O'GRADY, Vivian Dorothy – 89, of White Rock, British Columbia, passed peacefully on July 20, 2012. Born July 13, 1923 Winnipeg, Manitoba she was the middle daughter of the late Douglas and Betty (Menagh) Basford. She is survived by her sons John Douglas (Heather) Chilliwack BC; Michael Edward (Frances) White Rock BC; and daughter Sally Elizabeth (Adrian Nette) Annapolis Royal NS; sister Sonia Anderson Surrey BC; granddaughter Nova LaFrance (Dean Casler) Elmsdale NS and great grandsons Rory, Koal and Prys; grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Vivian was predeceased by her husband John Michael; brothers Bromley and Ronald; and her sister Phyllis. Vivian loved the outdoors and in her youth was active in sports, excelling in badminton, tennis, sailing and ski jumping. She had many lifelong friends who remembered her spunk, her giggle and her ability to rise to the challenge. Growing up, she loved her summers at Star Lake, Manitoba and the many animals the family owned, rescued or befriended. Though trained as a nurse, she was a stay-at-home mom who opened her own home to a menagerie of animals. Animals seemed to trust her and without any coaxing she could nurse many of them through their mishaps. In 1953 she and her husband left Winnipeg for Vancouver by car with a corn broom, trunk full of clothes, three kids and a Saint Bernard dog. Family and friends were important to her and she always loved to have a tea party, even when times were tough. As horses became part of her life, her and her husband would trail ride through the BC coastal range. Eventually she became a race horse trainer, spending many happy years training and singing to her horses. More often than not she was in the winner's circle. She enjoyed her many chocolate brown labs, a good game of billiards, golf, and bridge. She was delighted by her numerous visits to Annapolis Royal, appreciating the beauty of the place and its people, always vowing to come back yet again. Lovingly missed by her children, a celebration of her life will be held later this summer. The family would like to thank Ocean View Care Home in White Rock BC for their kind and comforting care.