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
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Neil Rawnsley
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Barry Salter A lovely lady, who will be sadly missed by one and all.
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Fay Russell 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
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Wendy Townsend 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.
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Judith Mulhearn We in Newcastle NSW sending our condolences for your loss of a beautiful wife and mother.
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Mike Sly Hello Tav, Nan and I were deeply saddened to read of Diane’s long and difficult struggle with cancer and of her passing. Hopefully the love and wonderful memories you and Diane shared over your fifty one years of marriage will help you through this difficult time. Our love to you and your family.
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Chuck Pusateri Tav, I was so sorry to hear about Diane. She was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed seeing her. I know she will be truly missed by you and your family.
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Heather Patricia Carpenter Beautiful Diane,
How I loved your zest for life . You were a shining light Diane with a fun sense of humour!I had so wanted to say goodbye but your Guardian Angel told me I had to wait. I know Dennis will be one of many who will have met up with you and made certain you are all settled in comfortably.
Sympathy to you Tav, your girl Julie and son Scott. ❤️
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Ian Grant Tav, our deepest sympathy to you and the family on the loss of Dianne. She was a terrific individual with a marvellous sense of humour. She will be sorely missed.
Ian and Susan
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Bruce Carson Julie, Scott and Tav, you all have our deepest sympathy. Diane was a great wife and mom. She did her best to keep you three on the straight and narrow – I’d even say with moderate success. I’m quite sure Diane is still watching over you. You’ll catch her dancing in the rainbows!
Big hugs from Bruce and Del and all the Carsons…
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Bill Schaffel Hello Tav,
I never met Diane, who I have heard was a loving wife and mother, our heartfelt condolences to you and your the family.
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John Martin A life well lived. Diane will be missed by one and all.
John Martin
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Dan Blanchard My deepest condolences on your loss, Tav. No doubt you will miss Diane very much, but I’m sure you have great memories to sustain you in the years to come.
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Janice and Len Smith We are so sorry to hear this news. Diane was such a lovely member at Uplands, warm and welcoming and always with a big smile. Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
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David Wingate Tav, Judy, and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of Diane. She was a wonderful person. We are thinking of you!
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.