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DIANA HALTER
Born: May 24, 1951
Date of Passing: Feb 01, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory(RACHEL) DIANA HALTER (née MACDONALD) May 24, 1951 - February 1, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rachel Diana Halter. Born in Sioux Lookout in 1951 to Nola Peverette Brown and John Albert "Jack" MacDonald, Diana spent most of her early years in Winnipeg in the Osborne Village and Fort Rouge areas. Diana was adopted by Aubrey J. Halter when her mother Nola remarried into the Halter family. A passionate and deeply talented musician, Diana studied classical music and theory at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, where she developed a tremendous ear and technical ability as a pianist and vocalist. Upon her return to Winnipeg in 1969 she began a long music career that started with her performing folk band Rin Tin Iron, and culminated in such spectacular events as playing her lever harp at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Diana was very interested in helping the sick and dying and spent time with terminally ill patients in their final days, playing her harp to soothe their journey. In addition to performing, Diana was a foundational volunteer and board member in various organizations such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Winnipeg International Children's Festival, Fusion Dance Theatre, the St. Norbert Arts and Cultural Centre, as well as, and very importantly the Henry Morgentaler Clinic in Winnipeg. Described by her contemporaries as a "good warrior," Diana devoted much of her time to furthering performing arts festivals and the performing arts in general. Diana's interest in her roots went very deep and she celebrated her connection to her grandfather, the illustrious and celebrated airman and MLA, F. Roy Brown, who is famed for his work in opening up the north country and for the growth of the aviation industry in Canada. Diana held fast to her Celtic roots, maintained a natural and environmentally sustainable lifestyle and was a fervent supporter of human rights. Diana was both introduced to and knew an incredible number of musicians and performers from a young age, and could count among her dynamic network of friends whom she kept contact with throughout her life ranging from rock legend Neil Young to jazz great Marian McPartland, and played with so many incredible musicians who all deserve mention but are simply too many to list. Diana was a tremendous cook, a wonderful host, a voracious reader, incredible gardener, a deeply caring mother and a truly dear and faithful friend. From Winnipeg to Toronto and back, with glorious time spent in Lethbridge, Alberta, and for over a decade of creative musical community in Robert's Creek on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Diana cultivated extraordinary gatherings of friends, musicians and kindred spirits. From her memorable concerts on the pier in Gibson's to her beloved weekly Dutton's music circle, and the many weddings and concerts in between, Diana played her harp widely and with extraordinary beauty, with a repertoire that spanned the centuries. There was not an era of music she wasn't familiar with, a song she couldn't recall, sing or play from memory. A visit with Di could reveal music from early Celtic, through to the Renaissance and Baroque, from traditional folk and bluegrass, to myriad reels and jigs, from Bach to Orff to Joni Mitchell and the Beatles, the music played on and on. Diana's gorgeous vocals and piano, harp and guitar playing will be remembered always. She will be greatly missed by so many that she loved and who loved her equally including her two children, Bronwyn Rachel Hart and Rylan David Hart, her two brothers, Dr. Reese Halter and Jason Roy Halter, and cousins Hart Brown, Robin Brown Whetter, Erin Hilderman, Doug Hilderman and D'Arcy Hilderman. Our beloved Diana has had a most remarkable impact on those who knew her and she has left an impossible silence in our lives. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Diana's name to the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Winnipeg International Children's Festival. We love you Di, you were always "Constant and True".
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2015
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I remember Diana as a most kind and compassionate person. My high school years were rough but Diana reached out and made all the difference in the world. How sad that the world has lost this wonderful human being. Rest in Peace, beautiful Diana. You made a difference. - Posted by: Richard Lane (Friend from Kelvin ) on: Jul 21, 2019
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I knew Diana for only a short time, and as only one of her countless FB friends. We had been introduced by a mutual friend who knew that our parents had known each other, that my father had been her father's physician, that our families had a shared connection to aviation, and that she and I were both musicians. In spite of these connections, I had doubts about our being "kindred spirits" as we were so fundamentally unlike each other. Then I began to pay more attention to her posts, and discovered her generosity of spirit, her boundless enthusiasm for a seemingly limitless range of interests and her deep kindness. Diana had countless friends, but never once failed to respond to my posts - no matter how glib and without merit (hers, of course, were never!). She won me over, and I was always proud to see her amongst my group of FaceBook friends. I wish I could have met her. - Posted by: Janet Brett (FaceBook friend) on: Feb 28, 2015
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I was so sorry to hear of Dianna's passing before I had a chance to meet her again as a "grown up". We spent a lot of time together in the middle school years at St. Mary's and my fondest memories were of chasing down Burton Cummings wherever he was going to perform. One night when her mum Nola and Dianna picked me up in their Rolls Royce. We were going to catch the Devrons gig somewhere. Diana was quite cross with her mum because she did not want to appear (Hi-falutin) Nola explained there was no other car available! I also got driven home that way - hence my first limo experience. Will never forget her enthusiasm about music and the fun we had. - Posted by: Regina Angeleau (nee Schlosser) (St. Mary's Academy School friend) on: Feb 24, 2015
