Purser, Diane Irene
Diane passed away on October 17, 2023 after a spirited and determined battle against cancer. She won round one when she beat breast cancer in 2017 but the 40+ month fight with ovarian cancer proved to be just too much.
She is now at peace with her parents, Eric and Irene; and loving the greeting she got from Mikki, Maggie, Teeny, Tippy, Neeko, and Lola – all six of our dogs who passed earlier.
Diane leaves behind her husband and partner of 34 years, Keith Barber; and her loving son (and pride of her life) Kyle. Fred (the last of the rescue dogs that she insisted on saving) and Melia (her first grand “fur” baby rescued by Kyle). She will also be missed by her sister Suzanne, brother-in-law Russ, and favorite nephew Matt. All of Keith’s sisters and their families – Donna/Morley, Louise/Monty, Shirley/Mario, and Margaret/David will also miss Diane very much. She will also be missed by her many, many friends from all stages of her life – childhood/school (Oakville), career (Steelcase & Inscape), dog rescues/transports, various book/wine clubs, and the gangs from Aurora Montessori and St Andrew’s College in Aurora.
There was not a dog in the world Diane didn’t love or want to rescue, so they too have lost a crusader.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Southlake Hospital in Newmarket for getting Di through her breast cancer, then the combined and persistent efforts of Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie and Brightshores Health Services (Meaford Hospital) for their treatment, support and gentle palliative care at the end.
Finally, a huge thank you to all of our friends who gave us unconditional, unlimited support in so many ways during this challenging journey.
Cremation has taken place followed by a private family service of interment at Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery.
All are welcome to gather at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg to Celebrate Diane’s life on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 1 until 4 p.m., tributes will be shared at 2 o’clock.
As your expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Meaford Hospital Foundation, Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Southlake Hospital in Newmarket or the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (or any other dog rescue you may prefer), directly or through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Make a donation in memory of Diane Irene Purser
Donations: Meaford Hospital Foundation, Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Southlake Hospital in Newmarket or the Georgian Triangle Humane SocietyDonate with the following link(s)
https://mhfoundation.ca/donations-for-in-memorial-tributes/
https://www.rvhkeeplifewild.ca/donate-today/
https://gths.ca/donatenow/
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Keith and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts in these difficult days.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Keith,
My deepest condolences! I am so sorry for your loss, but you are in my and Cho’s thoughts and hearts. I truly hope you find a a way to stay strong and positive.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Keith and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
-Tania
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Keith and Kyle,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and hoping your wonderful memories of Diane will bring you comfort.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Keith and Kyle,
So saddened to hear of Diane’s passing! My sincere condolences go out to you and Kyle and may the beautiful memories you’ve shared, help you through this difficult loss!
Friday, October 20, 2023
Keith and Kyle (and Fred),
The loss of a loved one is so difficult. You will have all the support you need from your family, many friends and colleagues. Remember, every time a dog is adopted, Diane will be in heaven cheering them on.
Friday, October 20, 2023
Keith and family. So saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you cope through this difficult time. Warmest regards. Vince
Friday, October 20, 2023
Keith and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you cope through this difficult time. Hoping you hold the memories together close as a comfort during this difficult time.
Friday, October 20, 2023
Keith and Kyle and all of the family, we are so sorry for your loss. Sending our sincere condolences and wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Friday, October 20, 2023
Hi Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Diane was far too young to be leaving this place. Take care
Friday, October 20, 2023
Dear Keith, Kyle and the family!
We are forever thankful that we were able to gather for the bi-annual Barber gathering in Thornbury last August – wonderful to spend time with Diane – such a positive person despite the battle she was waging – she is at peace and we hope in time that memories of so many years spent together will ease your sorrow!
Friday, October 20, 2023
Keith and family,
My deepest sympathies go out to you during this difficult time. May you find strength, comfort, and peace in each other.
Take care,
Alice
Friday, October 20, 2023
Dear Keith and Kyle,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Diane, just to send you our condolences and letting you know that whilst the miles between us are many our thoughts and best wishes for you far outweigh them.
