Dianne Marie Savage
February 19th, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Dianne Savage, following a valiant battle against cancer. Dianne passed away peacefully at the age of 68 years with her family by her side.
Dianne was born in Airdrie in 1950 to Gordon and Olive Morris. Dianne was the first of the twins to arrive, followed by her brother Dale minutes later. Local rumour has it that Dianne would remain with Dale following closely behind throughout their childhoods, often finding mischief for both herself and Dale. Along with their parents and her older brother Norman, the family enjoyed many trips together including to Couer d’Alene, Radium and Hawaii.
Dianne briefly left Airdrie as an adult and would return to the community with her husband, Don Savage in 1977 to start a family. Dianne had two daughters, Dayna and Jaclyn, whom she affectionately referred to as her “babies” even as her daughters were in her 30’s.
Dianne worked alongside her husband Don for many years in their cattle management and auction business. She joined the Western Barley Growers Association in the late 1990’s and managed WBGA until she was forced into retirement by her illness. Dianne had a remarkable work ethic and was incredibly adept in her role as a manager.
Dianne was an exceptional and dedicated caregiver to her mother Olive, following her father’s passing in 1994 until her mother’s passing in 2016.
In 2001, Dianne would become a Grandma and few things would bring her as much joy as spending time with her grandbabies throughout the years.
Dianne was a light to all who knew her. Dianne had a friendly demeanor and made friends easily wherever she went. She had a big heart and a quiet understated generosity.
Dianne had many talents and interests, including but certainly not limited to; golfing, cooking, graphic art, gardening, piano playing, word wizardry, and puzzling. In recent years Dianne joined the Tee Birds and Interclub at the Woodside Golf Course where she cultivated many meaningful friendships.
Dianne had a keen wit and wicked sense of humour, which was not dampened during her time in the hospice where she would be affectionately known for her “sass” by the staff. She would often joke that although she was getting older she refused to grow up. Even at 68, while battling a merciless and cruel disease, her youthful exuberance would shine through. Dianne still had naturally blonde hair at her passing.
Dianne was looking forward to retirement to live out many dreams she had been working and saving for, but was diagnosed with cancer before she was able to realize those dreams. In loving memory of Dianne, we urge that you do not postpone your dreams if you are able to realize them today, as the future is not a guarantee.
Dianne is survived by; her husband of 41 years, Donald Savage of Airdrie, daughter Dayna and husband Cam Hardy of Calgary, daughter Jaclyn and husband Mike MacKenzie of Airdrie, five special grandchildren Madilyn, Nila, Norah, Kylan and Quinn, her twin brother Dale and wife Val of Beiseker, brother Norm and wife Wendy of Beaumont, mother-in-law Elva Savage of Carman, Manitoba, brother-in-law Rob and wife Barb Savage of Innisfail, brother-in-law Rod and wife Helen Savage of Elm Creek Manitoba and Allan Savage of Olds, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dianne was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Olive Morris and her father-in-law Doug Savage.
The family would like to thank the incredible staff of Dulcina Hospice in Evanston for the excellent care Mom received while she was there. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to a charity of their choice.
A Celebration of Dianne’s Life will be held at the Town and Country Centre, 275 Jensen Drive. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Messages:
Dear Don & family, We extend our most sincere condolences on the loss of your dear wife, mother & grandmother. She will be missed by many.
Don and all your family, I have been thinking of you and what you are all going through these past months. I think I can guess how you are feeling, and you need to know that it will get better. Hopefully, I will see you at the memorial, if not, know I am thinking of you. sincere condolences, JoAnn
So sad to hear of Dianne’s passing especially from such a horrid disease. I remember so many fun times as kids growing up around Airdrie and Dianne always in the thick of things, always a large and boisterous personality. Over the years I would run into Dianne around town and there as always time for a catch up and remInice. I will miss her smiling face and happy outlook. Condolences to all the family.
