Obituary of Diana Constance Kinakin

May 31, 1946 – ­­­­­­­Bear River, Nova Scotia

September 14, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Diana Kinakin, beloved wife of Daryl James Kinakin, and daughter of Alister and Irene Harris, was born in Bear River, NS on May 31, 1946. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the age of 76 years.

Diana was known for her never-ending smile. She had a great love of reading, baking, needle crafts, music, dancing, ice skating, and golf, among many others.

Diana attended Digby Regional High School, where she met her first husband John (Jack) Woolaver. They were married in 1966 in St. Catharines, ON. Their son, Johny, was born in 1969, and after a few years working at the US Consulate in Toronto, they moved back to Digby, NS. Their second son, Chris, was born in 1972. Diana worked at the Digby Hospital for many years, and as the receptionist in the outpatient clinic, her warm smile and loving manner helped ease a difficult time for many patients. She was a valued member of the Digby Baptist church choir and always strived to have Johny and Chris attend on Sundays if she could catch them before they ran down into the woods!

In 1981 the family moved to Calgary, AB. Diana held numerous executive assistant positions until she took it upon herself to train in the use of the very sophisticated SAP software. The knowledge of this system allowed her career to flourish later in life. She worked and saved until she was able to comfortably retire in 2011.

Diana met her second husband, Daryl Kinakin, in Calgary. Diana and Daryl were married in 1995 and enjoyed 27 years together until Diana’s passing. Together with friends, they shared wonderful trips to the lakes at Pine Lake and Kelowna, rounds of golf, boating, and evenings on Daryl’s beautiful decks.

Her greatest joy was raising her two sons and watching her grandchildren Maya and Ben grow. A trip to Ireland this spring to visit Maya, while sharing a room with Ben, was one of her favorite experiences that she couldn’t stop talking about with an ear-to-ear smile.

Diana was predeceased by Alister and Irene Harris; and Jack Woolaver. She is survived by Johny (Squamish), Chris, Allison, Maya, and Ben (Phoenix); and husband Daryl (Calgary). She is also survived by several brothers and sisters and their spouses; Robert and Yutta Harris (ON), Patricia and Fred Lombard (NS), Paula and Charles Newcombe (NS), Kathleen Prior (BC), Reed and Coleen Harris (NS), Dorothy and Gary Wright (NS), Darlene Harris (NS), and Lyle and Debbie Harris (NS).

Diana’s infectious smile and positive outlook on life will be greatly missed. Her strength to tackle any challenge head-on with positive determination is an inspiration to all who knew her, and a reminder for all of us to live our best lives with compassion and love for family and friends!

The family would like to thank family and friends who offered their support in our time of sorrow. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email: donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

A Celebration of Diana’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway Hospitality Centre (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Diana Kinakin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.