Diane Phyllis MacDonald

What can I say about Diane? I keep reaching for the phone and then I remember! The best memory I have of Diane is the day I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, which was also my 55th birthday, Diane & Doug showed up at our door with a.small "boob like" birthday cake, hugged me and told me they were there for us. Then they left. She was a brilliant force that will be forever missed💖💖

I’ll remember Diane fondly. She was my second cousin and an amazing person. Many happy memories of visiting her and Doug in Burnaby. The last time I seen her was in Victoria a few years back. Her and Doug invited me and Loretta (her cousin) my mom for breakfast before we left for home. She put on a delicious meal and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. She showed us her card making which she enjoyed very much. She was happy and so kind as always! Will miss her, until we meet again. 💐💐💐

Hi Doug
Thank you for letting us read the wonderful tributes from family and friends. Diane always had a friendly greeting whenever we would meet. She had a positive attitude, when she faced some difficult times, health wise, and felt free to share about them. She was strong. She will be missed. Our condolences to you Doug, and your family. You are in our prayers. Doris and Harvey

Soo sorry to hear about Diane’s passing. I have fond memories of boarding with Doug and Diane as I completed my nursing degree. Diane was a beautiful and calming soul and was a pleasure to board with. I always looked forward to hanging out and conversing with Diane after an exhausting day of nursing school. She will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with the Doug, Danielle and the rest of the family. My condolences and pure love for Diane ❤️❤️

Sincerely,
Ran

Aunty Di was such a special woman. I’m so sad to hear of her passing but I think back to all of the wonderful memories that I have of her and it brings a smile to my face. I don’t think I ever saw her in a bad mood, she was such a loving and caring person and she had such a terrific sense of humour. She and Uncle Doug were kind enough to let me live with them when I first moved to Vancouver around 2015. Some of my fondest memories are of the two of us sitting at her kitchen table in Burnaby, chatting over a pot of tea. She was always so delighted to sit and listen to me as I’d tell her about my day. Her calming demeanour was so wonderfully disarming; I always felt so comfortable around her. She was one of the most accepting and non-judgemental human beings that I’ve ever met; truly a beautiful soul. I’m going to miss her dearly.

So sorry to hear of Diane's passing. My Mom Shirley Healey and Diane were childhood friends until my mother's passing in 2008. I have many fond memories of Christmas holidays when our families would gather and many memories from the Burrard Motor Inn where Doug, my Mom and Dad, and I worked together for many years. Diane was a wonderful soul. I will miss her.

Dear Doug and family. I met Diane at VW&Roger's in 1972. We became good friends and although my life took me across the world back to NZ I have always remembered Diane with much love. I'm very thankful for the times we spent together. Sending special thoughts and hugs to Doug and family and friends. May Diane rest in peace. Love always Marilyn. Xx

Diane, thank you so much for taking me in and looking after me; thank you for welcoming me into your home and your family; thank you for making me feel loved when my mum was dying and my life was falling apart; thank you for keeping me safe and feeling wanted when I had no-one else and no home left.

I wouldn’t have gone to school either, otherwise — it hardly seemed important in the big scheme of things, but thank you for making sure I maintained some relative normality in my life: as well as being able to keep learning, I got to be a kid for a little bit longer, which I really needed! I remember what a long way it was from Burnaby to my school on the West Side, and though I don’t remember much about school itself, what I do remember is all the many good times with your family — and the love!

I remember picking blackberries with you, baking cookies and pies — and one time Cinnamon Buns, from scratch! I remember helping train Buddy and Taff, walking Taffy in those lovely woodland trails around your home, watching Star Trek in the evenings and, both when I lived with you in 1993, and when I came over to visit over those next few summers, taking so many pleasant trips over to Vancouver Island on the ferry, up to Powell River to visit Gramma Campbell and Grampa John MacDonald, and those very special, very happy summer days at the Campbell clan cabin on the lake!

Those are some of the happiest memories of my life — after you took care of me through the very worst part of it.

Diane was such a wonderful, warm, kind and smart lady — I was privileged to have been part of her life and her wonderful family! You all made an enormous difference in my life. I treasure those memories, and I’ll never forget you, Diane!

Auntie Di, something I always admired about you was your incredible zest for life. You brought humour, kindness, and curiosity into every moment, and your energy was contagious. ❤️

Growing up, I loved hearing about the all the amazing travels you'd been on, and watching you paint as you were one of the best artists I knew. Some of my favourite memories of us were at the cabin when we'd do sewing projects together.

I'm so grateful for the time we got to spend together, and that I got to see you this past summer. I love you, and I'm going to miss you so much.