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Diana was a spirit, presence in our community of Roberts Creek on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. Also Diana lived a pebbles toss from my front door. We were fast friends and neighbors on a stretch of the western coast that gets snarly at times in winter. More than often the power goes out and Di would come to my place for the wood stove, plethora of candles, plug-in telephone, wind-up radio, everything. No sense both of us having everything...We could cuddle-down at my place, play cards. We'd play guitars, sing some good stuff. Diana was such a stronger singer and player that I was always learning. A mentor is a strong ally. Diana was one, a strong soul also. I'm a kick-ass guitar player and Di could cook me down on her Martin acoustic. Her singing voice was from somewhere deep, from someplace in her low tummy. If we did some Joni or Neil? Anything? Diana was the singer, unless she pointed at me for a harmony-fill. I've always missed Diana. I hope her journey rocks. She was a gentle beauty. - Posted by: John Greig (Neighbor, friend) on: Feb 23, 2015
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I didn't know Diane well, but always came away from a jam, or gig, feeling like I'd learned something. A gifted and talented woman, she will be missed, and a hole left by her absence here. - Posted by: john Paulin (acquaintance ) on: Feb 22, 2015
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I met Diana when we were 13 or 14? She had been at St. Mary's Private School for Girls and had come to River Heights Junior High. A breath of fresh air, ideas, talent, and fearless. I was was really shy and withdrawn and she took me to her heart and helped me to be free. We have always been friends since. She is one of very few who would truly listen to you and feel your joys, your pain, without any suggestion to do what she might have thought you should do. She just was there for you, always. When I moved to BC we lost touch until YAY, facebook! Her posts were so great. So diverse. So relevant. So beautiful. She was so busy with giving of herself to anyone she cared about. She cared about everything on this planet and the horrors that are destroying it. And she brought so much beauty in her art as a vocalist and her wide range of instrumental perfection. She devoured life and learning. I will miss her. She was a tower of strength and compassion. There will never be another Diana. Great times. Always great times with her. She is an example to follow. To Rylan and Bronwyn - Be aware that you both were blessed with knowing an old soul who gave you life and love and will always watch over you. She's out there soaking up as much knowledge as she can. She will be with you whenever you call for her. Love never goes away. To so many who will miss her, remember her beauty and love. We were all lucky to know her. - Posted by: Dianne Fosh (Friend since jr high and still) on: Feb 22, 2015
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I had the pleasure of Diana's friendship many years ago. She had such commitment and energy in everything she did as a volunteer that one could not ever forget her caring and resolve. Sincerest condolences to her family. - Posted by: John Ollivier (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2015
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Even though I never met Diana personally, I greatly admired Diana for everything she had done in her wonderful life, she definitely was a beautiful and very talented lady. I will miss her comments to me and wonderful words she shared with me in the short time I did know Diana. - Posted by: Jools Farrell (Away Friend) on: Feb 21, 2015
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Diane was a true and deep soul whose passion and dedication to her music was a constant in her life. She was also very compassionate and was there for me last year at the kids of my Mom. She lives a true and meaningful life. - Posted by: Dan Casavant (friend/ fellow musician) on: Feb 21, 2015
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I got to know Diana in the last 4 years of her life. I wish I would have known her longer. I loved her instantly. A truly kind and gentle soul. - Posted by: Lianne Fournier () on: Feb 21, 2015
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I am very saddened to read of Diana Halter’s passing. I first met Diana at The Fireplace nightclub on Pembina Highway in early 1970. She was fronting folk-rock group Rin Tin Iron and I was in blues band Pig Iron. We traded sets with them several times. I was in awe of Diana’s singing and the band nailed the harmonies on CSN’s Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Ex-Squires and Buffalo Springfield bassist Ken Koblun was also in the band. I lost track of her in the intervening decades until 1990 when I was at work on a biography of Neil Young’s Winnipeg years. Diana’s mother Nola Halter (nee MacDonald) had been a panelist on CJAY’s Twenty Questions TV show back in the early 60s with Neil’s mother Rassy Ragland so the two were close friends. I interviewed Nola who passed along Diana’s contact info. Diana had been a 15 year old folk and rock & roll fan who became The Squires’ fan club president. She interviewed Neil and the other band members and distributed mimeographed newsletters. She also took photos of the band. Those photos are a wonderful time capsule of the young man who would later become an icon. We sat down together at her house in Fort Garry for an interview. Diana’s humourous and vibrant recollections of those times were a valuable addition to the book. Once again we lost track of each other until reconnecting via the Manitoba Music Experience Facebook site. This site has been such an incredible forum for renewing friendships and making new ones. Diana’s posts were always a delight and her dry wit hilarious. Quite simply, she was a hoot and a font of knowledge. For a couple of years I hosted musical dinner evenings following my courses at McNally Robinson bookstore. Guests would enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner in the private community classroom then sit back and be entertained by a themed musical performance. The lovely and talented Honey Hill and her equally talented husband Richard Denesiuk were invited to perform a Beatles set and to my surprise they were accompanied by Diana on Celtic harp. For those who were there it was a magical evening of gorgeous music that none of us will ever forget. Diana and I continued to correspond via the Manitoba Music Museum Facebook site and I was always delighted to receive a post from her. She was so bright and funny. I feel honoured to have called her a friend and to have known her. She will be dearly missed. - Posted by: John Einarson (friend) on: Feb 21, 2015
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I have lost a dear cousin, friend, mentor, "big sister", Mother figure, and family historian. So many precious memories, many of them, hysterically funny, will be forever treasured in my heart. I will keep her memory alive for all time. My 2 year old Granddaughter, Dani, has the longest fingers, and would have been the perfect piano student for Di! I will see to it, that she shall have music wherever she goes! My heart has a painful hole in it; but I will try and fill with memories and music! Love and miss you so much Di.... all the Hilderman family does....myself, Uncle Alby, Cassidy and family, Doug and family, and D'Arcy and family. - Posted by: Erin Hilderman (Cousin) on: Feb 21, 2015