Diane Balmforth
Diane Marie Balmforth (nee Fiddler) mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully with her family by her side and gained her angel wings on September 1, 2026. Our family has lost our matriarch.
Diane was born on October 12, 1948, in Spirit River, AB to Katherine Fiddler (Bourassa) and Frank Fiddler. She grew up on the prairies alongside her four siblings. After her high school graduation, she went to work at a truck stop on the Alaska Highway to save money for university. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Jerry Balmforth. She gained an instant family with Jerry’s children, Sharon Ron, Glen, Brian and Deanie. They lived in Watson Lake, YT and within a few years they moved to Whitehorse where they married at the Sacred Heart Cathedral and Roxanne and James were born.
Diane was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing in the weekly league at the bowling alley in Riverdale honing her top score, her name was often on the top of the rank board. She loved playing Yahtzee with her friends and was an avid reader. She often said that through books we see other worlds.
Bingo was her favourite. She would play at the Elk’s hall; she could flip an astounding number of those bingo boards and have a slate in front of her on the table. This did not stop her from checking her friend’s cards as well and throwing a dab or two when needed.
