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Diana Tillion Obituary
A celebration of her life will be held June 1 at her island home.
She was born June 1, 1928, in Paradise, Calif.
Diana first came to Alaska in 1939 on a 90-foot vessel, The Discoverer. Her mother and stepfather
were working at the Independence Gold Mine.
She moved to Homer with her family in 1942. She graduated from Homer High School in 1948.
She initially studied art in New York, London and Paris. She is known for her octopus ink paintings but was also an accomplished sculptor, poet and writer.
She maintained an art gallery in Halibut Cove.
She married Clem Tillion in 1952. They had four children: William, Marian, Martha and Vincent.
Diana remained very active with her art career while raising her family, and she continued to paint up until the last week of her life.
Her family wrote, "First a mother, always an artist and the heart of our family."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diana Tillion
Susan Swartz
March 6, 2010
I was just thinking about Diana and how I could see her again. I will always remember her as an inspiration.
Greeta Brown
March 3, 2010
So many years - such fond memories. God rest your beautiful soul, Diana. You brought joy to so many. God comfort all family and friends who love and honor you.
Dawnell Claessen
February 16, 2010
To the entire Tillion family, please accept my deepest sympathies. I will always treasure my time in Halibut Cove with Diana and the Tillion family.
Juliana Osinchuk
February 10, 2010
Visiting Halibut Cove was never conmplete without visiting Diana in her beautiful gallery, and hearing her speak with enthusiasm about art and nature. She will live on forever in her art and our memories. My deepest condolences to the family.
Elisabeth (Engstrom) Lee
February 10, 2010
Dear Clem and family -
I feel so saddened at Diana's passing and treasure the experience of knowing her. I have some very special memories of visits with her and with you in Halibut Cove with my sister, Mary Hanson, and Jim and with my dear friend Pinky Brindle. We have several of her paintings which will be reminders of her forever.
Mary Pat Murphy
February 8, 2010
Dear Clem and family,
I treasure the octopus ink painting that I purchased from Diana. She was a very special person and I know you will miss her. My prayers are with you.
Mary Belle Belarde
February 8, 2010
May God bless and keep you all in your time of sorrow. I finally got to eat one time while at Halibut Cove instead of watching and looking at the painting and paintings. I would rather be in the shop. Thanks for lots of lovely times. You were all so friendly.
Linda Steiner
February 8, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am the proud owner of one of Diana's paintings. She had a wonderful spirit that I know will live on in her children and grandchildren.
February 8, 2010
On our annual summer visits to Alaska and without fail Halibut Cove, we have always enjoyed visiting with Diana in her wonderful studio. While this is an opportunity to celebrate her long, productive, and influential life, it is also time to recognize the void that her passing represents. Sincere condolences to Clem and all her family.
Marianne and David Inman (Fayette, MO)
February 7, 2010
Clem and family. Please accept my condolences for the loss of Diana. She brought some wonderful times and art to all of our lives. Fondest Regards, Terry Dale.
February 7, 2010
To Clem and family, I don't know words to express the heartfelt sorrow at your loss. You each have had a very special place in my heart for decades. My thoughts are with you, Debbie Haakenson
Karen L Lew
February 7, 2010
My parents, Lyman and Betzi Woodman, spoke glowingly of the Tillions, staying at their Halibut Cove home, and especially of Diana's octopus ink artwork. Our sympathies to her family.
Leon Koenck
February 7, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Clem and family. Diana's art inspired, and her open heart touched everyone who came into her life by her sharing of love, generosity, and compassion. Alaska has lost a true treasure, yet I feel that there will be a star that will shine brighter, and the skies will be painted with more vibrant colors as Diana's spirit soars.
L Lucy Groh
February 7, 2010
I am so sorry that this vibrant creative Alaskan has left us. To Clem and family my sincere condolences for the loss of their caring dynamic wife and mother. Lucy Groh
Beatrice Abfalter
February 7, 2010
we the family of the late Bill VanHoose;send to you the Tillion family our deepest sympathy at this sad time in your life.In the early to mid fifties my family lived in a green cabin in Halibut Cove.
Arthur Newman
February 7, 2010
A beautiful lady, my prayers are with you.
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Memorial Events
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