Obituary of Diane Margaret Milne

Born ~Toronto, ON Passed Away ~ Napanee, ONDiane wore her illness with an uncommon grace, determination and pragmatism over the 21 intermittent years she faced cancer.Soul mate to husband Charlie for over 37 years, acutely proud mother of Austin, unexpected cat-lover thanks to her persistent feline companion Misum, sister of Glenn and daughter of the late Margaret and Jack Coates.Diane’s journey through life began in Scarborough and took her to St John NB, the Hockley Valley, Leaside, Ottawa, Aberfoyle, Blue Mountain, and finally to Tarry Hall on Adolphus Reach in Conway.Her passions were varied and intense which included blues music, cooking, gardening, skiing, politics, books, fashion and design, photography, and home renovating. Unabashedly driven to challenge her surroundings, Diane loved pursuing the unconventional.A University of Guelph Bsc Agr. horticulturalist and plant pathologist, Diane’s career in Canada’s agricultural sector started with inspecting potato ships in St. John, NB and progressed to being an executive in both the federal and Ontario ministries of agriculture, where she led international phytosanitary negotiations and headed regulation and enforcement.Diane’s vivacious presence, genuine compassion and biting humour will be revered by family and friends alike. She would wish for her premature departure to serve as notice to all who delay living life to the fullest for another day.Interment Service May 11th at 1p.m. in Kingston’s Cataraqui Cemetery.Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Diane’s memory, please consider: Lennox & Addington Hospice - http://www.landahospice.ca/donations.html or Cataraqui Cemetery – National Historic Site and Garden Cemetery (registered charity) for gardening endeavours - http://www.cataraquicemetery.ca/index.cfm/about-us/your-charitable-gifts-are-needed/ Arrangements entrusted to CATARAQUI CEMETERY AND FUNERAL SERVICES.