The AUUC Vancouver Branch is deeply saddened to announce the loss of our longtime branch president, AUUC activist, and friend Dianna Kleparchuk. Dianna (DiDi) celebrated her 85th birthday shortly before her health took a turn for the worse and she passed away last month after a short hospital stay. 

Dianna spent her life at the Vancouver Ukrainian Hall, as she grew up living across the street.  She started Ukrainian dance at the age 3, which became a lifelong passion.  She took on roles as performer, teacher, mentor, and leader at the hall for over 80 years. 

Much of Dianna’s work focused on developing and promoting Ukrainian culture.  She performed as a member of the Kobzar Dancers, taught in the AUUC dance school and later became the director of the school.  To continue increasing her knowledge of dance, she attended multiple Ukrainian Dance workshops over the years.  She chaired the AUUC National Performing Arts Committee which helped to develop our performing arts groups and organized national workshops and festivals.

Dianna also took on leadership roles both locally and nationally, serving on the executive for many years and as president of the Vancouver Branch for more than 15 years. She represented the membership by serving on the AUUC’s governing National Committee for many years, helping guide the organization and set AUUC policy.

We will miss Dianna’s dynamic presence and her guidance to keep our organization looking forward.  Our year end concert will include a short tribute to Dianna’s life and work and we hope you can attend to honour her life and support a culture that she loved.  We are proud to have been a part of her life and to have benefited from her passion and knowledge.

Our profound condolences to her husband Larry, their son Kevin and his wife Marnie, grandchildren John and Megan, and to all other members of her family. The family has requested that any donations in Dianna’s memory are to be made to AUUC Vancouver branch.