With great sadness we announce the death of Diana Jean Beatty (nee Wilding) who died suddenly at home on November 18th, 2021 in her 86th year. Predeceased by her husband, Michael Beatty with whom she shared 35 happy and loving years and her brothers Thomas Wilding and Bill Wilding, she leaves behind step children David Beatty and Carol Ackerman, step grandchildren Chris and Chas Beatty, sisters Sherry Wilding and Beverly Hutchison, sister-in-law Marjory Wilding; nephews, nieces and a wide circle of friends, who will remember her for her gentle nature, adventurous spirit, and passion for the outdoors. As a teenager, her Bishop Strachan School choir travelled to England to sing at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and after graduating from Nursing College, she was an attending nurse at the first heart transplant performed in Canada. She was an avid skier but she is most renowned for achievements in training and breeding field trial champion Golden Retrievers. Diana loved dogs her entire life. At the age of 4, Diana was given a cocker spaniel named Rusty – her first in a lifetime of dogs and a passion for field trials that grew and established Diana as a leader in the sport. Whether a Field Trial, a Sunday Picnic Trial or Nationals, Diana was always there. Her dedication to her dogs and the sport is legendary. She was the first woman to judge a Canadian National Field Trial. She was renowned in her day for breeding Golden Retrievers and had a national champion winner in 2021. There are Goldens today that can still be traced back to her bloodlines and national champions. She will be sorely missed by her training partners and all who knew her in the sport. A celebration of Diana’s life will be held at a later date. Donations to your favourite dog charity would be greatly appreciated.
Dianna was a lovely, classy lady. Always so pleased to see us. And she sure loved those goldens!
Many happy times spent with her at field trials and training sessions.
She and Michael spent a shoot day [hunting] with Anne’s father in England- an event they always remembered.
With sympathy, Lloyd & Anne Jarvis.