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DIANNE JACKMAN
Born in Winnipeg, an only child to Alf and Olive Jackman. She attended Kelvin High School and the University of Manitoba. She is survived by cousins, Bruce Jackman and Rita Sturm and their families, on the west coast, and a godson Chris Lane.
An interior designer, Dianne practiced before becoming a professor at the University of Manitoba. She loved her profession, and she loved teaching, winning numerous awards. She was active in many professional organizations, holding office over the years in IDC and IDEC and as chair of the Board of Trustees of FIDER. A final award, from the ASID, was for Lifetime Achievement. A particular interest was the use of textiles in interior design, and in 1984 Dianne authored (with me, Mary Dixon) one of the first university textbooks on the use of Textiles in Interior Design, still in print, and later co-authored (with Ron Veitch, and me) a text on Professional Practice.
Dianne loved colour. In early practice she is responsible for the colours used on the Pioneer Grain Elevators - bright red with a yellow roof. These structures certainly stood out among the thousands of grain elevators that dotted the prairies and can still be viewed where communities have restored these iconic buildings. In retirement, she volunteered with Westminster Housing, who bought and renovated rundown buildings in the West Broadway area for affordable housing. Dianne's choice for the bright exteriors can be seen on many of the old streets, like Furby and Spence.
Active in many areas, summer was for travel, frequently to Scotland or just driving all over Europe. Dianne leaves good friends in her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, in the Christian Science Church, in the University Women's Club, and in that organization's home - Ralph Connor House at 54 West Gate - where she helped obtain that building's National Historic Building status. Professional travel always included shopping, particularly in New York City for extravagant designer scarves and jewellery. Wearing these became part of her lectures, an unwritten lesson to 'look like a designer'. Dianne loved art, and theatre, and dogs! She supported local artists, and loved hosting gatherings, including her dogs' birthday parties.
Despite the cruel inroads of dementia, Dianne remained friendly and always courteous to her many helpers at Golden Links Lodge, and her special visitor Anna Johnston.
At her request, cremation has occurred and, in these times, there will be no service.
If friends so desire, it was her wish that they contribute to the fund in her name at The Winnipeg Foundation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2020
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Design and Dianne were synonymous. In the early 70's you could hear her laugh echo in the Russell Building between lectures. After a economic lull in Winnipeg, when about 6 of us were laid off in one day from LMA's ID team, I found myself in the centre space on a return visit to the faculty and told her my tale of woe. Dianne, always well connected, told me that the Province was looking for a designer and I was fortunate enough to get on board there (for over 15 years). I was delighted when she forged ahead with the Master of Facility Management program and was lucky enough to still be involved with her when I was only 25 whoever received that Master's in 1998. Loved to see her in her condo on Dunkirk Drive where she was very jolly and travelled around the building with her wee doggie ... still the same laugh! Talking about Joan Harland and their car escapades (yes Joan was still driving in her 90s). It is a crying shame that COVID took her away from us ... but she is a special memory to me and I'll hang on to that! Rest in Peace Dianne. Joanne BID 1976 MFM 1998 - Posted by: Joanne (Wawryk/Gillespie) Weir (Former Student of Dianne's in BID) on: Jan 03, 2021
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Dianne was one of my favourite professors in ID when I was a UofM student from 1973 to 1977. She was always there, giving advice, support & pithy comments. I remember several particular comments she told my class. I think it was in first year when, as she passed out a thick package of notes on textiles, she told us to keep them as they would be good to have in the future. I referred to those notes for years after graduation. I always looked forward to catching up with Dianne at PIDIM or other interior design events. The last time I saw her was several years ago at Miss Harland's 100th birthday gathering. I lost track of Dianne when a Christmas card was returned. I'm sorry to learn she suffered from dementia & especially sad to learn Dianne is one of so many dear ones lost to COVID-19. - Posted by: Dale Scott Ketcheson (past student) on: Dec 07, 2020
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I had wonderful memories with Dianne and one of her best friends Anita Abbott. The 3 of us love dogs, were members of the Christian Science church and we enjoyed each other company. We liked going to the theater together with a group of friends. I remember Dianne's kind way of communicating and wonderful qualities of design and color combination and her great love for dogs and for a cat that she had. I'm remembering Dianne with lots of love. - Posted by: Martha Vargas (Christian Science friend) on: Dec 06, 2020
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Dianne was the model of Interior Design Flare with purpose. I was so honored to have had my design of a menu in the form and shape of a Roman scroll selected for one of her many social events. I still have it in my box of cherished memorabilia. How cruel is this DAMNdemic. - Posted by: Jerrold Mihailoff (U of M student.) on: Dec 06, 2020