Tom Bradford
Shortly after I met Diane, she moved to a small wooden frame home that had been relocated to Kihei, Maui, Hawaii from one of the old plantation workers “camps”. She painted the walls with flowers using a lot of earth tones and peacock blue, except for the “guest” bedroom which was circus orange with white stripes. Her friend, Celine, later occupied this room. We decorated the kitchen sink with a map of Maui, framed by rope, and covered the front of the sink with bamboo.
Before becoming her husband, we became the best of friends and when it was time for us to leave Hawaii; she decided to go home with me. That was one of the best moments of my life!
Soon, we were married on a perfect, sunny afternoon in an outdoor ceremony, with family and many friends present, in my parent’s backyard patio. She arranged the wedding to be Hawaiian, including native Hula dancers she found in Montgomery. We lived in an apartment in Montgomery. With her usual flair, and taste, Diane decorated our home with vivid colors and beads hung in the doorways.
One of our cats, Lil Bit died in that apartment. Diane had a close relationship and strong feelings for all of her cats. For some reason, she always felt as though she let them down. That was a strong emotional burden for her. But Diane never complained about any hardship.
Later she taught English at the University of South Carolina and participated in the USC Theatre, contributing by building and painting theatrical sets. Also working for a travel company, this afforded us many free accommodations. We were accepted as part of the upper social circle and unlike me; she fit in perfectly, winning the approval and admiration of Columbia’s society wherever she met them.
Diane loved to prepare romantic dinners at home, spiced with international flair and dressed in the applicable costume. She made crafts and painted oil paintings and heraldry.
She loved the beach. We traveled and spent as much time as possible on a beach. We traveled to the Greek festival in Charleston, where she shared a stranger’s flask, shooting the stream through the air into her mouth. We visited New Orleans docks and met dock workers and sailors, who treated her like a lady. She truly never met a stranger.
She was a wonderful companion and wife, and had a strong and determined character! There was no point in getting in her way when she wanted something or wanted to do something. She could be headstrong at times; but never selfish. Our failed marriage was never her fault. I bear that responsibility and loss.
Diane was the love of my life. Even after our divorce, we kept in touch. We went on vacations together and even lived together for brief periods when there was a need. Eventually, distance and preference for locale made it clear that we were never to be together again, but we kept in touch via email and phone until days before her passing.
Diane dared to live. She was always spontaneous and willing to explore. I and all who came in contact with her will forever remember her and feel the emptiness that losing her left in our lives. My years with Diane were probably some of her most difficult mentally, but whatever the circumstances were, she always gave the best she could. As of last August 17th, she had been sober for forty-one years. True to her character and personality, Diane kept every promise she ever made.
Diane, you are special and rare!
That you died is a great loss for all of us that knew you.
You filled the lives of those you touched with spontaneity of “Life”.
I and those who knew you wish we could thank you again for your love and affection.
You made the years we knew you so special.