February 5, 1940 – February 22, 2012
Diana passed away at Victoria Hospice surrounded by family. Wife, mother, grandmother – we miss your presence so much already. Her 72 years had a profound impact on all around her, and she lived her life with purpose in service to others. She grew up in Calgary and moved to Vancouver in 1961 where she met Gary, her husband of 47 years. In 1979, she moved from Burnaby to Victoria with her family.
Diana was passionate about her family, community and church. Faith was central in her life, and she was involved in many ways with Gordon Head United Church. Diana dedicated herself to service and spent innumerable hours helping the Kidney Foundation of Canada, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Pacific Animal Therapy Society, and making people smile with the Victoria clowning group as “Gingersnap” with her beloved dog Ginger. She loved to make others happy and bring people together.
Diana is survived by her husband Gary, her three sons, Joe (Naowarat) and grandson Ryder, John (Leila) and granddaughters Athena and Danae, and Gordon. Diana is predeceased by her brother Jim and parents, Martha and Adam (Dewey).
To celebrate her life, a memorial service with reception to follow will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at 2:00pm at Gordon Head United Church, 4201 Tyndall Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (Victoria Chapter) or Gordon Head United Church.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
25 Responses
We are very saddened by your loss, Gary, and pass along our condolences to you and your family.
Gary, please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear wife, Diana.
Frances Aknai
Dear Gary & Family.
We were so sad to hear of Diana’s passing. She was such an inspiration to all of us who had the opportunity of meeting her. Her dedication to her family and the work with the Kidney Foundation, was always evident. Such a positive person, and we felt so blessed to have crossed paths over the years. She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Bob & Doris Nicholson
Diana had a serving heart and made such a difference in so many lives, including ours. We’ll miss her. Our prayers and condolences to Gary and the family. We’ll miss this wonderful and treasured friend.
So sorry to hear about Diana. My condolences to her family and friends. Thank you, Diana, for your dedication to AHSGR. I will never forget your kindness to me.
We are so sorry for the very sudden loss of our neighbour and won’t forget how warm and welcoming she was to us when we first moved into our new home. We have no doubt how deep and large the community is that knew and loved and appreciated Diana and Gary…..We extend our prayers and heartfelt thoughts to the entire family as they grieve this loss. xoxo
Sad to see such a young energetic person leave us. We got to know each other briefly through the AHSGR. I loved her organizational skills and her enthusiasm. May she see the Saviour whom she loved. Those who accept the love and forgiveness of the Saviour shall live forever in the presence of the Heavenly hosts serving and praising God forever. Rest in peace and enjoy your reward. May God bless your memory to your family and friends. Psalm 61
“Gingersnap” arrived with a smile and “infected” everyone around her. She had an impact on a lot of lives and was an inspirational member of PATS. Diana and Ginger have been missed.
Michelle (and Gypsy)
Diana was such a giving person, warm and loving. I saw her often at the hospital as “Gingersnap”, she was great. She lit up a room!
To Gary and family, heartfelt condolences.
Dear Gary and Family:
We are very sad to hear of Diana’s passing. We were lucky to share many good times with her as she was such a wonderful person. Our condolences to you and your family.