Diana Mary Hamilton Opie

1928 ~ 2012

Diana, known as Dawn, to her family and friends died peacefully at the Pinawa Hospital on October 4, 2012. She was predeceased by her parents H. Morris Gorringe and Elsie Mary Gorrin

ge, her older sister Joan Hamilton Aitken, her parents- in- law Ernest and Dorothy Opie, and sister-in-law Joan Opie. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 60 years C.H. (Bud) Opie, her daughters Susan Opie (Rick Match) and Linda Altstadt (Glen), her grandchildren Naomi Scharer (Nik Heine) and Nicholas Scharer, her sister Nona Hamilton Cooper (of Hove, Sussex), her brother- in- law, Jack Opie (Australia), nephews Robert Opie, Henry Aitken, and niece Tish Thomas (Australia), and great nephews Mark Thomas (Michelle Stead) and David Thomas.

Dawn was born in Blackheath, near London, U.K. on March 30, 1928. She grew up in London, and Sussex. She met her husband, Bud, at the tennis club shortly after World War II, and tennis was a life long passion for her. They were married December 6, 1952 in the middle of the last ‘lethal’ London fog. Dawn worked for Charringtons in London from 1946 to 1954, at which point she and her husband moved to North Wales. In 1965, she moved to Pinawa, Manitoba with her husband and two daughters, many miles away from her family and friends.

Dawn loved animals and had many animal friends that included numerous dogs, horses, and goats. In 1980 she and her husband moved to a farm where she and Bud lived for the next 30 years. These were some of the happiest years of their lives. Dawn loved the peace and quiet of the farm, and the many activities of the farm. Dawn loved planting trees and caring for her Angora goats, and Linda’s horses.

Dawn was deeply committed to environmental causes, an avid knitter, and supported many local committees. Dawn was a founding member of the Whitemouth River Committee, the original Pinawa Arts and Crafts Guild, the Brokenhead Farmer’s Market, and the Lac du Bonnet Farmer’s Market. Dawn was the treasurer and manager of the Pinawa Ballet Club for many years. Dawn quietly offered her assistance to many people whenever she saw a need. Dawn loved going to Winnipeg for outings to the theatre, ballet, Rainbow Stage with her friends, Helen and Shirley and others.

Dawn’s family would like to thank the Pinawa Hospital, and the many nurses, aides, and staff who looked after her as she experienced health problems over the last few years and Dr. Richard Van Gend. Their kindness and compassion is much appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Forestry Association (Commemorative Trees), 900 Corydon, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 0Y4. Trees will be planted at Sandilands Forest Discovery Centre in Dawn’s name.

A Celebration of Dawn’s life was held Thursday October 11, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at The Ironwood, Vanier Avenue, Pinawa.

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