"Our hearts are heavy, but also grateful, as we celebrate the lives of our parents, Robert and Vivian Sallows."
Vivian Olga Sallows (nee Holte), "Viv", was born on October 16, 1934 to Edwin and Inga Holte in Amisk, Alberta, the youngest of three children. She excelled at school, graduating high school at the age of 16 years from the Camrose Lutheran College.
Vivian always had a passion for music; singing and leading choirs in high school, then conducting many children and adult choirs. She enjoyed bookkeeping and worked in accounting, medical, and dental offices.
Vivian enjoyed volunteer work, and always felt honoured to have been asked to lead a pilot project, which succeeded, and became the Rimbey FCSS. In retirement years, she loved traveling around Central Alberta playing music. Bob always accompanied her, faithfully transporting instruments and sound equipment, always staying to enjoy the music.
Whether it was playing along with special friends at care centres, the Rimbey and Bentley Farmers Markets, at church, joining jam sessions, or being a member of the West Country Four band, Vivian loved it all. Her slogan was "Happiness is Music"!
Vivian and Bob enjoyed traveling to many destinations, but a favourite was the annual road trip, for eleven consecutive years, to the Norsk Høstfest Music Festival in Minot, North Dakota. She was thrilled to play her accordion along with huge groups of fellow accordion players.
Vivian was active in the church and had a quiet, strong faith in her Lord. She loved her family, and was always happiest when they gathered together.
In June, 2020, Vivian moved into the Rimbey Continuing Care Centre to be with her beloved husband who resided there. She grieved the loss of Bob for just 21 hours before leaving us to join him again, passing away on July 29, 2021, at the age of 86 years, held closely by family who dearly loved her.
Bob and Vivian took pride in watching their family grow as they warmly welcomed each new son- or daughter-in-law. They were thrilled when grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived. Having their precious grandchildren come to stay at their lake cabin was always a special time for them, and those visits are treasured memories for the grandchildren as well.
Together they are survived by their daughters, Deb (Tim) Monteith, and Wendy (Doug) Reiser; and their son, Ric Sallows; as well as their grandchildren: Cory (Tasha) Monteith, Keri (Todd) Marples, Brad (Brenda) Reiser, Kevin (Sonary) Reiser, Josh (Ana) Sallows, and Jessica Sallows; and their great grandchildren: Lynden and Nash Monteith, Noah and Peyton Marples, Max and Aya Reiser, and Piper and Hudson Reiser.
They are also survived by Bob's brothers, Wayne (Marie) Sallows, and Arne Sallows; and his sisters, Lois Guy, and Mavis (Ken) Dalgarno; in addition to many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Lenna Sallows; and his brother, Meryl Sallows. Vivian was predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Inga Holte; her brother, Melvin Holte; and her sister, Evelyn Setter. Together they are predeceased by an infant grandson, Jeffrey Monteith.
"We grieve the tremendous loss, but are so thankful for our mom and dad to be together in their new heavenly home ... never to be separated again."
The Sallows Family is forever grateful for the care of their family doctors, Dr. Boorman, Dr. Nawrot, Dr. Weller, and Dr. Ellis; as well as the many nurses, caregivers, and staff at the Rimbey Continuing Care Centre, Acute Care, Valley View Manor, and the Medical Clinic doctors and staff.
With respect for Bob and Vivian's wishes, and their love of family gatherings, a Private Family Service will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, which would have been their 67th Wedding Anniversary.
If friends desire, memorial tributes in their honour will be gratefully accepted to Camp Kuriakos, 5-39317 Range Road 24, Lacombe County, Alberta T4E 2R7 (www.kuriakos.ab.ca); or to the Rimbey Health Services Donations Program, c/o Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre - Long Term Care, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhealthdonations.com).
Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca.
Cremation Arrangements for the Late Robert Eugene Sallows and the Late Vivian Olga Sallows entrusted to the care of Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd.
Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd.