Vivian, Robert P.
June 26, 1951 - June 5, 2008
MINERAL POINT/ WALDWICK - Robert P. "Bob" Vivian, age 56, of Mineral Point, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 5, 2008, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born on June 26, 1951, the son of William D. "Bill" and Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Krinkey) Vivian. The second of eight children. He graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1969. He joined the U.S. Navy in August 1969 and served his country with honor for four years, while serving three tours in Vietnam, specializing in Naval Communications. He was discharged in July 1973, where upon he immediately met and married the love of his life, Bonnie Burgess on March 9, 1974, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Mineral Point. They were blessed with two children.
Through his life he worked for Wick Buildings Systems, building pole barns, Dodgeland Harvestor, Sokol Crystal / PDI for 16 years and spent his last six years working for John Wick Homes. He always wanted to live in the country so they moved to Waldwick in March 2002. Through the years he loved deer hunting and tinkering with vehicles. Bob was a simple man who lived a simple life. His children being the pride and joy of his life, he loved going to his sons sporting events, and spending quality time with his daughter. He was especially proud that both his children followed in his footsteps and served their country. Tricia , eight years in the Army Reserves and Craig presently in his 11th year with the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed taking rides in the country with his wife, with no destination in mind. He was very proud of being a grandpa from his first grandson, Tyler; to the next two girls, Reghan and Ava; and to his last grandson, C. J. He loved to teach Tyler the art of hunting and took pride in Tyler's knowledge of farming at the age of 10. With the girls it was the simple love of lots of hugs and kisses and "I Love You's." His only sadness was not being able to spend time and be a hands on grandpa to C. J. because he lived so far away. He liked spending time with his son-in-law, and helping him do things on the farm. He really loved it when there were baby calves to pet.
Bob is survived by his wife of 34 years, Bonnie; his son, Craig (Courtney) Vivian of Silverdale, Wash.; his daughter, Tricia (Craig) Komprood of Darlington; four grandchildren, Tyler, Reghan, and Ava Komprood, and C. J. Vivian; his father, Bill Vivian, of Mineral Point; three sisters, Debra Egan of Dodgeville, Susan (Phil) Villalpando of Dodgeville, and Ellen (Dave) Ottoway of Mineral Point; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Francis and Donna Burgess and Ken and Sally Burgess, both of Mineral Point; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a special friend and co-worker, Todd Johnson, of Dodgeville. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his mother, Betty, in 2006; two infant brothers, John and Phillip; an infant sister, Mary Fern; his brother, David, in 2003; his mother and father-in-law, Lois and Albert Burgess; a nephew, Ryan; and two great nieces, Tilah and Stephanie.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST in Mineral Point. The Rev. Beryl Melcher will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Mineral Point. Friends may call on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the GORGEN FUNERAL HOME in Mineral Point and from noon until the time of services at the church. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Mineral Point V.F.W. and American Legion.
