Sadly, Wayne announces the death of his wife of 56 years, Diane. Left behind is their daughter Carolyn; son Tim (Bertha); grandsons Jeffrey and Justin; sister Joan; sister-in-law Glenda (Neil) as well as several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Margaret and Wilf Shreeve of Lethbridge, Alberta and brother-in-law Tom of Central Saanich. Diane was the author of about 75 professionally published books – mainly for children, and countless magazine articles as well as corporate and government writings. Most recently, she was a volunteer with the Royal B.C. Museum.
A Celebration of Diane’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the PSP Society of Canada https://pspsocietycanada.ca/home-ngo/donate/ would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
22 Responses
Dear Wayne and Family,
We’ll always remember Diane as a happy and positive person whose curiosity and enthusiasm touched everyone. A fine writer and a good friend, she had a wonderful sense of humour and a smile that would up a room. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.
Love,
Julie and Patrick Lawson
Dear Wayne and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I first met Diane years ago at a CWILL gathering for writers. She was one of the most welcoming and supportive people I’ve ever met in the industry. She would go out of her way to include everyone, but especially those who were new or shy, and she would always remember personal details about the projects we were working on or our family circumstances. Diane shared of herself too. I remember as a sleep-deprived young mother holding onto her reassurances that they ‘do grow up.’ She had a wonderful sense of humor and a truly loving spirit. She will be missed.
Diane was a lovely woman with sharp wit and I feel very fortunate to have met her when I did. I know she will be missed and her loss felt by many, myself very much included.
Warmly,
– AJ
I was so sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. She was such an inspiration to me when I was teaching. I kept many of her books in my classroom library, where they served as a valuable resource. Diane’s author visit to the school was a wonderful experience for the students and for me. We enjoyed her sense of humour and entertaining way of presenting interesting and unusual facts about animals. Diane encouraged me to become involved with the Red Cedar Book Club, which enriched the lives of so many children. I am now retired, but I have kept a number of Diane’s books in my home library and am passing them on to my daughter for use with her students, Diane was a special person and she will be remembered.
Wayne, we were so saddened to hear of Diane’s passing. We remember you both fondly from Carmichael Court in Kanata all those years ago. I remember her writing short stories for the local newspaper at that time. I also enjoyed her sense of humour. Both Bob and I are thinking about you at this difficult time.
Dear Wayne. Jack and I are so sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. Like so many others, I was touched by Diane’s kindness and her grace. She was one of those rare people who could be counted on to help when needed, to advise when appropriate, and to warm others with her smile. I sang with Diane for many years in the Starlight Pops Choir, and I treasure our many happy times laughing, singing and working together. Our sincere condolences to you, Wayne.
Heartfelt condolences to Wayne and family. As a would-be journalist in the 70s/80s, I looked up to Diane as a model of professional conduct and was so impressed by her productivity. Paula remembers Diane’s convivial presence at PWAC parties. I am very sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to Wayne and his family, on the passing of Diane.
A bright light has gone out in their lives.
Marge Macdonald – Berwick House
Dear Wayne, Carolyn and Tim:
We are saddened by the passing of Diane. We enjoyed her company at Torrington Place and afterwards. She was a vibrant person and a good writer.She will be missed. Rest in peace.
Rose and Frank Hegyi
Wayne
Just thinking about “The Dance” and all that unfolded in that love.
Our thoughts are with you, and Carolyn and Tim.
Love,
Dennis and Dianne