Diane Lynn ARAKI

1958 - 2015

ARAKI, Diane Lynn (nee Kratofil): December 16, 1958 – February 12, 2015 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Diane Lynn Araki on February 12, 2015 in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Diane was born in India while her parents, Paul and Louise, performed missionary work. In 1961 the family moved back to Canada and settled in Dominion City, Manitoba. In 1966 they moved to Roblin, Manitoba, where Diane attended Gooselake High School, graduating in 1976. Inspired by her father, Diane began her nursing career in 1980 in Hope, BC. Here she met the love her life, Chris Yoshio Araki, and they were married in 1986. From 1988 -1992, Diane worked at Penticton Regional Hospital, and then joined Interior Health in 1992. Throughout 1992-2007, Diane worked in various positions including Travel Clinic Coordination, Infectious Disease Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza Planning and Communicable Disease Programme. During this time she also obtained a Master of Public Health and Epidemiology degree in 2006 from Lakehead University in Ontario. Diane liked to say, "I was born in India and born to travel." All those who knew her attest to her tremendous dedication and energy for helping the poor, the sick, and for doing everything she could to help prevent disease and death, especially among children. While still based in Canada, Diane went on emergency health deployments to Sudan, Afghanistan, Kenya, and Solomon Islands (following the 2007 tsunami.) In 2007, Diane began working full time for UNICEF in Sri Lanka, as a health and nutrition specialist, and after demonstrating her exceptional management skills she was rapidly promoted to Chief of Field Office. She then took over as Chief of Field Office in Gaza, Palestine (2010-13), a particularly demanding and intense responsibility, which she cherished. UNICEF Pacific then named Diane their Chief of Vanuatu Office in 2013, where she served with wisdom, dedication and enthusiasm until her untimely death. Living life to the fullest, she took the art and practice of nursing to a level to which most only aspire. Diane was unfailingly kind, warm, and generous to all, and preferred to converse about the lives of family and friends rather than her own adventures. A true humanitarian, Diane will always be remembered for her big smile and infectious laugh. Diane leaves behind her three sisters, Debbie, Donna and Darlene (Dan), numerous extended family members and friends, beloved cat Rosie, and much-loved husband, Chris. A celebration of her life will be held in Penticton in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to UNICEF Vanuatu cyclone relief fund would be appreciated.