Viju Erat Menon

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Viju Erat Menon who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Viju was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Viju knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

       His parents were M. Balan & Erat Leela Menon. Viju was raised in Singapore. Even as a youngster, Viju learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Viju was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Viju was raised with 2 siblings. He had 1 younger sister Erat Nirmala and 1 younger brother Erat Vinodan. Viju had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Viju, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Viju's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Viju enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Viju took part in badminton & cricket. He was involved in the Interact Club, and Science club at the University of Singapore. In his spare time he liked music, and writing.

      In school, Viju was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Viju was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Viju’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Raffles Institution, Singapore in 1971. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Viju’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Viju’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Viju saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. His favorite courses were mathematics & science and was President of the Interact Club & President of the Science Club.

      Viju was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Viju was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Viju came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Juin Tzuo, Ashok Kumar. Later in life, he became dear friends with Latha, Heng, Seng Kiat, Soon Huat, Jackson, and Mona.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Viju reveled in the security of his family. On June 30, 1990 Viju exchanged wedding vows with Greta Moog at the St. Albert Parish of St. Albert, Alberta. One of Viju’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Viju was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Viju would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Viju was blessed with 2 sons, Nicholas & Leonard.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Viju was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Viju was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Viju upheld his standards. His primary occupation was asTeam Leader in corporate data, in I. T. He was employed for 27 years by AGLC (Alberta Gaming & Liquor Centre). Viju was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Viju was in the National Service, in Singapore. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Corporal.

      Viju approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were badminton, astronomy, and computer troubleshooting. Viju was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Viju to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Viju played badminton, and cricket. In his college years, Viju continued to stay active in cricket. Recreational sports included gym exercise. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey games & the Superbowl.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Viju liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Viju was a member of the drama club. In college, Viju joined drama, science, and interact clubs.

      A civic-minded person, Viju was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Viju was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Singapore-Malaysia Club. During these years, Viju applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Viju could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Viju; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included long service & accomplishment awards.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Viju used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Viju had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Singapore, and an Alaskan cruise.

               Viju passed away on January 29, 2013 at home. He is survived by wife Greta, sons Nicholas & Leonard. Services were held at Memories Funeral Home & Crematorium.

      All who knew him would agree that Viju was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Viju Erat Menon did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.