Diane succumbed to a hard fought and lengthy battle with Ovarian cancer December 17 of this year.
Diagnosed in May of 2022 with the disease. Married for over 34 years her and I have been co-writing a combination romance biography novel. Sadly we only have one author now. The books talented author Diane wrote about things she keenly believed in and practiced. Things like empathy, fair play, humility, love, forgiveness was a big one as she was wronged so many times and especially courage.
She took on things ferociously like bullying and cancer. At our wedding the pastor said, we as a couple would face adversity and climb the hills of troubles many times with a 4x4. Cancer was a hill we could not climb. My daughter called her gift a quiet tenacity. I had found an abandoned kitten fourteen years ago. Diane was not sure about cats as she did not have one before. Thus tenacity took over. Bojangles and her became inseparable. It was HER cat. With Diane’s cancer Bojangles felt her pain. Diane loved to do things for other people and she always put herself selflessly behind others. Generous to a fault. She had a hug for every one whether you needed it or not.
Her hobbies were knitting and crocheting (I still don’t know the difference). She also loved gardening until cancer hit harder. She loved to watch cooking shows as well. Diane was a very loving and kind person with very warm eyes and an even warmer smile and a huge heart. I was a lucky man. She was always the prettiest girl in the room. She was my best friend (who else would call me idiot).
She leaves behind her loving husband Roger, along with their children Rose-Marie, Cole and Bojangles. Also left to grieve are her parents Lorne and Marilyn. Also left to be deeply saddened are her sisters Debbie and Roberta. She leaves behind numerous close friends and relatives to mourn.
I’d first like to thank the Cancer Clinic for its world class and ultimate care and compassion. Day in day out they are amazing. For doctors Chan, Dr. Anthes and the surgeon Dr. Jiminez, I thank them as well. I also thank Mark Preece House in Hamilton for our accommodations during our stay for her surgery. For all the kind strangers that I was able to form a short but strong bond with, I thank them as well. Dr. Simpson and Dr. Ward for your honesty and your guidance towards the end. As for wards, 4 North at St Joe's Care Group and 1A at Thunder Bay Regional, professional and personable. Also to all the nurses and care givers involved with Diane’s care, you all are indeed a special breed.
On a personal level Diane and I had an excellent supporting cast made of many dear friends and relatives for moral support and guidance. Most of all I would like to thank the most courageous, loving and generous person I know my wife, my best friend and soul mate Diane, I love you. Hope you rest in peace you suffered greatly and complained little. Diane YOU WERE loved, still loved by many. I Miss you eternally.
No service will be had and interment will be at Sunset Memorial and be held at an undetermined date. If so desired, donations to our cancer clinic here locally, St Joe's Care Group or the Humane Society would be much appreciated. Thank you all so very much. All your kindness is much appreciated and felt.
Step your step, laugh your laugh.
Make your direction your own.
Above all be yourself and live life
like no other but your own.
You will be remembered by being your own self.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
