SALLOWS
Our hearts are heavy, but also grateful, as we celebrate the lives of our parents,
Robert and Vivian Sallows.”
Robert Eugene Sallows, “Bob”, was born on April 15, 1933 to Roy and Lenna Sallows in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, the eldest of six children. Along with his family, he moved to Penticton, B.C. where he graduated high school, worked in the orchards, and enjoyed many sports; especially tumbling and hockey. Bob’s work life began as a power lineman in 1952. He was united in marriage to Vivian Holte on September 4, 1954, and the young couple set up their first home in Rimbey where Bob began his first Assistant District Manager position with Calgary Power. Three children joined the family over the next few years, and many happy memories were made as the family grew together. Advancements in Bob’s career to District Manager required moves to Wetaskiwin, Rockyford, Rimbey, and finally to Calgary in supervisor management divisions for TransAlta Utilities, completing a 38-year career. In each community, Bob was an active volunteer of church boards, Lions Clubs, volunteer fire departments, and other various clubs. Many may remember him as their Boy Scout leader, or as an instructor of hunter training courses. A return to Rimbey for the third time brought them home for their retirement years. Bob loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing with a special group of friends. He was especially proud of his family, quietly encouraging them in all their endeavours. Bob gained even more of their admiration as he fought a lengthy, brave journey with Parkinson’s disease; never complaining as the illness brought many difficult and challenging changes. Bob passed away on July 28, 2021, at the age of 88 years, surrounded by family who loved him dearly.
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 Farmer’s 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 was 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
