Richard F Vivian

Richard F. Vivian (aka: PIERRE OF THE NORTH) passed away at the VETERANS HOSPITAL/HOSPICE in Madison, WI, on June 20, 2025.

He was born on 10/4/1938 to Francis & Emma (Benash) Vivian. He attended school in Janesville, WI and was a graduate of Janesville High School. He proudly served in the US AIR FORCE from 1959 until 1966 and then continued his career in the National Guard for a total of 26 years of military service. He also worked at Truax AFB as a civilian for many years.

He married Mary Edith Smith (aka: Edie) in 1966, whom he met at Shaw AFB, SC. After they married, they moved to Janesville, WI, with Edie’s four children. He proudly adopted her four children and then they had two more children born in Janesville, WI.

He was an avid hunter, dedicated tennis player and a crazy gambler! He had 2 Labradors (Jacque and Cherokee) that he loved and took everywhere with him until they passed.

Richard is survived by his two children: Kelly Vivian (Madison, WI) and Wheeler Vivian (Raleigh, NC); three step children; Leslie Cook (FL), Virginia Linn (FL) & Donna McLaughlin (SC); his grandchildren: Addie Kubitz, Noah Vivian, Savannah (Finn) Vivian, Bush McLaughlin (Chloe) & Benjamin McLaughlin, and also many Nieces, Nephews and Friends. He was also expecting to be a Great Grandfather later this year.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife Mary Edith (Edie), as they were close up until she passed Dec 18, 2024, his sisters, Betty (Ralph) Jersild, Helen (James) Slatter and Millie (Leroy) Saxe and his step son, Robert Vivian.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Player’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2013 Winnebago St, Madison, WI from 11am to 2pm.