1928 ~ 2012
Diana, known as Dawn, to her family and friends died peacefully at the Pinawa Hospital on October 4, 2012. She was predeceased by her parents H. Morris Gorringe and Elsie Mary Gorrin
ge, her older sister Joan Hamilton Aitken, her parents- in- law Ernest and Dorothy Opie, and sister-in-law Joan Opie. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 60 years C.H. (Bud) Opie, her daughters Susan Opie (Rick Match) and Linda Altstadt (Glen), her grandchildren Naomi Scharer (Nik Heine) and Nicholas Scharer, her sister Nona Hamilton Cooper (of Hove, Sussex), her brother- in- law, Jack Opie (Australia), nephews Robert Opie, Henry Aitken, and niece Tish Thomas (Australia), and great nephews Mark Thomas (Michelle Stead) and David Thomas.
Dawn was born in Blackheath, near London, U.K. on March 30, 1928. She grew up in London, and Sussex. She met her husband, Bud, at the tennis club shortly after World War II, and tennis was a life long passion for her. They were married December 6, 1952 in the middle of the last ‘lethal’ London fog. Dawn worked for Charringtons in London from 1946 to 1954, at which point she and her husband moved to North Wales. In 1965, she moved to Pinawa, Manitoba with her husband and two daughters, many miles away from her family and friends.
Dawn loved animals and had many animal friends that included numerous dogs, horses, and goats. In 1980 she and her husband moved to a farm where she and Bud lived for the next 30 years. These were some of the happiest years of their lives. Dawn loved the peace and quiet of the farm, and the many activities of the farm. Dawn loved planting trees and caring for her Angora goats, and Linda’s horses.
Dawn was deeply committed to environmental causes, an avid knitter, and supported many local committees. Dawn was a founding member of the Whitemouth River Committee, the original Pinawa Arts and Crafts Guild, the Brokenhead Farmer’s Market, and the Lac du Bonnet Farmer’s Market. Dawn was the treasurer and manager of the Pinawa Ballet Club for many years. Dawn quietly offered her assistance to many people whenever she saw a need. Dawn loved going to Winnipeg for outings to the theatre, ballet, Rainbow Stage with her friends, Helen and Shirley and others.
Dawn’s family would like to thank the Pinawa Hospital, and the many nurses, aides, and staff who looked after her as she experienced health problems over the last few years and Dr. Richard Van Gend. Their kindness and compassion is much appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Forestry Association (Commemorative Trees), 900 Corydon, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 0Y4. Trees will be planted at Sandilands Forest Discovery Centre in Dawn’s name.
A Celebration of Dawn’s life was held Thursday October 11, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at The Ironwood, Vanier Avenue, Pinawa.
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Gwen and Clive Greenstock
Dear Dr. Opie: Although I know Dawn has been ill for some time, and her passing may in some ways be a relief of her suffering, still, after 60 years it must be heartbreaking to lose a life partner. I enjoyed reading of hers and your earlier years before you arrived in Pinawa because I am not sure I ever knew that you two met on a tennis court or even lived in North Wales. I understand that you and Jock Guthrie have become dinner partners and that you are looking after his dietary needs very well. Clive and I send to you and your daughters our most sincere sympathy on the passing of Dawn. I did not know Dawn well but could certainly remember her as I read of all the things she was involved in in Pinawa and the surrounding areas. Of all my life long doctors, you were always our family’s favourite. Hang onto the memories and wishing you and your family peace. Most sincerely, Gwen Greenstock
Nick Reimann
To the Opie family, sorry to hear about your loss. Diana will truly be missed. I will always miss the great conversations we had over the last number of years and also the compassion she showed for me when my father died. My sincere condolences to Bud and Family. Nick Reimann and Family
Agland Family
To the Opie Family
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Opie’s passing.
Our sincerest condolences to you all.
…Ethel Agland and Family
Rich and Connie Hamon
We’re so deeply sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife, mother, sister, daughter-in-law, and of course best friend. Unfortunately for us, our paths seldom crossed Dawn’s directly, so we were aware of her as steady support for her exceptional family members. The service you collectively prepared and presented was very touching but humorously celebratory of a happy and meaningful life. Perfect. We feel we know her now and will remember you all each day. Thank you. Hugs from both of us! Rich and Connie.