Vivian Calhoun

August 10, 1927 - August 7, 2015 Vivian "Granny" Calhoun passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in the early morning hours on Friday, August 7, 2015, just three days shy of her 88th birthdayVivian was born in San Francisco, CA, to Werner and Gladys (Funston) Brizee. She attended Lincoln High School and upon her graduation went on to attend San Jose State University to pursue a degree. This is where she would meet Ken Calhoun, the man who would become her husband in an Animal Husbandry class. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. After graduating from SJSU, Vivian was employed as a buyer for The Emporium in San Francisco.Ken proposed to Viv' and they married in San Francisco on November 25, 1953. They relocated to Yuba City, shortly thereafter. Ken became the Head of Field Operations for Hunt Wesson Foods in Northern California and Vivian soon became a proud stay-at-home mother to four lively children.Vivian's full-time job raising the children didn't hamper her desire to get involved in the community. Her outside interests were many. She was an active member of Inner Wheel (Rotary), The Children's Home Society, The Sutter County Museum, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, PTA and 4-H. She was a Scout Leader for her children, and enjoyed playing Bridge and tennis with her many friends.Traveling the globe was a passion of Vivian's as early as 1939. Her father was from Holland and her mother from England. She was fortunate to visit these places and to forge life-long bonds with family especially in England. These relationships thrive to this day and we are filled with joy to know our relatives "across the pond".Forty-nine years ago, the Calhoun Clan began traveling to West Yellowstone, Montana, with friends and their families. They all enjoyed the beauty and adventure so much that many of them made future plans to build a family vacation home. In 1991, after Ken retired, the Calhoun's did just that! Vivian, ever the outdoor lover, became a member of "Women of the Wild" hiking group. This is where her astounding knowledge of all flowers "wild" blossomed! If one were to question "What kind of flower is that?" the answer was "Ask Viv'!" and she always knew! After all, one beautiful flower easily recognizes another. So many years of frivolity, friends old and new, fly fishing, sight seeing and just downright fun! What a blessing this place has been.Health issues eventually prevented Vivian and Ken from traveling to the cabin, but we, as their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue to enjoy it for decades to come with much love, respect and gratitude. The memories made there are indelible and we plan to make many, many more in their honor.Vivian will be fondly remembered for her beautiful smile and her genuine and deep devotion to family and friends. She was a gracious, gentle spirit and will be missed by many. Vivian is survived by sons Kenny (Lisa) of Woodland, Jeff (Mary Mendivil) of Visalia, daughters Cindy Miller (Troy) of Bozeman, MT, and Becky Foster (Harold) of Yuba City. Grandchildren include Leslie Calhoun of Oakland, John Calhoun (Amanda) of San Jose, Callie Bassett (Brandan) and Max Miller, all of Bozeman, MT, Kelsie Foster (Dj Cummins) of Yuba City and Amie Wallace (Gaven Pringle) of Woodland. Great-grandchildren include Benjamin and Lucas Calhoun of San Jose and Vivian Bassett of Bozeman, MT. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband and best friend, Ken Calhoun, Sr.The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at The Fountains of Yuba City for their dedicated and loving care of Vivian over the last 10 years. Your kindness to her and to all of us will never be forgotten.Ullrey Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m., 1390 Franklin Road, Yuba City.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Yuba City Walk to End Alzheimer's (http://act.alz.org/goto/viviancalhoun), The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or charity of donor's choice.