1988 she was the chairperson of the Newcombe and Lettonia Reunion and because of this reunion a book called "Caviar and Venison" a collection of short stories from the areas inhabitants was written by her and her brother Ray. Also in the same year she helped organize the village of Lac du Bonnet's 40 anniversary festivities. In 1992 she was the Chairperson for the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet. In 1995 Mom started her own mini-museum called "Lac du Bonnet House" which was named after the original fur trading post in the area. The museum was a collection of pictures and historical items which belong to her family or were donated to the museum. At the same time she conducted guided bus tours through the area visiting historical landmarks. Over the years she was a member of various committees including the Chamber of Commerce, the Lac du Bonnet and area Municipal Heritage Association, the Lac du Bonnet Communities in Bloom, Friends of Old Pinawa, Pioneer Club and the Association of Manitoba Museums. Mom loved to travel and along with Dad and family numerous trips were taken to visit relatives in Sweden and Czechoslovakia to enjoy their cultures and family history as well. She also travelled to Britain and Australia to visit wartime friends of Dad's and to attend 422 RCAF Squadron reunions. Being a snowbird for a number of years supported her artistic side and rekindled her interest in painting and crafts. At various times she produced oil paintings, metal tooling, quilting, needle work, dress designing, as well as writing historical articles for newspaper and magazines. Above all, she was a great supporter of her family. Whether it was attending public speaking contests, piano recitals, hockey games, baseball games or numerous other sporting events, she travelled from coast to coast, armed with her video camera, to support her children and grandchildren. These videos will forever be cherished by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home for taking excellent care of Mom over the past several years. There are too many to name individually but a deep debt of gratitude from the family in making Mom's life one of happiness, joy and dignity. Also a special thanks to everyone that made Dad's daily visits to Mom as enjoyable as possible during her time spent there. It will forever be appreciated. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice. According to Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place in the spring. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 204-268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2014