The news media in British Columbia is in mourning in the wake of the passing of Dianne Newman, a trusted voice on local radio airwaves for more than two decades.
Newman died on April 1 at Vancouver General Hospital. She was 69.
No official cause of death was provided.
Newman’s obituary describes her final days as marked by courage and grace.
After receiving a rapid diagnosis of a terminal condition, she made the decision to pass away peacefully rather than prolong what her family called a “hopeless situation.”
The veteran journalist was known for her calm presence and clear, no-nonsense delivery, during nearly 20 years with CKWX, including 15 years as a prominent voice on the morning and midday broadcasts of 1130 NewsRadio — formerly known as News1130.
She helped launch the station’s all-news format in 1996, quickly becoming a familiar name to listeners across British Columbia.
Before her rise in Vancouver media, Newman began her career at Mountain FM, covering the Squamish and Whistler region.
She later joined 1040 KICKS in Vancouver, continuing to hone her craft as a broadcaster.
Her work was defined by intellectual rigor, warmth and an unflinching commitment to clear, unbiased reporting — qualities that endeared her to both colleagues and the public.
“She was a shining light and a mentor,” one former colleague said.
“Serious, talented, and loved what she did.”
Outside the studio, Newman’s voice reached even further.
For the past 13 years, she worked as a narrator for Descriptive Video Works, providing detailed, accessible descriptions of movies and television shows for people with visual impairments.
Her colleagues praised her clear articulation and ability to bring stories to life without distracting from the content.
According to her family, she was a gifted musician who performed with the group Groove Therapy, often bringing joy to seniors and veterans around Vancouver.
She was also known for her hospitality, often welcoming friends and family with the smell of homemade bread, hearty meals and hand-crafted preserves.
Born on January 11, 1956, in Chilliwack, B.C., Newman was the youngest of seven children in the Newman family.
She remained deeply connected to her roots and spent time living and working in various Canadian cities, including Toronto and Squamish, before settling in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood with her longtime partner, Brad Copeland.
The couple shared more than 30 years of love, laughter, and, as her family fondly recalled, “dancing in the kitchen.”
She is survived by her partner Brad Copeland, five siblings, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Marion Newman, her sister Bettylou, her brother Ed, nephew Michael, and brother-in-law Don.
A celebration of Dianne Newman’s life will be held on June 1 at 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighborhood.
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