We have an announcement to make to our WCF readership; and we'll keep it short -- and hopefully sweet:
To our great regret it is our painful but necessary task to inform our readers of this:
Dian Woodhouse, our good friend and regular Weber County Forum contributor, passed away yesterday, as a consequence of a sudden and massive heart attack, which occurred late Sunday morning.
Despite the valiant efforts of the medical staff at the McKay-Dee ICU, and the prayers of Dian's many close friends, Dian's injuries proved too severe to sustain life; and Dian's mortal body was pronounced dead at approximately noon yesterday.
We are told that she just quietly "slipped away," peacefully and painlessly.
We have been in daily communication with her loving husband Matt since mid-afternoon Sunday; and we anticipate he will provide us a short update/eulogy sometime soon. Obviously we can't provide a timeline on this. Matt is currently experiencing the understandable "grieving process," and is also unfortunately occupied with the many trivial formalities that always attend the passing of a dearly-loved one.
We are now beginning to receive comments and condolences in the lower comments section, and we have thus decided to provide this special comment thread, both for those readers who may wish to publcly express their comments or condolences, and for the information of those readers and admirers who had not yet become aware of this unfortunate event.
Mere words are insufficient to express our own pain and grief, upon the passing of our true and dear friend Dian. Dian was one of those glorious and noble souls whom we "happen upon" very rarely in life. Suffice it for now to say that we simply express our deep gratitude that Dian happened upon our own live's paths. We will all be the better for Dian's having spent her last days with us, we think.
Update 12/11/06 9:02 p.m. MT: Dian's husband and soul-mate Matt has graciously tranmitted to us this evening a brief eulogy, for those who'd like to to learn a little more about our very remarkable Dian.
Update 12/16/06 9:29 a.m. MT: We link here this morning's Std-Ex obituary, and make special note (for readers who have been inquiring,) that Dian's memorial service will be held at Larkin Mortuary (24th St. & Adams Ave. - Ogden) on Wednesday, December 20th @ 12:00 p.m.
Update 12/22/06 6:20 a.m. MT: Ellen Fagg provided a nice tribute to Dian in Wednesday's Salt Lake Tribune. We link it here, for those who may have not already seen it.
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15 comments:
Even though I never met Dian I appreciated her great contributions to the community. I suspect many others feel the same way. Her many hours of selfless service will be sorely missed.
Danny's comments sum up my thoughts as well. My condolences to her family and friends.
My best to dian and her family, to Matt and to all of those that worked and talked to dian on a regular basis.
I will miss her friendship and her intelligence. She is one that always went the extra mile on her research. I will miss he personality and warm smile. the other day as she had come out of her house to greet some of us, it was a piture perfect day with the bright color of leaves behind her. I shall always have the memory in my mind of her. Matt if there is any thing that I could do for you, please give me a call. My prayers are with you durning this trying time. May God bless you.
What is there to say at a moment like this that won't sound woefully inadequate? Dian was a historian and a play-write and an author and a passionate advocate and civic activist on several fronts, and tireless at whatever she undertook. And all of that wrapped in a delicious sense of humor. Ogden was a livelier and more interesting place because she lived and worked here. And it's less of both now because she's gone.
I only knew her for a little more than a year. Not long enough. Not nearly long enough.
Starting all over again is what Dian came home to do, and Ogden was becoming a much better, more interesting, and LIVELIER place because of it. Many of us were just beginning to know and appreciate her. Dian was a friend and a valuable ally and I thought our best days were yet to come. What's most shocking is the realization that we will have to go on without her. My sincere condolences to Matt and the rest of her family.
Dian was a true friend to the men and women of the Ogden Firefighters Union. She did a lot of research, and helped to correct a mistake by the mis-informed City Council. Dian was a true protector of the publics’ interest and always believed in doing the right thing. We will miss her and her comments and especially her wisdom and guidance. God bless Dian and her family at this untimely passing.
Rudi, you tribute is lovely and just right. We are all better for having known Dian.
Her intellect, charm, wit, multi-talents and warmth made her soo very unique.
How will we fare without her in-depth research and cogent reasoning?
We were hoping Dian would be our next mayor!!
So sweet, likable, smart and inquisitive. Each of us who have known her has felt to be an 'old friend'.
