Vivian Marilyn Irving Love (nee Briggs) passed away peacefully on, May 14th, 2024, in Victoria, B.C.
Vivian (Viv) was born December 13, 1938, in Vancouver, B.C. the only and much-loved daughter of Kenneth Dixon Briggs and Vivian Frances Briggs (nee Alguire). Viv spent her early childhood in Whitehorse, Yukon before moving to Victoria, her lifelong home. She attended Cloverdale Elementary, S.J. Willis Jr. High, and Victoria High school where lifelong friendships were made.
Viv’s love of dance started at the age of five and would become a significant part of her life and legacy. She was an accomplished dancer, inspiring teacher (Vivian Briggs School of Dance), mentor, and supporter of various dance and arts organizations. She loved to plan and to be part of the grassroots for organizations such as The Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria, Dance Works and Dance Victoria.
As a mother, Viv was proud and supportive. She was her kids’ biggest fan and spent many hours at ball fields, dance lessons, and on school trips. Her announcing the batting line up at Allenby Park is still legendary. As adults, she encouraged them to follow their passion and dreams.
Retirement brought an opportunity to travel and see the world. Her and Monty were always excited to plan their next adventure to see new places and experience different cultures. New York City, Greece, and Cuba were among their special places where many memories were made.
Vivian lived an incredible life that has provided us with so many wonderful memories. She was adventurous and determined in her early years, was supportive of family and passionate about her work in the middle years, a little opinionated in her later years, but throughout her life she was smart, strong, courageous, and independent.
Predeceased by her parents Ken (1980) and Vivian (1986), infant daughter Leanne (1970), first husband and father of her children Lawrence Wensley (1998) and her soul mate and cherished husband Monty Love (2019).
Vivian will be forever remembered and loved by her children, daughter Danielle, son Ken and their families. Viv was blessed with a large, blended family. Her children, stepchildren, grand children and great grand children brought her so much joy. She is also fondly remembered by her cousins in Washington State. Viv always looked forward to family dinners, get togethers at Shawnigan, and a good hockey debate.
Viv was one of a kind and to capture her incredible life in a few words is formidable, she will be loved and missed by us always.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and care aides at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on the 6th, 7th & 8th floors, thank you for everything. Special thanks to, Dr Heather Emmerton-Coughlin for your care and compassion, and to Viv’s childhood friend Pat Warren whose friendship and support was so very much appreciated by all of us and mom during the past few years.
Vivian’s celebration of life was held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Reverend Margaret Harper officiating.
To watch the tribute video of Vivian please click on the photo below.
Flowers are gratefully declined by the family, but those who wish can donate in Vivian’s name to the BC Cancer Agency.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kim Breiland
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Jack Trueman To Vivian’s family. None of you know me but I worked with Vivian many years ago designing and building the scenery and lighting for her dance recitals at the McPherson Playhouse. I also knew Monty well and we worked together many times on various productions in Victoria. I always enjoyed Vivian and Monty as people of great character and friends of the community. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that she was loved by many in and beyond the dance community in Victoria.
Jack Trueman.
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Maureen Murphy Sending love to you and your entire family, Danielle. Your dear Mum was such a positive, enthusiastic person – she will be in your hearts always.
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Rita Butterworth An amazing women…A life well lived.. condolences to you Dan and Family…Love, Rita and Family.
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Stephen White Such an incredible force for good. She’ll be in my heart forever.
When I learned of Vivian’s passing my heart sank. I didn’t know how to place her passing. It’s hard to put into words someone who truly meant the world to you and had such a deep influence on your life. That took this crazy little red head under her wing and instilled the love of dance in her that still shines bright to this day. There is not a day that goes by that her deep influence on myself, my students and my love of performing is not felt and emulated throughout my years in the community. I can still hear her voice, vivid memories of her teaching at the old Jaycee hall. Her elegance and her frankness combined to be one of the most profound influences in my life. Truly a gift. My love, admiration and respect for Vivian will always remain steadfast as an indelible memory of dance, love, art and elegance. Rest well.