Diane you are sorely missed. In recent times we enjoyed walks on the beach, chatting over coffee, or dabbling in post retirement art. Diane and I met in the early 80's in Wellington, where we were involved in regional OT meetings and projects. We lost contact for some time until I went on a search for her when I moved to Russell in early 2010. So, it was amazing when we discovered that we lived just across the bay from each other. Soon we linked into common work / employment options and enjoyed many years working together to deliver the community Whakamana Hauora programme and training as well as contracting, as Registered OT's, to AIM. Diane without exception offered her skills and knowledge in a sound, compassionate, no fuss, modest, calm manner. I owe much of my professional learning relating to pain management rehab to her. Family was everything to Diane. On learning of her own prognosis, so soon after Mānuka's passing, she worked meticulously, to sort her affairs and her home, to ease the burden on her whanau. I was so sad to miss the ceremony on March 28th, but was appreciative of the opportunity to tune in from my car, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo. It was a beautiful service. Thank you. Margot Forrest Russell

Diane worked for AIM for many years heading up our pain team following her retirement from TARPS. She was very humble about her skills in the Pain management field but despite this we ALL learnt sooo much from her and many clients benefited and continue to benefit from her skills, knowledge, experience and lovely use of metaphor. She taught us to slow down and listen, meet the client on their terms and establish very meaningful goals that THEY want to meet allowing them to see what often tiny changes can make. We miss her guidance. Then, she retired from AIM – but no… she wanted to stay engaged which we welcomed with open arms. She became our team meeting and team professional development coordinator, doing a fabulous job until ill health forced her to take a step back. Our team miss her terribly as we know many others do.

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Diane in Wellington in the 1990's. As a young OT from the UK, Diane and her colleague Karis Boyd nurtured and encouraged me as an Occupational Therapist and a new arrival to New Zealand. Diane was truly inspirational in her practice, with a sense of humour and love of life. When Diane moved to Auckland, it was a pleasure to work with her on OT Board activities and again enjoy her encouragement and wisdom. Thank you, Diane. Thinking of all her family especially at this time, Tanya Loveard

Diane employed me as an Occupational Therapist at the Psychiatric Unit, Wellington Hospital in 1988 on my return from maternity leave. As the Team Leader she was a fantastic, positive person and a very insightful therapist. At our most memorable staff. Christmas party we stood out as the only two who followed the Christmas theme, dIane as a Christmas pudding and me as a Christmas parcel! I missed her greatly when she moved to Auckland. However we kept in contact as I also moved to work in Pain Management so we met at conferences and for dinner on Diane’s visits to Wellington when she was on the Occupational Therapy Board. I’m sad for her passing and send my best wishes to the family Denise Gow

I first met Diane in 1950. It was my first day at Karori School in Wellington, in the new entrant class, called Tiny Tots. The teacher asked the pupils for someone to play with me (Maxine) at playtime, and Diane Jones put up her hand. We were best friends for the rest of our time at school. Diane lived at 6 Donald Crescent, near our house at the top of Donald St. We would walk home together, and often play at each others' homes after school. Diane had an older brother, Glen, and much older sisters - Lois and Val. Diane and I would often play outside , taking turns in the swing in their long garden. Diane was a happy, confident child and took after her Welsh father in appearance but with her French mother's brown eyes. Diane and I remained friends at Wellington Girls College, and afterwards were Occupational Therapy students in Auckland, living first in the Methodist Girls Hostel in Remuera, and then in a flat in Greenlane with other girls. A group of us girls had 2 tenting holidays together. It was on the Gisborne holiday that Diane met Manuka, who was then called Alvin Arnold. When they married I was a bridesmaid at their wedding. I met up with Diane, Manuka and their family a few times after that, but unfortunately we largely lost touch after they shifted away from Wellington. It was wonderful to meet up with Diane again on Facebook a couple of years ago, and to talk and message each other from time to time. We had planned to meet up in person, but sadly that was not to be. I am so appreciative of Diane's friendship, and thankful that she was able to spend her last months at home with family. Maxine Ryan (Heinz)

I was so sad to hear the news of Diane's passing, especially so close to Prof Mānuka. Diane has been a huge role model to me through my career, especially her work in the 1990' s about cultural safety & she was just so wise, hard working, pragmatic & kind. I now work at the Ministry of Health to try and make change and Diane was part of getting me there. Our profession has missed her since her retirement and she will always be part of our history. Thank you and go well Diane, my thoughts and aroha are with your whānau.