Honouring Vivian Trethewey’s Legacy

We’re deeply saddened to learn of Vivian Trethewey’s recent passing. Vivian was a kind and generous soul who supported so many causes in Abbotsford, and her vision continues to shape our community in meaningful and lasting ways.

More than 45 years ago, Vivian and her husband, Alan, made a transformative gift that helped establish what would become the Abbotsford Community Foundation. Their belief in investing in community, today and for generations to come, set the foundation for a legacy of generosity and local impact.

The idea for a community foundation began in 1978, when the Trethewey family made a substantial donation to the Matsqui Parks and Recreation Commission. Leaders recognized that this gift could have an even greater impact if invested in perpetuity, with annual revenues supporting local needs. This vision led to the formation of the Matsqui-Abbotsford Parks and Recreation Foundation Society in 1979, which evolved over the years into the Abbotsford Community Foundation we know today.

Since then, ACF has grown through the generosity of donors across our community. Our endowment now exceeds $23 million, and between 1980 and 2025, we invested ~$20 million in community projects for some our community’s most vulnerable, local agriculture, animal welfare, and education for local young people. This wouldn’t have been possible without Vivian’s early leadership and generosity that helped spark this enduring movement of giving.

Our thoughts are with Vivian’s family and loved ones during this time. She will be deeply missed. May she find rest after so many labours of love in our community.

Thank you, Vivian, for believing in the power of a community foundation as a vehicle for generosity, kindness, and good. Your legacy will live on in every grant awarded, every student supported, and every community project strengthened through your vision.

In honour of Vivian’s legacy, we’re sharing this video interview we recorded a few years ago for ACF’s 40th anniversary, where she reflects on community, generosity, and her continued support of the Foundation.