Sharon, David and the rest of the family in England x.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Keith and Kyle,
Diane has been so well loved and cared for by you and all her family and friends, she will be so missed. Her warm smile and determination, at all stages in her life are what makes legends. Her friendship was so very cherished, even though we didn’t see each other often, it felt like we were kindred spirits.
May love speak where words are inadequate.
Blessings, MaryLynn Baran
Saturday, October 21, 2023
So very sad to hear this tragic news. My thoughts are with you, Keith and Family
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Keith,
I just heard the very sad news about Diane. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Diane’s bubbly personality when I met her on the NPD cruise. I hope your fond memories will comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Warmly,
Karyn
Saturday, October 21, 2023
I am very sad to hear of Diane’s passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you in these difficult days. It was a pleasure to share Diane’s love of dogs and look after the ones that she loved with her. She really loved them and it is a pleasure as a veterinarian to share that. She will be missed.
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Keith and Kyle,
We are so sorry for your loss. The thoughts and prayers of Diane’s friends and colleagues at Steelcase are with you both.
Monday, October 23, 2023
Keith & Kyle
I was so sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. I have so many fond memories of Diane, SAC Gala’s, meetings, lunches, coffee’s. She was always a team player, always enthusiastic and a friend to many. Her love of family and fur babies was known by all. She touched my heart many times.
Angela Wood-Macgregor
Monday, October 23, 2023
Keith, my thoughts are with you and Kyle during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Keith and Kyle, Fred and Melia
Our hearts are broken with yours hearing of Diane’s passing. She was so strong and fought such a difficult battle. We have so many great memories golfing so many years ago and more recently enjoying time together at Karan and Pat’s cottage. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Hi
I am almost sure I went to public school with Diane at E.A.Orr in Oakville. Her smile was still the same as I remember. I was always so envious of her athletic ability. May she RIP
Georgine (Moss) Malone
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Dear Keith, Kyle, family & friends: I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Diane. She was such a kind and compassionate person. We worked together in rescue on many occasions and she was always willing to assist in any way that she could. She will be greatly missed in the rescue world and by all those who knew and loved her. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Keith, so sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. From the way you spoke of her at work and the love of dogs you both shared, the strength of your bond was an inspiration. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
A beautiful picture of Diane. I have not seen her since shelter days but her wonderful and frequent smile lit up the room.
My condolences on your loss.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Keith:
We are so sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. Please accept our deepest and most heart felt condolences!
You and Kyle are in our thoughts and prayers! Wendy and Jim Harnden
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Keith,
I’m so sorry. I loved reading about Diane. What an amazing person and legacy. My thoughts are with you, your family, friends, the dog rescue community, and the dogs.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Keith,
I am very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you, your family, and fur babies at this time.
Susan
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
My deepest condolences on your loss.
I met Diane through dog rescue/transport years ago. She was always so bubbly when I would arrive with the rescues. Diane LOVED all dogs and her caring nature would just shine through her. She was such a beautiful loving soul. I will forever miss her.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
I was so very sad to hear of Diane’s passing. I met her while volunteering at the OSPCA a few years ago now and our paths crossed a number of times more recently doing dog transports and exchanging donations. I will always remember her as a kind and caring person with a passion for animals. Rest in peace Diane.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Keith,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I hope you find strength in knowing that she is no longer suffering and smiling with the angels.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Keith and family
I wish I could have gotten to know Diane – she seemed like such an incredible person and fought her illness so strongly. She was so fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family. My deepest condolences for your loss – wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure
Of working with Diane at Steelcase. She was a great colleague always willing to help and coach me as a newbie to the office furniture industry.
Friday, October 27, 2023
Hi Keith – So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you and Kyle are doing the best you can during what must be an awful time… Hopefully all your great memories of a life well-lived and the support of family and friends will help shine a light during these darker days. The older we get the more we have to accept that life just isn’t fair.
