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.
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Joel and Carol Rose
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Ray Addison Dear Wayne and family, I was saddened to hear of Diane’s passing. We weren’t in touch much over the past 40 years, but Diane’s name remained familiar through Robyn’s search for books for the grandchildren. I remember Diane as a sparkly member of our Special Studies Branch social gatherings, and as a gracious host of numerous dinners at your home (shabu shabu is still a go-to item on my menu).
With my heart-felt condolences to you, Wayne, and to Tim and Caroline
Ray Addison
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Julie Lawson 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
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Laura Langston 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.
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AJ Hildebrand 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
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Christine Dennison 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.
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Donna and Bob Ion 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.
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Anne Deines 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.
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Peter Grant 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.
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Marge Macdonald 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
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Rose and Frank Hegyi 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
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Dennis Frayne 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
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Paul & Kaye Sampson So sad to hear the news that Diane has passed away after such a tough battle with her health. Special memories of our holiday in New Zealand, where we first met & the hospitality shown to us during our Canadian holiday. A beautiful lady now at rest.
Our heartfelt thoughts are with Wayne and Family – such a tough time for you all.
Love & Big Hugs
Paul & Kaye
“Your Aussie Mates From Down Under”
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Eric Davies Dear Wayne, Tim & Carolyn
We were very shocked and saddened to learn of Diane’s passing. Wayne, it has been some time since we have seen you, but we have very fond memories of all those years on Torrrington (hoop) Long Acre where we had such great times together with block parties, get togethers and baby-sitting by Tim & Carolyn.
We hope the very many wonderful memories you have of Diane will help you through this most difficult time. Our deepest condolences to all of you,
Diane & Eric
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Ross Ferguson Uncle Wayne, Tim and Carolyn our thoughts are with you. Aunt Diane, you will be missed but your spirit will live on through your work. We look forward to sharing your books with our children and their children.
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Kristina M. Mayer Diane was such an intelligent and accomplished woman!
I always enjoyed chatting with her about world happenings. We especially enjoyed our Dining Dancers once a month dinners in Victoria.I will miss her.
My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Kristina M Mayer
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Gail Macphail Everyone who came into contact with Diane were touched by her beauty and grace.
I am truly sorry for your loss Wayne;
Diane will forever be in our heartsGail
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Sue Johnstone So sorry to hear this Wayne. Diane was such a lovely person, always enjoyed her company and visits with you both. Trust that your love and wonderful memories will sustain you through the days ahead.
Sue
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Rosemary Neering Wayne and family, we were indeed saddened to hear of Diane’s death. I often think of her and the glory days of PWAC Victoria. It was a good time. I will always remember the laughter and conviviality that kept us going through those years of hard work and accomplishment. Diane’s own writing and personal legacy will live long.
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Lyn Dear Wayne and family,
Sending my condolences to your family.
Much Love
Lyn @ Berwick House.
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Sheryl McFarlane Dear Wayne and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Diane was a most wonderful woman, writer, and friend.. Her enthusiasm for life and nature came across in every book and presentation. She was a good known for her kindness, generosity and support for friends and for her community. She will be sadly missed. I know you are blessed with a lifetime of memories that I hope will bring you some comfort.
Much love,
Sheryl McFarlane
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Sheryl McFarlane Dear Wayne and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Diane was a most wonderful woman, writer, and friend.. Her enthusiasm for life and nature came across in every book and presentation. She was a good person, known for her kindness, generosity and support for friends and for her community. She will be sadly missed. I know you are blessed with a lifetime of memories that I hope will bring you some comfort.
Much love,
Sheryl McFarlane
Wayne, we so enjoyed meeting you and Diane on our Switzerland trip. I am always so pleased to see a couple so much in love. It was so nice to stay in contact and have visits in our US Vancouver and your Victoria. Diane was the sweetest person and a joy to be with. We are so sorry she is gone. We look forward to seeing you before too long.