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In passing

In recent weeks Whistler has said good-bye to three of its pioneers.

Darlyne Christian, 1936-2004

Darlyne Christian, a long-time Whistler local who was a florist, champion cookie maker, frequent volunteer and active member of the Whistler Museum board of directors, passed away on Oct. 25. Known as "Mrs. C" in the community, she recently moved to Squamish.

She is survived by four sons, Allan, David, Glen and Curtis, who still calls Whistler home; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nephews, nieces, family and friends.

There will be a memorial service for Darlyne at the L.D.S. Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 5280 Kincaid Street in Burnaby.

Harvey McDiarmid, 1917-2004

Harvey McDiarmid passed away at his home in Coquitlam on Oct. 20. During his life Harvey presided over a number of different companies, and was an early pioneer of Whistler Mountain in the 1960s. He built the Highland Lodge in the Creekside area, where the Rimrock is located.

In addition to being employed in the timber sales, home-building and oil and gas industries, Harvey was an active member with various charitable groups. His contributions included helping found the Variety Club of B.C., where he helped to raise millions for the construction of the B.C. Children’s Hospital. In 1985, Harvey received the Variety Club’s prestigious Heath Award.

Harvey is survived by five children, Philip, Wendy, Don, Bob and Marion, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at Chown United Church in Vancouver on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked people to make donations to the Variety Club of B.C.

Jan Dilalla, 1925-2004

Jan Dilalla, a former Justice of the Peace in Whistler, passed away on Oct. 30, leaving her husband, relatives, and a legacy in Whistler.

Born in Holland, she married Canadian serviceman Nick Dilalla following the liberation of Europe after the second World War.

She and her husband played an active role in the development of Whistler through their involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, and Jan herself was a former manager of the Crystal Lodge, and later of the Glacier Lodge.

She was also a Justice of the Peace, and presided over hundreds of weddings in Whistler and Pemberton.

The Dilalla’s lived in Alpine Meadows, where they were known to be active antique collectors.

One friend remembers that she was always in the society pages of the local newspaper, and that she was active in local charities. "I only hope people realize how much she did for Whistler," said the friend.

The Dilalla’s left Whistler and moved to Chilliwack in the late 1990s.