Diane Balmforth

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.

Diane was an advocate for people and worked to help those around her that needed help.  She advocated for the “underdog” and fought to bring grandparents rights to Yukon families. She also served as the vice-president of the Yukon Metis Association the first time the association was formed.

Diane began her career with the federal government first in the office of Indian and Northern Affairs where she worked for the on-the-job training program.  Her later years were as a contract manager where she had an office in the Elijah Smith building. She retired shortly after her beloved Gerald passed away in 2009.

Diane was blessed to have many grandchildren whom she adored and was very proud.  She spent as much time as she could with them. She said that having grandchildren gave her a “second chance”.

Diane was kind with a great sense of humour and a natural curiosity that kept her on top of all world events.  Our family will miss her debates and challenge to do our “research”.

She is reunited with her beloved Jerry and many other loved ones that went before her.

In keeping with Diane’s wishes there will be no service.