Opal DIMENT

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DIMENT: It is with sadness we announce the passing of our mother, Opal Agnes (Flint) Diment of Brandon, at the age of 93 years, on Monday, April 20, 2009. Opal was born September 2, 1915, the youngest of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Henry McCulloch, her parents, moved to Neepawa from Lansing, Michigan with their five children, where Opal was born. At the tender age of three months, Opal’s mother died and her father placed the six children in the orphanage at Dauphin. Her father died three months later and at the age of 11 months, Opal went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Roland Forster and their two sons. When Opal was eight years of age, Mrs. Forster died and Opal was placed back in the Home until she was 13 1/2 years old. Then she was placed on a farm with Mr. and Mrs. W. Maynard until she was 21 years old, working for her room and board and going to school. She was released from the care of the Children’s Aid Society at the age of 21. Then she went out on her own working for farmer’s wives for about 3 1/2 years. Opal then came to Brandon in 1940 where she worked in restaurants for about 11/2 years. In 1941, she met and married Cyril Baker and had three sons. This marriage ended in divorce after eight years. In 1955, she met George Flint and they married in July 1956. Opal worked for about 35 years in general department stores as a clerk cashier. Opal had a great love for music from the time she was a little girl. She sang solos and with dance bands. In the 1960’s, Opal and three friends formed a group called the Bright Spots, entertaining for a few years. George and Opal moved to Rivers, Manitoba for nine years. While living there, she formed a dance band called the Rhythm Aires and they played for a number of years, disbanding in 1983. They moved back to Brandon in 1979 and in 1982, George passed away. In 1985, Opal met and married Ernie Diment. Ernie suddenly passed away in 1992. Opal’s main love of her life was her children and grandchildren. Opal loved the public through her work and music. She leaves to mourn her three son’s, Bob (Margaret), Wayne (Judy) and Larry Baker. Five grandchildren, Nancy, Billy, Allison, Robbie and Gail and a great grandchild, Sarah, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents in 1915, a brother in 1959, a granddaughter in 1980, stepbrother in 1981, George Flint in 1982, Mrs. Maynard in 1983, a sister in 1991, Ernie Diment in 1992, her sister Bessie in 1999 and daughter-in-law, Maureen Baker in 2001. Cremation has taken place and in accordance with Opal’s wishes, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, they may make a donation in Opal’s memory to a charity of choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 23, 2009