Diane was born and raised in Waipukurau, New Zealand. She was the eldest child of Heather and Ian Annetts who farmed on the Wilder Road. Her sister is Judith and her brother is David. Growing up on the family farm, Diane developed strong family values and a love of nature and the country.
Diane attended Iona College and later the Wellington Institute of Technology. She embarked on a career as a legal assistant before heading overseas to Toronto where she took a job at Canada Life. It was here that she met her future husband of fifty-one years, Andrew (Tav) Macpherson. Diane and Tav were married in July 1973 having moved to Calgary in 1972. They had two children, Scott (1976) and Julie (1979). The family moved to Regina in 1980 and Victoria in 1985.
Diane worked as a sales representative and as an administrative assistant for a tech company until 1996 when she teamed up with Tav’s business, the Macpherson Bradford Group Ltd, as Executive Administrator. The couple retired in 2012.
Diane was a committed and effective genealogist and created an extensive tree for both sides of the family. An outdoor enthusiast, she loved to spend time in her garden, at Uplands Golf Club, traveling or socializing with her many friends. She was also a strong supporter of Tav’s Rotary efforts and is a Paul Harris Fellow and Major Donor. Annual visits to New Zealand allowed her to keep in touch with friends and family. Grandson Mackenzie (age 6) added an extra spark in Diane’s Life.
Diane fought a long and painful battle with cancer before she died peacefully at home. Tav, Julie and Scott were at her side. The family wish to thank all those who have sent words of encouragement and those who have, in other ways, given us meaningful support. Special thanks go to Dr. Dabrus and her assistant Terry. They looked after Diane with care and compassion over many years and particularly in the final six months. Also, thanks to Dr. Drake for his compassionate care at the end.
There will be no service on request and in lieu of flowers, contributions to the SPCA or the Victoria Hospitals Foundation would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
19 Responses
Dear Tav, Julie and Scott,
I just found out about Diane’s passing. I am so so sorry for your loss. I loved working with Diane at LifePlan so much. She taught me a lot about work and life in general. She had a wicked sense of humour and it was always my greatest joy to get a smile from her even when she was trying to be very professional 🙂 she wa so hospitable and I enjoyed spending many hours with her studying for the life insurance exams with her at your home.
If there is a heaven, Diane is definitely there and still looking after her family that she loved so much I bet.
With deepest sympathies,
Darrell Joyce
Dear Tav, Scott and Julie,
We are all sorry to hear about the passing of our Kiwi friend. Diane was such a fun person to be around and we loved the way she organized activities for us when we visited Victoria and the Lakes District.
Diane’s memory will live on in our hearts and her spirit will always be with you, watching over you and loving you from beyond. May you find peace and solace in the love you shared and the knowledge that she is now free from pain.
With heartfelt sympathy, from your “Down Under” friends, Irene, Jacob, Warren and Ray.
Dear Tav, Scott and Julie,
Diane’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She brought so much joy, love, and light into this world, and her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched. Hold on to the beautiful memories you all shared, and let them be a source of comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Tav, we were so fortunate to have visited you both back in May, we really enjoyed your generous hospitality at a time when Diane was adapting to her recent diagnosis and we will cherish the memory we had with Diane and yourself on the day we all went through the Butchard Gardens.
Deepest sympathy to you A, Scott and Julie. Di was one of life’s sparkling gems. A beautiful lady with a wonderful zest for life; full of warmth, humour, kindness and love. How I will miss chatting to her. Thinking of you all and sending much love.
Cam, Dom and Ena ❤️
Tav and family,
My deepest condolences on Diane’s passing. Sometimes there are no words, only heartfelt thoughts. During our Rotary years she was always such a lovely and pleasant presence. Hopefully the memories of your many years together will bring you some solace.
A lovely lady, who will be sadly missed by one and all.
Dear Tav, Scott and Julie, I knew Diane from our days in the Junior Service League. I was delighted to learn that she became a neighbour 2 years ago. Sadly, our renovations and my husband’s illness kept us from offering her support. My final brief visit came when Diane waved at me from our park while out walking with Julie and Mackenzie. She told me of her diagnosis. I am familiar with the pain and suffering as I lost my brother to the same dread disease.
Please accept my most sincere condolences. We are here if you wish comfort. Fay and Phillip
I’m so sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. She was always so pleasant and kind in our interactions. A lovely woman, gone too soon. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with you Tav.
We in Newcastle NSW sending our condolences for your loss of a beautiful wife and mother.