Adrian College is thankful for Jack’s friendship over the years and appreciate everything he has done for our institution.
May 14, 1941 – February 17, 2021
John (Jack) R. Vivian of Camden, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home with family on February 17, 2021 after a 18 year battle with Parkinson disease.
He was born to the late Robert and Doris Vivian on May 14, 1941 in Strathroy, Ontario. He leaves his wife Elaine, sons John (Bethany). Joshua (Angie), daughter Amy (Joe), stepdaughter Elizabeth, and several wonderful grandchildren. A brother Roy (Barbara) and sister Bernice, sister-in-law Suzanne also survive along with several nieces and nephews. A daughter Julie preceded him in death as well as a grandchild, brother-in-law, niece and his brother, Ron.
A native of Canada, after 47 years in the United States, he became an American citizen in January of 2008. He earned a bachelor degree from Adrian College in 1966, Master in 1967 and Doctorate in 1990 from Bowling Green State University. He was a frequent conference speaker, wrote numerous articles, feasibility studies and wrote a facility management book.
Dr. Vivian was inducted into the Adrian College (1976) and Bowling Green (2008) Athletics Halls of Fame. He was an active student participating in four sports, including; golf, football, track & field, and wrestling. Jack was also the recipient of the Adrian College Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. He was a professor having taught classes at Bowling Green State University, Miami University and retiring from the University of Michigan.
Due to Covid 19 a private family service will be held at Bales Funeral Home in Camden. A celebration of life swill be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Elaine, at 511 Camden College Corner Rd., Camden, OH 45311-9520.
I had a lengthy conversation with Jack several years ago at Adrian College. He told me the story about how and why he attended Adrian. Jack was from Canada and he and his mother believed he had been accepted at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. His mother gave him the name of person on the staff/faculty at UM who might be able to assist him if he had any trouble. He took one suitcase with him on a bus trip to Ann Arbor to enroll. When he arrived, his application and documentation was missing. His mother’s friend could not assist him. However, the “friend” did make a phone call to Betty Menzi, a member of the faculty at AC. She said she may be able to assist Jack. Jack came to Adrian. Betty Menzi assisted Jack by getting him to enroll at AC. The next week Jack was enrolled and on the football team!!! And the rest is history.
Jack and I were ATO’s together at Adrian. Jack played football and wrestled and I played golf. Jack thought little of golf until he took it up. I remember talking to him after he began playing and he thought it was the best game ever invented.
I had the privilege of serving as an Alumni Trustee with Jack and I have never met an individual with such passion for doing the right thing. His Love and appreciation for Adrian College speaks for itself as he was a committed volunteer.
May you rest in Peace