DIANNE WOODS

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DIANNE WOODS It is with great sadness that the family of Dianne Woods announces her passing on August 2, 2011 in Palm Springs, California, after a short stay in hospital. A memorial service will be held on Monday August 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive, Winnipeg, MB. Dianne is survived by her husband Chris Woods, their son David Woods, their daughter-in-law Heather and their children Austin and Hannah. Also survived by Dianne's mother Beatrice Kaye, brothers and sisters: Alan Lewis (Pat), Carol Ryland (Ralph), Elaine Owen (Don), Linda Kaye (Tom Thompson), Bill Kaye (Patty), sister-in-law Mary Jane Winch (Ted), and numerous nieces and nephews. Dianne was born in Winnipeg and grew up in St. James and at Falcon Lake, MB. After marrying Chris, they moved to Sault Ste. Marie, ON. During this time Dianne was actively involved in curling and had many close friends at the hospital where she worked in social work and at the Steel Plant where Chris worked. Upon moving back to St. James in 1986 with her family, Dianne volunteered with the Kirkfield Westwood Community Center and curled at the Assiniboine Curling Club where she was President of Ladies Curling. The sport of hockey was a big part of her life. This began with her son David's passion for the game and continued as she became involved as AA Team Manager. She later became a Board Member and then President of St. James Junior Canadians for seven years. Through Dianne and her board's efforts continuous funds were raised for the operations of their Hockey team. During the time of the introduction of Girls Hockey in Winnipeg, Dianne was Vice-President of Female Hockey for Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association. Dianne's volunteer hockey involvement took her to many tournaments including the Canada Winter games. Dianne has been the Executive Director of Hockey Winnipeg (formerly WMHA) for many years. During this time she worked closely with the executive through much development and change. Her dedication to the game of hockey was to ensure all players have a place to play where they would be able to develop and grow as a player and a person. Dianne created and ran an Annual Golf Tournament that raised funds for Winnipeg hockey players requiring financial assistance. She had many friends within Hockey Winnipeg, Hockey Manitoba, the Canadian Hockey Association, Sport Manitoba, the Western Canadian Hockey League and the National Hockey League. Dianne's greatest joy was her time with her family. She enjoyed many vacations and holidays seasons in Palm Desert, CA and was happiest there. She has always been a bright light and strong influence on her nieces and nephews and a loyal friend to her siblings. Dianne was a loving wife to her husband Chris, incredible mother to her son David and his wife Heather and loved her grandchildren Austin and Hannah more than words. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions may be made in Dianne's memory to Hockey Winnipeg's Player Assistance Fund, 1555 St. James St. Suite 206, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B5.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2011