Diane knew the value of things, the things that matter. She was generous with all she had, but most importantly with her love. Her home was like a hotel with a revolving door. I first witnessed this when young Harry came to stay after losing his mother, our colleague at the Canadian Cancer Society. Diane didn’t try to be a mother to him; instead, she was a friend offering him that subtle, steady guidance she was known for. Her calm, patience, and how she naturally chose words with such exactness made her a treasured confidante and a great problem solver. She and Doug were always at the ready to help. They transported and moved a bedframe for Noelle up steep attic stairs and several years later took in her ex-boyfriend – from same attic - so he could finish his semester at BCIT. Diane was my supportive wingman at Harrison Hot Springs when I spread my mother’s ashes. She never missed a Birthday to send her love or to celebrate a milestone. I was delighted to join Diane and Doug and friend Barry for one of their wedding anniversaries. (I want to say 40th but I’d need Diane’s sharp memory to confirm this.) They planned a night at the newly opened Opus Hotel – she had to see those bathrooms! The celebration started with a drink in their room (so I could see one too!) then after a delightful dinner at The Boathouse, ended with a cocktail at the Sylvia Hotel where many memories of their long romance were shared. We shared a love of nature and a love of animals, especially dogs, walking many a beach with smiles when the eagles chortled their greeting. I am so grateful and feel so blessed to have had Diane, the steadfast, and yes, “the beautiful” in my life. You were always an angel but now have your wings.

Diane, as my oldest friend's mom, I have had the honor of knowing you since I was 5 years old. I fondly remember the chocolate chip cookies you made and all the time I spent on Garden Grove Drive. I'm so fortunate that I was able to see you and Doug in November 2022 when I came to Victoria to share the news with Danielle that I was pregnant. It was such a special visit for me to be with all of you after knowing you, Doug and Danielle for practically all my life. You were such an intelligent, poised woman. I will miss you dearly.

Diane, my baby sister and lifelong friend. I first held your hand when you were brand new. Bonded, we shared so much love for each other, Mom, Dad, and our brother Dan. Our love of nature, sunsets, the ocean, lakes, wind and rain in our beautiful hometown of Powell River. Here, we met the loves of our lives, had beautiful families of our own, loved and enjoyed extended family together…..How do I share the feelings of a whole lifetime in just a few words? My emotions are so big and raw right now as I feel the weight of your loss. Sister Diane, I will hold you close in my heart forever.
Always holding your hand.
Love Barb

So many memories of Diane…car rally’s, ABFM picnics, her wonderful dinners & late night card games.
Diane was a gracious host & a good friend.
We were so fortunate to have that visit in July with Di & Doug, the Middlemiss Family & Campbell clan.
Diane will be missed by so many of us.
Kath & Rod Taylor-Gregg.

My dear Auntie Di,
I will always be grateful for the memories of time spent staying with you. Precious time with you and Uncle Doug, cousins and the wonderful experiences of being a big cousin to your sweet Danielle. As a young adult, living with you while I went to college in the big city was such a gift. I too felt the warmth of your love. I’m so grateful for our last visit- treasured memories for sure.
Always with admiration, you will be missed.
Rest easy,
love your Niece Terri

When I was growing up my family and I moved every two or three years. By the time I was 12 years old we had lived in 5 different towns. Then in 1957 we moved to Powell River. The three years I lived in Westview were some of the happiest of my life. Terrific school, lots of really cool kids and best of all, I met Diane Campbell. Diane was a kindhearted, loyal, fun-loving girl and soon became one of my best friends. Her generosity of spirit shone through everything she embarked upon. Her passion for life and helping others knew no bounds. Diane was well loved and will be missed by all of us who knew her.

Di you were a loving sister in law. Together with Dan and Doug we shared many hours together. Rest in peace and love. Dot.

What can you say to capsulize 55 years of a wonderful friendship?
From 1969 when Douglas was Anna-Marie's first boss at the BofM.. to their visit to our new townhouse in 1973 and becoming close neighbours for 30+ years and sharing reciprocal visits to Bowen and Victoria over the last 8?
Diane was a saint...putting up with the shenanigan's Doug and Murray would get into. A virtual sister to Anna-Marie. An amazing wife, mom, aunt and best of all the best friend anyone could have asked to have in our lives.
She will be sorrily missed, not just by us but by our many friends who have come to know and developed their own friendship with this wonderful lady. RIP Diane, the beautiful.

I will remember Diane for her caring of others and devotion to family. Diane had a quiet, sharp wit that I enjoyed. Diane had an inner strength when facing life’s challenges. I have only known Diane for the past dozen years, but in that time have always loved her sense of humour and caring nature.

My Mother's love was deep and unconditional. She offered loving kindness and soft guidance whenever needed. She was a great storyteller and listener. Her gift was her warmth and great capacity for adventure, which lead to stories spoken with awe for the beauty in the world, in people, places and especially nature. She was a brilliant, curious woman and I will feel her presence every day. Deep gratitude to you my beautiful Mom. You are so loved.

Diane has been the love of my life for the past 64 years we have been together. I will miss her dearly.