David Arthur Vivian
March 21, 1955 to February 23, 2024
Obituary
To view the celebration for the life of David Arthur Vivian on the Saturday, March 2nd at 12 noon please please click on the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwODkxMzg0MjI5NzQyNiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
David Arthur Vivian passed peacefully away at home on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.
Left to mourn are his children Alexandra Vivian (Gerard Mercer) and Marcus Vivian (Brittany Storsater); grandchildren Tessa and Brea Vivian; siblings Beverley (Don Lane) and Jim (Ruth Slater); nieces and nephews Melissa and Nicholas Lane (Stephanie Daley), Joshua Vivian (Victoria Preston-Walker), Bren Slater (Angel Williams); and his great-niece Rory Lane. Also left with fond memories are aunts June Titford and Eva Vivian and his many cousins of the Vivian, Titford, McRoy and Miller families. David will be remembered by many for his formidable musical abilities and contributions to the music scene during the 1980s, as well as for his dry wit.
We wish to express deep appreciation to David’s Primary Care Provider Kate White RN/NP for her extraordinary care and support; and to Miller Centre Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Program interdisciplinary team members Carmel Collins, Paula Ellsworth, Ian Lilly and Community Paramedicine. Thanks to you all, David was able to spend his last days peacefully at home, surrounded by music and family.
At David’s request cremation has taken place.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Saturday, March 2nd from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon in the Carnell Memorial Chapel. For those unable to attend the celebration it will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking on the link provided at the top of the obituary on the Carnell Website.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to assist homeless, hungry and marginalized members of our community.
Schedule
Visitations
10 a.m. -12 p.m. on March 2, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
12:00pm, Saturday March 2nd
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
In a Province of very good musicians, Dave was a master of his instrument. There are many that can read the charts and play the notes with the proper technique but Dave was on a different level. He fully understood music, left the charts behind and amazed with incredible note selection. He was one of my favorite bass players period despite being local. He stressed keeping the instrument clean, the importance of liner notes and to listen beyond your comfort level.
Beyond hearing Dave play, I was fortunate to meet and talk with him multiple times though some of his jazz friends. When he opened up and had real conversation beyond music, he always talked about his children and how proud he was of his little brother Jim. I can hear him now . “I thought him everything I know” followed by a manicial laugh.
He was a rare treasure who had an impact on my love of instrument and music..
The memorial was very moving. Great to see Roger play again. A most touching tribute and beautiful rendition of Nardis, Jim.
To Jim, Bev and family:
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I have many fond memories of experiencing his bass wizardry and I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to perform with him on more than one occasion.
Denise and I wish to pass on our deepest condolences. We will be watching the Live stream later today.
Gary Johnston and Denise Lear
Bev, Jim and extended family. . I was saddened to learn of Dave’s passing. He was a great family friend of ours. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time..
So very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. While I hadn’t seen him in many years, I will always remember our chats and that dry sense of humour. He was an incredible musician and I know the local arts community will feel this loss deeply.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Rest easy Dave.
At 16 years old, in the late 70’s I was a dedicated guitarist practicing 9 hours a day. I had heard David Vivian play fretless bass in some club in St. JOHN’S. I was mesmerized by Dave’s bass playing. The way he bent harmonics, the way he played with such feel and made time-itself a note. I dreamt of writing with him one day. Sure enough that day came in the 90’s which continued on till recently. My dream of writing with Dave had come true but I also found a friend in David, an enormous heart and a riveting sense of humor. I’m a better musician and person for knowing David. Thank you, my friend.
Bev and family, so sorry to hear this sad news,. Would see him every day visiting your Mom for many years, thoughts and prayers go to you all.
David was the mondo to numerous combos from rock and jazz to trad and punk. He had a wonderfully droll sense of humour and would approve of my complaining about the autocorrect in this condolence software. In any case, I will miss David as a talented musician and as a friend.
Condolences to Jim, Bev, families and friends.
Mike Martin.
Jim, Bev and families,
I was very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He was an old friend since grade 7 and as Jim knows, we were part of a crew that ran together with hilarious adventures in the 70’s and 80’s. We’re left with fond memories of a talented and funny pal. Cindy and I extend our heartfelt condolences.
What a talent Dave was in so many way, including his music and razor sharp wit. He took me to my first university concert, Long John Baldry, and it was an education. We share Trinity Bay genes, and I would have given much for even a modicum of his musical abilities.
David was a tremendous talent with an extraordinary sense of humour.. I was lucky to play along side Dave on many occasions during the mid eighties into the early nineties. He taught and coached me along the way and I am grateful for the many times we shared the stage together..
Bev, JIm and all the family, I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s death. Please accept my warmest condolences.
Sinderely,
Lorraine MIchael
Bev, Jim and families
What heartbreaking news! I wish you all strength and courage to get through this terrible time of grief . Dave was such a sweet soul I know you will all miss him dearly.
Janice ( Dewling) Van De Spiegle
Jim, Bev and family. Playing with Dave was always inspiring. Knowing him was a joy and a pleasure. My thoughts are with you all at this time
To Davids Family.
I am so sorry for your loss ..prayers going out to your family. RIP Dave…
To All of Dave’s family: Please accept our deepest condolences with Dave’s passing. Neil and Bess Bishop
Alex and Marcus, I can only imagine the sadness you both feel at losing your dad too soon. My heartfelt sympathies to you both. Jim and Bev, I know too well the grief felt losing a treasured sibling. My heart goes out to you both. David leaves a musical legacy for sure. Not many people can say that. I still listen to his album “Heart of Hearts” from time to time. Sending love to you all.
I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I feel lucky I was able to see him and chat with him at Maxine’s get together just before her funeral. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be for Bev, Jimmie and David’s families. I’m sending you all my love.
Barbie (Miller) Horwood.
So saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a true talent, and an important part of the music scene in Newfoundland and Labrador. I enjoyed watching Dave playing with Michael Billard, and they made a great pair.. Condolences to his family.
So sad to see this. First met Dave as a kid when the Vivian’s moved into the neighbourhood. But really got to know him in late teens and 20s. Great bass player and composer, and an even greater all around dude. Subtle funny as all get out. Always enjoyed his company. Dave’s bass was ubiquitous in our jazz, rock and blues music scene. But here’s a little-known fact. He also contributed to Da Slyme and shared the early days of that punky adventure.
A talent with so many facets.
Condolences to the family.
Bev, Jim and families, I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Thinking of you all during this time.