To Don and Family, Ernie and I are so very sorry to hear of Diane's passing. My first introduction to Diane came many years ago when she and I were 2 of the 3 leaders in our young daughters' Brownie pack. Ernie and I occasionally met you and Diane throughout the community within the ensuing years. When Mike and I started to work together I would sometimes hear snippets of your family news and through Mike, I was re-introduced to Jaclyn again. I was fortunate to have golfed with Diane when I joined the Ladies 18 hole league 4 years ago and then, of course, we enjoyed chatting with you and Diane at Woodside golf course, on the weekends. Diane made a difference in the lives of the people that she interacted. Although we were only acquaintances to you both, Ernie and I hope that as time passes, you and your family will remember Diane with the immense love that you all hold for her and that you will continue to treasure the fond memories that you have all created, in your time spent with Diane.
As a 37 year member of the Western Barley Growers Association, presently its President, I have done a lot of work with Diane over the years since she started in the late 1990's. She was to a large degree the heart and soul of the organization, keeping us on track, making sure the bills got paid, the programs we initiated got properly taken care of, the Press Releases were done properly and sent out. Then there was the yeoman efforts planning and executing the annual Confentions every year, with Don helping out where he could. It was hard work, especially as ag sponsorship got tougher to secure, because she refused to do anything less than Class 1 work for us. She would phone me when politicians or government officials said and did things that hurt farmers, because she was so mad and wished she could do more than vent to me. For our sake she bit her tongue a lot, protecting the WBGA, and let us take our shots at them instead when we could. She always claimed that for her, WBGA meant "White Broad's Got Attitude", and she was our fierce defender. She always made sure we got her best, and as Office Managers go, having known her predecessors, we never had a better one in my opinion. She was a good friend to all of us who worked with her, always professional, and helped the WBGA become the respected farm organization it remains today, especially in Ottawa and on the Prairies. We're gonna miss you, Diane. Thanks to all her family, especially Don, who shared her time with us for all these years.
Our hearts & thoughts are with you & your family Don, at this difficult time.
Dearest Don, Dayna, Jaclyn, Cam, Michael and the littles. It is with much love that I hold a special place in my heart for all of you during this difficult time. I have spent the last few days flooded with happy memories of "Auntie" Dianne: estimating how many mojos in a jar at bday parties, playing boggle, her teaching me how to park straight in the driveway, and how to properly wrap a christmas gift. I cherish these times and the influence she had on the person I have become. All my love Auntie, from Vicky-tory
I am so sorry to hear that Dianne has left this world. She will be missed by all who knew her. She always had a smile on her face and time to stop and talk. My heart goes out to all of her family and extended family. Keep her safe in your hearts and memories. Sharon
To Dianne's family and brothers Norm and Dale. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dianne's passing. I remember fondly as children our times playing with kittens, new dresses for Strawberry teas, baseball games in the empty lot, and hide-and-seek until the street lights came on. Not surprised that she grew into such a wonderful person. As a child she was a great friend and so much fun. Gone too soon. So sorry for your loss. Dianne, and all the Coombs family.
To: Don and family, Dale, Norm and families, I was so very sorry to hear of Dianne's 'passing'. I remember with fondness, the many special family Christmas and New Years dinners, we spent together, as kids, growing up.....running around Airdrie, when there was little more than the Service Station, skating rink, post office and the school. Dianne was always such fun, and I will never forget her delightful smile. My heart goes out to you all. With heartfelt sympathy, Roselyn
Our condolences on Diane’s passing Don. Diane was a very special person who always had a smile on her face and a smart remark to make that made everyone laugh. She will be greatly missed by all. Deniece and Luke
Dear Don and family, Our deepest condolences to you on Dianne’s passing. We only just heard and are shattered by the news. Dianne will always be in our hearts for the person she was and her infectious smile and laughter. We will miss her, until we meet again. Hugs to all, Greg & Cheryl