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On May 25, 2017, we lost our beautiful, brilliant sister, partner, mother, friend, Viviane Johnson of Gabriola Island, to hereditary cancer, at age 63.

Viviane was born on October 27, 1953, and lived in Maple Ridge until moving to Salmon Arm in Grade 4. After graduating from Salmon Arm Senior, she furthered her education at UBC and interned at the Montreal Diet Dispensary, offering nutritional and social support to pregnant women. She continued to offer nutritional counselling in various nonprofit and government settings in PEI, Williams Lake and Nanaimo. Her hobbies included fishing, windsurfing, skiing, knitting, basket weaving, line dancing, learning accordion and ukulele; and she eagerly embraced her aboriginal roots. She and Don were serious gardeners and spent hours canning organic fruit. Viviane was an active participant in the vibrant Gabriola Island community, and she thoroughly enjoyed her Island home.

Viviane is survived by her devoted spouse, Don Smardon, former husband, Gray Switzer, son Eric Switzer, daughter Denea (Tyler) Maughan, granddaughter Isla; sister Diane Johnson, nephew Garrett (Lauren) Johnson; brother Douglas Johnson, former sister-in-law, Debbie Johnson, nephews Mitch and Riley Johnson; aunt Esme (Richards) Farnham and cousins Pat, Wendy and Cathy.

Viviane was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Pamela (Richards) Johnson of Salmon Arm and her close friend Lori (Nelson) Reid.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 17th at 378 Decourcy Drive, Gabriola Island, from 1:00 to 4:00. All are welcome.

We will miss her gentle spirit and quick wit.



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