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BARK RIVER -- Kenneth T. Viau, 78, of Bark River, passed away early morning of Saturday, October 3, 2026 at his home with his loving family at his side.
Ken was born on November 21, 1947 in Escanaba, son of Louis Clyde and Marjorie Mae (Bedard) Viau. He graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1965.
On November 6, 1971 Ken married Margaret Potvin at the Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River. They were blessed with 53 years together before she passed away on April 29, 2025.
Ken successfully owned and operated Ken Viau Logging for over 40 years.
Ken was fondly nicknamed "Bubba" by his grandson, and the name quickly took over. Ken proudly embraced it, and before long, he was simply "Bubba" to all the grandkids and the entire family. It became more than a nickname- it was a name filled with love, family and pride. In his role as Bubba he would take on numerous card games, hunting and fishing expeditions, nights at camp, tea parties, caring for baby dolls and cars, semi, tractor and toy repairs.
He enjoyed the excitement of stock car racing and snowmobile racing and had a lifelong love of boxing, hunting, and fishing. He was a talented tinkerer and could fabricate, repair, or build just about anything that needed fixing, from heavy equipment to his grandchildren's toys. His garage was often the gathering place for the many projects his grandsons and family and friends had underway. He could always be found right alongside them, lending a hand, sharing his knowledge, and guiding them along the way. And, as his wife, Margaret, would fondly say, he could almost always be counted on to come back into the house covered in grease - a testament to the fact that he was happiest when he was busy working with his hands and helping the people he loved.
Among survivors include his children, John (Kaelyn) Viau, Joe (Emily) Viau, and Danielle (Kevin) LeBoeuf; grandchildren, Dustin (Joanie), Alyssa, Eric, and Katie Viau, Mikaela Jefferson, Laura McKenna, Brendan (Caitlyn), Allen (Brianna), and Anna LeBoeuf, and Nick (Beth) Dwyer; great-grandchildren, Onyx, Ava, Bradley, Lucy, Liam, and Noah; siblings, Gloria (Jerry) Butryn, Vern (Nora) Viau, Carol (Terry) Milkiewicz, Linda Hooper, Cathy (John) Culliton, sisters in law, Rose Potvin, Kay Potvin, and Maureen Potvin; along with many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife, Margaret.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 8th from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1216 12 Rd., Bark River, MI 49807. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Vinoy Thomas Panthilapadam and Rev. Rick Courier concelebrating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to the BRH "Margaret Memorial Fund". The memorial was established to keep Margaret's spirit alive by
supporting kids in need. Donations can be made to 5697 F Lane Bark River, MI 49807, or at First Bank to account for BRH Margaret Memorial Fund.
Messages of condolence can be directed to the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Viau family.
