Diane Sakal

1947 - 2020

On July 1, 2020 Mrs. E. Diane Sakal (Lumax) of Minitonas, Manitoba passed away at the age of 73. She is survived by her loving husband, Terry ; their three children, Heather (Derek) of Roblin, Manitoba, Bob (Stacey) of Swan River, Manitoba, and Dean (Sarah) of Swan River, Manitoba ; her grandchildren Randy (Meg) of Roblin, Robin (Trevor) of Roblin, and Caleb of Benito, Manitoba; as well as great grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother Doreen Lumax; and her seven siblings, Reta (Rick), James (Bev), Lyle (Carolyn), Winona (Brian), Myles (Ruth), George (Rhoda), Lori (Jerry) as well as many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is predeceased by her father Darrell Lumax.

Diane was born April 21, 1947 in Swan River, the second child in the family. If you spend anytime with her siblings you will hear the stories of her adventurous spirit, always daring to explore. Growing up in a farm family meant plenty of time in the saddle and helping with the garden and cooking.

She completed her schoolling in the Valley and headed off to the city to begin her adult life returning to the Valley in 1975 where she met the love of her life, Terry Sakal and they got married on August 6, 1977. Moving to Kamsack, Saskatchewan, where Terry was from, they would spend several years there before moving back to the Swan Valley with their family to begin raising horses. She had many jobs in her life and met many people during those times. She loved people, and always had time to visit. Her passion for many years was always horses. She would spend hours out in the pasture with her camera taking pictures and making videos. She loved foaling time and could often be found squatted down early in the morning watching a new baby stand for the first time. She helped to get the Manitoba Paint Club going again and was a huge supporter in making it a success, from hiring judges, to printing the newsletter. Her pursuit of building the club also built long lasting friendships in the horse world. She was always up for a volunteer job working the gate at the light horse ring during the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Her and husband spent hours travelling to look at ‘a good colt’ or to haul a recent sale to its new owners. It never mattered how busy she was, she always had time to chat and the coffee was always on. After retirement her and Terry spent lots of time working in the yard, gardening, and enjoying time with family and friends. Her love for camping in the last few years meant finally buying a camper and enjoying the open fire and long conversations with friends and family.

A memorial service was held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lumax Cemetery, with Father Warren Dungen officiating.

If friends so desire, donations in Diane’s memory may be made to Swan Valley Agricultural Society, Box 116, Swan River, Manitoba R0L 1Z0.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775 www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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