Obituary of Diane June Gartland (nee Dawson)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Diane Gartland (nee Dawson). Surrounded by loved ones, she left our world April 13, 2023, at the age of 82 years.

Mom was born in Maple Creek, SK, on March 23, 1941, to parents Alfred and Mildred Dawson. At age 2 she and her family moved to Canyon, BC. She was the middle sister of three girls. We recall the story she told of how proud her dad was to have three beautiful girls. He told everyone “Three of a kind beats a pair”.

Mom grew up in Canyon, married her high school sweetheart Sweyn Gartland, also of Canyon, on June 29, 1957. They set up their home in Canyon, moving one block from their childhood homes. They remained in Canyon together until dads passing in December 2014. She remained there until moving to Swan Valley Lodge Care home in July 2022.

Together they raised their three children, Tim, Gerry, and Karen. Family and friends were her passion. As a devoted homemaker she took great pride in keeping a tidy house and beautiful yard and garden. She loved to spoil everyone with her good cooking and caring nature. Dad often commented, “your mother spoils me, but so far I can handle it!”. She loved to provide many a home cooked meal for family and friends. Everyone was always welcome at the table.

As a couple they never missed a dance. Often compared to Fred and Ginger as they tore up the dance floor. Camping and riding ATVs with their family and friends, exploring old logging roads and fishing holes was another favourite pastime.

In the early years, she would on occasion take on seasonal work such as thinning apples, planting trees and cooking in logging camps where dad was working. In later years she began a long career as a cook at the Pioneer Villa, where she was a legend for cooking everything from scratch, paying close attention to the favourite recipes of the residents including borscht and cabbage rolls.

Community was important to her. As a member of the United Church Women, she helped at many a shower, wedding fall supper and July first picnic. She enjoyed playing on the Canyon Ladies softball team, her Stich’n’bitch friends gathering and the monthly potluck suppers. Both she and dad devoted many volunteer hours to the community they loved.

She was one of the hardest working gals you ever did meet. Never being one to complain. Even in her final hours she said, “I’m fine, thank you.”

Mom is survived by her children Tim (Dawn) Gartland, Gerry Gartland, Karen (Alf) Czar, adored grandchildren Jason, Chelsea, Gage, Brett, Jesse, Nikita, Dallyn, Shelby, Lexi, great grandchildren Savannah, Owen, Ethan, Lincoln, Knox and Ripp, Sister Shirley Ann Miller, Sister-in-law Jenny Moberg, numerous nieces and nephews she was dearly fond of.

Predeceased by parents Alfred Dawson and Mildred Hiner, stepfather Johnny Hiner, husband Sweyn Gartland and sister Betty Mae Russel.

We would like to acknowledge the outstanding care mom received at Swan Valley Lodge as well as the kindness and compassion shown to the family, Dr. Turanich and the many families and friends that loved her. Thank you to Creston Valley Funeral Services for your kindness and care. It brings us peace she has joined our dad, her beloved husband Sweyn, they are twirling around the dance floor, together again.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, #300 – 828 West 8^th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E2.

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