She and Matt were so ideally suited: both cerebral, but 'common' fun--loving and in-love with each other.
God Bless you, Matt...and your family.
Words can never express our deep sorrow at this loss, but we hope you can feel our deep love for you both.
Dian was one of those rare persons that I have been fortunate enough to get to know in my lifetime.
There was only one Dian with her unique gifts.
Our best tribute to Dian will be to continue fighting for what is best for Ogden and the causes she was involved with.
Please don't let her down.
Indeed. Eastern religionists would call dian "an old soul."
Dian had too much wisdom accumulated to be accounted for in one life-time.
Her time here, however short it was, should be regarded as a kick in the ass for those of us who are left "behind" with her passing.
Dian's ghost has unfinished business.
Dorothy is right, as per usual.
The way to "honor" Dian, is to complete the projects that she started.
Thank you, Rudi, and everyone else, for putting into words many of the thoughts that I would have had trouble expressing. What a sudden shock and horrible tragedy. Like Curmudgeon, I've had the privilege of knowing Dian for only a little over a year. Her intelligence, patience, creativity, articulateness, and deep commitment have been an inspiration to me and to many, many others. She can never be replaced. Yet I hope that the example she set will continue to inspire us all to work for the common good and make Ogden a better place.
Truly sad and shocking news. Dian seemed like a person that would live forever. And perhaps she will with all that she put into words, with her thoughts, actions and good intentions. Much of it for the betterment of Ogden City. We will miss her input and objective observations. She had a special optimism and believed in a better Ogden. May she grace us here in Ogden from above and help guide us through some challenging times. Dian will truly be missed. I am grateful to have known her and spent time in her presence. The heavens have received home a special soul. Our prayers go out to Matt and her family and to all of her friends who are mourning and missing our friend Dian.
ogden iiis
I want to thank everyone who has called and offered condolences and support. Your calls have been heard and deeply appreciated. For the most part, I am leaving the phone unanswered, as I try to deal with the inevitable 4 billion things to do when something like this happens. I will post Dian's Memorial Service times and dates on the blog when I have everything firmed up. Thank you again.
Dear Matt,
Such a lovely, loving insightful eulogy you have tendered to your darling Dian.
Thank you for illuminating the many facets of her personality.
Your deep love for her,and your exciting and sweet companionship is breathtakingly tender.
We pray for warmth and peace for you and your family and for those sweet memories to comfort you.
We are here,
Base and Sharon
Dian came into my life last year during my campaign for City Council. There was an immediate bond that grew over the past year to a deep love and I feel that I have lost a sister. My life was so blessed with Dian's and Matt's friendship. They made a great couple and complimented each other's personality so well that they were a joy to do things with. Matt, my heartfelt sympathy and my prayers are with you as you face your tomorrows without her sweet but strong presence by your side. I will cherish the afternoons that I spent in Dian's kitchen as we talked about everything. She helped me so much through her research, her wisdom and advise. She often shared her experiences with the Screenwriters Guild as she saw the parallels between it and our City government. She was a constant support to me and she will be missed more than I am able to express. It is incredible than one person can touch another person's life so deeply in such a short period of time, but that is the kind of person Dian is. She reinforced my core principles and made me a stronger and better person because of our friendship and association. She was a part of my life when I needed her and her mortal life ended way too soon, but her influence will continue to be a part of my life. Matt, our hearts mourn with you, and I pray that you may be comforted and consoled by the Holy Spirit.
Dear Matt,
I am so honored to have known Dian and was looking forward to another of our 'annual visits' when I received notice of her passing while overseas--the day after I had sent off a Christmas card to you both. We shared quite a history together during the last 28 years -- theater, friends and acquaintances, monumental life changes and events. We kept in touch through thick and thin. Even when time and distance separated us for long periods, we always managed to find each other again. Dian's unique sense of life often sustained me during difficult times. I was so happy to renew our friendship during the past couple of years and also happy that she found true happiness and love with you at the same time I found my true love and happiness with 'my' Matt. As Dian would agree: nothing in life is coincidence. We shared the same sense of humor and I so loved to hoot and holler with her in your living room. How we would laugh! She was my mentor, too, teaching me yoga and illuminating me with her myriad thoughts and philosophies. I will miss her so much, but know she is looking out for us in her own way. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. With much love,
Mary Anne Heider
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