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Vivian was very fond of his father Harry, an easy going amiable Englishman who was often sought out by friends and associates for his wise guidance. Vivian's sister Robin remembers most fondly that their father spoke with a proper English accent,
insisting on proper table manners at all times and would not allow "common peoples" food such as tomato sauce, cabbage or beer in the house, however spirits were acceptable! He told of stories in England attending musical concerts and of his hobnailed
boots "sparking" on the pavement as he happily skipped along.
In 1935 the family was residing at 150 Hotham Street and by 1936 had moved to 95b flat 1 Simpson street, East Melbourne. Vivian and his older brother Arthur were educated by the Christian brothers at Parade college in East Melbourne. Vivian was a very
gifted singer with a beautiful voice, winning many awards and was a member of the Victorian boy's choir. Throughout his youth he greatly enjoyed tennis, ice skating at St. Moritz and trying to impress the young ladies performing gymnastics at St.Kilda
beach. In 1939 as a 16-year-old he obtained a job as a junior clerk at the Repatriation outpatients, which was followed by a job at Johnstones tyre factory in Footscray. He then went on to work at the Taxation department in the city.With War imminent,
Vivian's older brother Arthur had joined the home militia, which set in motion sibling rivalry within the household. Vivian, lying about his age, tried to join the Air force but was refused due to colour blindness from heights, but showing his usual
determination he went and enlisted in the Australian infantry ( VX30165). This was not to be put up with and the older Arthur immediately joined the Army as well and ultimately they both ended up serving together in Papua New Guinea.Vivian saw much
action throughout World War 2 and his old box brownie camera, that accompanied him throughout the war, captured many shots of his journey including his time at Palestine, Egypt & Syria in 1941, Ceylon in 1942 and finally in Papua New Guinea where he
was involved in a lot of heavy fighting against the Japanese forces.While in PNG Vivian received a directive from older brother Arthur that if Vivian did not "claim" him, as only a brother had the right to do during war, over to his fighting battalion,
Arthur would "claim " him back to the boring, non-combat, Murray barracks, that Arthur had found himself. The plan almost came unstuck when Vivian's previous lies about his age surfaced and the commanding officer perusing the claim, challenged Vivian
as to how there was only 6 months age difference between the two,"Different Mothers" came the reply, with Vivian thinking on his feet. " Yes, Yes, of course, permission granted, dismissed " said the officer. And so the two brothers ended up together,
seeing action at Wewak in the 2nd/6th Battalion, 17th Brigade of the A.I.F. The story is told of Vivian of seeing Arthur coming towards him , who dropped his pack and planted a big kiss on Vivian's cheek just as a sniper opened up with both brothers
having to dive for cover at the same time. Arthur returned fire while Vivian went back to retrieve Arthur's pack and later admonished his brother for his actions that could have wiped the two of them out! Vivian never talked of the war and it was only
through his sister Robin years later, that stories of his heroism during the war were passed on and the fact that he was repatriated back to Australia from P.N.G.suffering from a nervous break down. Vivian later relayed to his son that at this dark
time his father Harry helped him through his illness with his kindness and understanding, having himeslf been through the hell of WW1. His sister Robin also later felt that the war had taken a huge toll on Vivian and the kind, gentle, loving brother
she knew, had been forever affected. But if Vivian gave his children one gift it was, persistence. And that is what he showed after the war by getting on with life, getting his old job back at the Australian Taxation office (where he remained for his
entire working life) marrying Peggie Patricia Breach and setting up house and home. Together they bought a vacant block of land at what was then the outskirts of Melbourne to build their dream home. Vivian joined a housing co-op made up
of returned serviceman and each weekend they worked by strict roster system ,at each others various blocks of land building their houses. Sometimes it would be upto a month before they would get back round to Viv & Peggies block. They were tough times
but the old family photo album shows they were happy times as well, with the earliest children shown playing with their young parents in the foundations of what would, after years of hard work, become the family home.Even though the wages of a public
servant were not high, over the years Vivian & Peggie managed to turn their block of land into an oasis of flowers, shrubs, fruit trees of all descriptions and garden beds containing every vegetable imaginable. Sunday roasts at the Llewellyns, cooked
in the old combustion stove, were almost entirely the produce of the backyard.The children were encouraged to keep pets of all descriptions aviaries of exotic birds, pigeons, chooks and bantams, guinea pigs, dogs, cats and even a pony, all in the one
large backyard. And Viv was never afraid to get out the tools and build a cubby house or a new structure for the latest attained pets. Vivian & Peggie were both hard workers who put their children though the best education they could afford and passed
on a hard work ethic to all their children.Vivian was especially proud of the success shown by all five of his children in their chosen careers and would boast about their success and abilities given the chance.
In 1987 Vivian's wife Peggie Patricia was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and required constant care and attention which was always diligently provided by Viv without complaint.
Viv was set in his ways and could be stubborn, opinionated and very direct but he was also genuine, scrupulously honest and generous, often posting off small cheques to family members or charities that he felt may require some assistance.In his
retirement years Viv greatly enjoyed his walks with his two kelpie cross dogs, Dan and Darna, at Yarra flats near the Yarra river. The ashes of Darna were buried along with him.One of the greatest comforts and memories to his family was the celebration
of Vivian's 80th Birthday on the 22nd May 2003. In typical fashion he said he did not want a party but after being almost forced into attending, he had a marvellous time surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He happily posed for family
portraits, made a witty speech and even sang some old welsh songs from his youth, and that wonderful voice even after all the years, was still evident.Vivian died peacefully in his sleep, cosy and warm without any worries or prolonged illness and left
behind children and grandchildren well established and all blessed with the tools and abilities to create their own successful lives.
Note: Vivian grew up in East Melbourne, and was baptised a Catholic at age 9 at St.Patricks Cathedral after his mother met Archbishop Mannix in the Fitzroy gardens. His mother Annie, was a very forceful determined woman who believed in strict discipline
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