In Loving Memory of 
Vivian Grace
Barwick
(nee Downey)
age 88
Lovingly remembered by husband Gordon, and children Robert (Darlene), Donald (Melody), James (Kathy) 
and Catherine (Barry), as well as their families. 
Vivian was predeceased by daughter in-law Linda 
and grandson Tyson.

Died
May 20, 2024
Evergreen Personal Care Home
Boissevain, Manitoba

Memorial Service
Saturday, May 25, 2024
 St. Paul’s United Church 
Boissevain, Manitoba 
2:00 p.m.

Interment ~ Boissevain Cemetery

Donations in memory of Vivian may 
be made to a charity of one’s choice. 

Vivian Grace Downey was born on July 29, 1935, on a farm near Gladstone, Manitoba, to Lawrence and Ella Downey.  My father, Lawrence Downey was born in 1905 at Wellwood, Manitoba to James and Neta Downey. My mother, Ella (Armstrong) Downey was born in 1911 at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba to Robert and Grace Armstrong of Amaranth, Manitoba.
Lawrence and Ella welcomed 10 children at Gladstone as follows: Lenora, Marvin, Vivian, James, Leslie, Lyle, Shirley, Morris, Larry and Ernest.
I have many happy memories of my childhood on the farm in the Mayfeld district and attended Silver Stream School. I enjoyed school and was a good student. At 12 years of age I joined 4-H Gardening Club and enjoyed this very much. In later years, I taught my husband, Gordon, the rows in a garden have to be sown north and south for the sunlight to get down each row.
In 1949 my parents bought a section of land 1-2-19W from Ernie and Mabel Taylor near Desford, Manitoba and only 1/8 mile from West Lake School. My parents welcomed two more children at Desford, Gary and Barbara.
I completed my Grade IX at West Lake School and went on to Ninga for my Grade X and XI. I boarded with a lovely family in Ninga, Mrs. Mains. I loved to skate and had many school friends, Shirley Mains and all the Hicks. My main teacher was Mr. Bolton who was much loved. I would go home to the family farm on weekends. Ninga was a thriving community in 1959 and still is a very friendly town.
My parents worked hard milking cows, raised their own chickens and turkeys and shipped eggs to the hatchery.
My sister, Lenora was going to learn to play the piano, but she didn't like it, so I decided to take piano lessons from a lady that owned the local store at Desford, Manitoba where my family purchased all their groceries. I loved the piano and have enjoyed playing for many years.
I so enjoyed and loved various hobbies such as sewing, crocheting, needlepoint (petit point) and woodworking. Sewing was my lifelong hobby making and repairing clothing for our family, also made wedding and bridesmaid dresses and did many projects for friends around town. My big crochet project was a tablecloth, and several beautiful needlepoint (petit point) projects can be seen framed and hanging in our home in Boissevain! Also, woodworking projects included cabinets and window boxes for our home.
In 1953 Vivian Grace Downey, married Gordon Herbert Barwick on November 7, 1953 at St. Mathews Anglican church in Boissevain, Manitoba.
We started farming on 22-2-19W two miles north of Desford. Manitoba. We welcomed four children, Robert (1955), Donald (1956), James (1961) and daughter, Catherine (1968). We farmed for 13 years 1953 - 1966 raising cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys. One year we had 500 turkeys. We had many good crops and enjoyed farming. The buildings were old and house was small and cold.
In 1966 we were offered a good price for the farm (1 section) and on October 11, 1966 had our sale. We purchased a new house in Boissevain on North Broadway. Gordon got a job with the Highways Department and we lived there for three years.
In 1969 Gordon was offered the Foreman's job in Ninette. We bought a big red brick house directly north of Ninette Hotel and lived there for four years.
In 1975 Gordon was hired as Works Supervisor so we move back to Boissevain.  I was hired at Westview Lodge as a Health Care Aide in 1977 and worked there for 13 years until my retirement in 1990!
We purchased our new home at 616 Dow Crescent in Boissevain, Manitoba in 1979.  We have had many good years in our retirement enjoying our flowers, garden and most of all our cherished family, grandchildren and great grandchildren!

“A good life well lived!”