Friday, October 27, 2023
Hi Keith,
I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Kyle. May God give you the strength to bear this loss.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Keith and family
My deepest sympathies for the you at this time. I was deeply saddened to hear of Diane’s passing. She always had a happy positive manner and made me feel like a valuable person. The world is very lucky to have had someone like Diane in it. My heart breaks for you Keith.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
I am very sorry to hear about the Diane’s passing, please accept my condolences and that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Keith and Kyle,
I am so sorry to hear of Diane’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to you and the family. We are very grateful to have had you all as neighbours over the years in Aurora, and to always be greeted with Diane’s warm smile and positive energy.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. We worked together at Inscape for years and sat back to back. I have fond memories of her sharing recipes and stories about her pups. May your memories provide comfort Keith and Kyle.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Keith and Kyle
So sorry for your loss. I always recall Diane as being a really nice person There should be more people like her
All the best
John Birks
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Keith
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Dear Keith & Kyle:
It is so tragic that we have lost Diane. She was an amazing woman in ways too numerous to list in this small space. I had the great privilege of working with her when we were both in marketing at Steelcase. We started within a month of each other and were pretty much joined at the hip through our time working together. She was a true professional but we always had a lot of laughs to go along with the serious work.
She definitely made the most of her far too short life and she will be missed dearly. My deepest condolences to you.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Dear Keith, Kyle and Diane’s friends, my sincere sympathies on your loss. I will remember Diane with the huge smile and bubbly personality. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Dear Keith, my deepest condolences to you and your family at this unimaginably difficult time. Words are simply not enough. I had the chance to meet Diane and will remember how she sparkled with her warm energy and smile. Sending you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Our hearts are with you.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Dear Keith and Kyle,
I am so sorry to hear of Diane’s illnesses and passing. She was a treasure. My most heartfelt condolences to you both.
I worked with Diane in two organizations. I admired her for so many reasons too numerous to list here. Her outer beauty was obvious, but she wore it with such grace and humility. Her inner beauty was even more impactful whether she was being a business mentor, a friend, or the champion of her causes. Diane’s commitment to you both was just one of the ways I admired her, and I am happy for her that her career choices gave her more time to be with you during her life.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Dear Keith and Kyle
I’m sorry for your loss. I loved reading about Diane, you did a great job of describing what sounds like an incredible woman. I hope years of beautiful memories will eventually bring you peace.
Sending you both love and strength
With sympathy
Sarah Bloch
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Keith and Kyle,
I heard about Diane yesterday afternoon and decided I needed some time to let this news sink in before I could express myself. There are so many memories flooding back, I still really can’t. Despite her long battle with cancer, I can’t imagine what the two of you going through. My sincere sympathies to both of you.
Kyle, to you in particular, I have fond memories of working with your Mom, probably at around the same age you are now. When you were much younger we met once at a Steelcase family event and a couple of times at our cottage. I hope you take the time to read all the preceding comments people have written about your mother – she was one of a kind. We could all draw lessons from how she touched the lives of so many people though her generosity, intelligence and grace.
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
To Keith and Kyle
I just read about Diane and I was so surprised to hear about her passing. Diane was such a wonderful amazing person. I met Diane when we were doing St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs together and especially doing the Dog Bite Prevention Program. I loved Diane and my heart aches for all her family.
More recently I saw Diane at RVH when we both had an appointment with our oncologist at RVH. Diane had hoped to come visit Aurora this summer but it didn’t materialize. I will never forget such a wonderful friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during a very difficult time.
Vivian
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Keith and Kyle: I only just heard of the passing of Diane. The loss of Diane will be felt in the many circles of her life she so positively influenced. My wife Wendy and I had the privilege of volunteering with Diane at St. John Ambulance Therapy dogs. When she evaluated teams of handlers and dogs for suitability in the program, she brought not only her deep understanding of dogs, but also her compassion and empathy. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sunday, November 26, 2023
To Keith and Kyle: Sheila and I are so sorry to hear of your loss .. Diane was a wonderful person and she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family… Love, Frank and Sheila.