It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mom, gram and great gram, Beth Diamond. Beth was most recently a resident of The Silver Kettle in Grand Forks and had been a resident of the Penticton area for the prior 22 years. She passed away peacefully at the age of 91 years with her three daughters at her side early Sunday morning on October 30, 2016.
Beth was born on December 1, 1924 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to Mae and Alfred Friday. During her childhood years, Beth frequently moved with her family due to her father’s career but always maintained a positive attitude and was quick to make friends wherever life brought her. When life brought her to Toronto, it wasn’t long before her outgoing personality captured the attention of her to be husband Ralph Diamond. Although they met in Toronto, Ralph had roots in B.C. and they ultimately married in Vancouver in December of 1947 and relocated to B.C. where they raised their five children. Beth eventually joined the workforce with Canada Safeway and stayed with the company until her retirement in 1993.
Beth began her retirement years together with Ralph in Penticton where she busied herself with many activities and was always surrounded by friends. In particular, Beth loved to swim, play bocce ball and play table games (but crib and bridge in particular were her specialties). In everything she did, Beth had an infectious energy that drew people to her and this overflowed into her volunteering. She was always eager to help out wherever she could including the local thrift store and local elementary schools. Beth was a valued member of the famous Red Hat Ladies, T.O.P.S. and Caregivers. She also maintained her driver’s license throughout her retirement years which proved to be an asset amongst her friends and ensured that Beth was always a popular option for lunches and coffees with the gals.
Her family was the center of her universe and she was deeply loved in return. She lived. She laughed. She loved. She left this world and it will never be the same. Beth will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Beth is survived by her children; Jack (Dawn) of Gibsons, Jane (Ray) of Grand Forks, Susan (Grant) of Terrace, Randi (Cecil) of Vancouver and Jim of Grand Forks. Beth is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, her sister Joan (Don) of North Van, her brother Brent (Evette) of Duncan and her daughter-in-law Sharon of North Van. Beth was predeceased by her parents, her husband Ralph and her grand daughter Teresa.
A gathering at The Silver Kettle in Grand Forks was held on November 2, 2016 and a private family celebration of life will be held in the Okanagan at a later date.