Dianne passed away at home in Vancouver, BC on August 13, 2023. Born in Rouleau, SK on May 6, 1932, she was the only child of Ellen (Mike) and Albin Johnson. She received her early education in various schools in Saskatchewan, attended and graduated in 1953 from the University of Saskatchewan magna cum laude. During those years Dianne and her parents visited often at the Randell family farm in Gilbert Plains MB.
After graduation Dianne was employed with the Great West Life Insurance Company in Winnipeg for a number of years before moving to San Francisco in 1961 where she took classes in computer programming, and was an early entrant into the programming and use of computers in business. The firms she worked at there were computer friendly and she was able to hone her computer skills. She also made many friends.
After ten years in San Francisco she returned to Canada and settled in Vancouver’s West End. She was employed initially at Johnston Terminals as a programmer analyst, converting and expanding an existing system followed by the Hudson Bay Company where she was part of a group that developed and supported The Bay’s online database system for inventory and sales programs. That followed with similar developments at the Vancouver Stock Exchange, and Woodward Stores. Subsequently she made many trips to Seattle as a consultant to assist in development and operation of computer systems for various firms there.
Wherever Dianne went she made long lasting friendships including other residents of the condominium where she lived. After retirement she would travel to visit with friends and relatives across Canada, the USA and Europe. After her Father passed, her Mother moved to White Rock so they could be closer together. She arranged a birthday party on the beach at Garry Point Park in Steveston for her Mother’s 90th birthday.
Not one to be satisfied to be resting on her laurels after retirement, Dianne and a friend, Maureen Sanderson, purchased a lot on Bowen Island and built a duplex as a “getaway” so that they could enjoy the quieter life and the views from their deck, while keeping their homes on the mainland. Later, she spent holiday time with friends on Saltspring and Galiano Islands, and with Donna Knox and Diana Bennett at Shuswap Lake.
As a dog lover, not to be forgotten are the pets that she had over the years, Joey in her youth on the Prairies, George when she was first in Vancouver and Abby in her retirement, plus Barclay and Seymour whose official homes were elsewhere.
Predeceased by her parents and many of her friends Dianne will be sadly missed by her many remaining friends and relatives. A Celebration of Life was held in Vancouver on September 12, 2023. She will be laid to rest with her parents in Chatsworth Cemetery, Gilbert Plains MB. May she rest in peace.