It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our deeply loved spouse, sister, aunt and loyal friend to many.

Predeceased by her parents, Ken and Marietta Durkee, brothers-in-law Earl Ring, Barry Clark and sister-in-law Gail Clark.

She is lovingly missed by her six siblings, Patty Saulnier (Pete), Mike Durkee (Jane), Dave Durkee (Judy), Tom Durkee (Patti), Rick Durkee, Polly Ring, sisters-in-law Thear Clark and Nelda Clark, as well as many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces.

Although frequently tested by her husband of 36 cherished years, her always calm and poised demeanour and her always "let's deal with it and move forward" approach in all of life's situations were special qualities.

Born in Yarmouth, NS, and attending school there she then made her way for a short stay to Halifax, Toronto, and then on to Calgary and Canmore, remaining in Alberta for 49 years.

For the past 7 years she lived in Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island, electing to return to live beside the ocean as she had in her youth.

While in Calgary she pursued a long-term dream of furthering her education returning to obtain her BA at the University of Calgary and earning the James H Gray award for excellence in Western Canadian History. She was a voracious reader all her life, always buying and trading books with friends and looking forward to the new award-winning books and authors.

Taking up golf as an adult, it remained her passion for the rest of her life both playing and following the LPGA and PGA events cumulating in her greatest golf pleasure by entering their lottery system and receiving tickets for 3 days to The Masters in Augusta, GA. in 2008.

She enjoyed our many extended motorhome trips throughout North America and then our winter home in Arizona. A naturalist at heart, she took great pleasure in walking the many picturesque local, provincial and state parks, absorbing the surrounding flora and fauna, both large & small.

An avid birder she had accumulated quite a life list and each year eagerly awaited the return of the pair of eagles nesting beside our home so she could monitor their daily activities.

In keeping with her wishes there will be no memorial service, however, later date a celebration of life will be held in Canmore and Yarmouth.

In memory of Diane, please consider a donation to your local Heart and Stroke Foundation.