It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Diane Elizabeth James. Pioneering Paramedic, International driving instructor, and dearly missed and loved mother. Diane passed away at St. Boniface Hospital on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.
Diane leaves behind her husband of 23 years, Daniel Wilson Franklin; brothers, Wayne and Wesley James; son Leslie James and daughter-in-law Jasmin; and stepsons, Daniel, Nathan and Steven Franklin.
Diane was born to Leslie and Irmaguard James (Nee Loeb) in 1952 and was raised on the family farm along with her older brother Wayne and younger brother Wesley. It was a time when neighbours helped each other, and she grew to believing in helping others and looking out for her neighbours. This led to her becoming a lifelong New Democrat, and she worked on campaigns for Tommy Douglas and Ed Schreyer.
Diane, along with her brothers, attended the one room Lydiatt schoolhouse. Diane excelled and was a mentor to her younger classmates.
She excelled at sports. Track was a passion and she broke several provincial records. She was an anchor on the University of Winnipeg’s field hockey team and was a fierce competitor on the racquetball court.
Diane had a caring heart, and despite her enjoyment of archaeology, and environmental studies in university, she became a Paramedic, graduating from Conestoga College in Ontario. Diane braved rampant sexism and discrimination as one of the very first female Paramedics. Many at the time thought women were simply not capable of doing the job. Despite being held to a nearly impossible standard, she proved them wrong. She worked primarily out of Guelph and Pembroke, Ontario in the 1970’s and 80’s. Diane became an air ambulance flight medic as well before she left the front lines.
Having seen tragic death and injury on Canada’s highways, Diane decided to use the skills she had developed as an emergency vehicle operator and created the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course.
Diane created Dimar Training Systems Inc., a driver education company, where she again confronted sexism and discrimination head on. Diane and her instructor team went on to teach RCMP, Winnipeg Police, California State Troopers, and many Ambulance services across North America as well as many public clients. As little as 3 weeks ago, a former student told her that the skills he had learned in her course had saved his life.
Diane’s skills as a driver got her noticed by STP, and she was offered sponsorship as a race car driver. However, she turned it down because motor sport was still very deadly at the time, and she didn’t want her parents to watch races knowing it could be her last. It was through her Driver Education career she met her husband Dan Franklin. Dan owned his own ambulance service in Texas and wanted the best training for his staff; he came north to take her course and never left.
Diane returned home to Beausejour, Manitoba, and after years of teaching she transitioned into a career as a Corrections Officer at Milner Ridge.
In 2003, while at home on her back deck, Diane was attacked by a rabid bear. She fought it off by herself, and despite her injuries managed to make it to the neighbours, who took her to the hospital and shot the bear. Unfortunately, the bear attack left Diane with lasting physical and mental trauma that remained with her for the rest of her life.
Diane recently retired, however she was not able to enjoy retirement long as she was taken too soon from this world, one month before the wedding of her son Leslie James and his fiancée Jasmin Pelayo.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Ave. E., Beausejour MB, with viewing one hour prior to the service.
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Cindy Omichinski
Deepest Sympathies to family . We always had great to visits, at our chance meeting, over the years.
Barb Chlan
Dan and family ,I am sorry for your loss.I will miss her big beautiful smile and Dan I always admired how much you supported and loved each other.
Gail Mooney
Diane was my former co-worker at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre. We shared the same understanding of the job mission – emphasizing caring towards our fellow – be they staff or resident. Her gentleness and steady, courageous advocacy for the under-dog will be remembered by those who had the good fortune to know her there. In my retirement we stayed in touch through social media, supporting one another’s expressions – in sync with our politics, a rare treat for me, the committed democratic socialist. The world needs more people like Diane, always kind, always giving. Rest in peace now Sweet Diane/xo
Tara Evans
My condolences to Tex and Les on the sudden passing of their dear wife and mother. I will remember her as being a champion for her son during his education and the strong Mother’s pride that she had while sharing his accomplishments. Diane had quick sense of humour and a laugh that brought a smile to those around her. Tex and Diane truly loved and respected each other and it didn’t just show…it glowed. Rest East Diane, you will be missed.
Lucian Lebitt
Deepest sympathies to the family. Knew Diane well when working at Milner Ridge. She was a ray of sunshine. You will be deeply missed.
Robert
Expressing my sincere condolences to all the family. Praying that the God of comfort fill your hearts and hold you in His everlasting arms.
Barry and Cary Hamilton
Dan, We are so sorry to hear Diane has died. We can not imagine how heart broken you are. Diane certainly had health challenges and she was always so ready to get up and keep going regardless of how much pain. We are sad that, at the end, she was in pain again. Our prayers are that she has crossed over to a place of peace and no pain. And, you and your kids are all in our prayers too. We are sending our love – Barry and Cary
Darlene Baumgartner
I will miss her as I know everyone that knew and cared for her.
Family – please take care my prayers are with you.
Cheryl Laschuk
With deep sadness I want to pass on my sympathy on your loss. Nothing can change the sadness you feel today and will feel again tomorrow. Take the time you need, move slowly if you need to, deep sadness is a reflection of your deep love.
You can do this.
I wish you and your family peace.
Swee Lee Teo
My deepest condolences and prayers go to her family. She was a wonderful person full of positive energy. As a patient she was a half cup full type of person and her loss will be felt by the many whom she has touched and helped. A true example of being Canadian!
God bless!
Lisa Lannigan (Loeb)
I am so sorry to hear about Diane’s sudden passing. Seeing Diane was always a highlight of our trips to Manitoba as a kid or any Loeb gathering. Diane had the heart of a warrior and inspired me more then she knew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
gregg pierce
I just saw Diane’s notice in the paper. I am so sorry Tex and Les that I could not be at the funeral to express my condolences in person. God bless.