Come on now, devoted arts supporter and lover of all parties Diana Kirkwood can’t turn 96 – and a half — without a celebration.
Friends and family organized a little something special Wednesday night to recognize both her and her decades’ worth of contributions to the local arts scene.
The social gathering, dubbed DiFest, was held at the home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC). Kirkwood’s milestone half birthday was as good excuse as any to hold a party, organizers figured.
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Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe dropped in to proclaim it Diana Kirkwood Day in Ottawa. He used to sit on the board of the GCTC with Kirkwood, and credited her with helping the professional theatre company relocate in 2007 to its current location, at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre on Wellington Street West. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for our community,” he said in presenting Kirkwood with the framed proclamation. “This city is very grateful to have Diana Kirkwood.”
Kirkwood grew up involved in ballet and, later, also became a theatre enthusiast. She’s supported or served on the boards of such groups as Les Grand Ballets Canadiens, Ballet Jazz, the National Ballet, the Ottawa School of Dance, the National Arts Centre (NAC), Theatre Ballet of Canada and GCTC.
The room heard how Kirkwood was the recent winner of $2,000 from the GCTC’s 50/50 raffle. She donated half her proceeds back to GCTC and the other half to PAL Ottawa, a local charity working to build affordable housing for aging artists. It’s raised $1.6 million toward its $2-million campaign, its campaign cabinet chair, Sandy Mackay-Smith, told OBJ.social. With shovels in the ground, the new 86-unit building on Rochester Street is looking to open in September 2025. The charity is working in partnership with Ottawa Community Housing.
All guests were encouraged that night to donate to these two causes.
As part of the tributes, Ottawa poet Laurie Koensgen recited a poem she’d written for Kirkwood on her 90th while Ottawa-based actor, playwright and stand-up comedian Pierre Brault spoke to the honouree’s tremendous influence, both as an arts supporter and as an audience member. “I can say, with no exception, that there’s no fiercer defender of the arts and culture in this town than you,” Brault told her.
The party included a slideshow that captured Kirkwood’s love of life, from socializing with friends and family to cross-country skiing, kayaking and sailing. Popular fitness instructor Joseph Cull led everyone in a rendition of the Happy Birthday Song. Champagne glasses were raised in a toast. A piece of birthday cake was personally delivered to Kirkwood, complete with a dazzling sparkler.
Guests included former and current neighbours, golf partners, book club friends, theatre pals and cottage neighbours. The grandmother and great-grandmother was also joined by her four children: Peter, Gill, Melissa and John.
Kirkwood loves parties. So famous was she for her parties, back in the day, that she earned herself the ‘hostess with the mostess’ moniker. Back in 2015, she lost her husband of 62 years, David Kirkwood. He’d enjoyed a distinguished career in the public service that took them overseas to Paris, Athens and Bonn.
Eldest son Peter said his father’s career benefited “enormously” from his mother’s help in hosting and attending social functions. He spoke of her optimism, confidence and cheerfulness as qualities that he admires and loves. “No matter what she’s involved with, she jumps into it wholeheartedly.”
The son also touched on his mother’s unique sense of style, particularly her penchant for bright colours “supplemented by large, chunky costume jewelry.”
Kirkwood also had her own career. She sold homes until she was in her 80s.
Organizers started planning the party about two months ago. It was popular caterer and food shop owner Sheila Whyte who’d successfully broached the idea with the family. She’s known Kirkwood for most of her life, considering her to be like “a second mom”.
“She’s always been a mentor, such a huge supporter of me and of Thyme & Again, and of anything to do with the arts community,” Whyte told OBJ.social.
John Goldsmith, who’s retired now but used to work for Canada Council for the Arts and the NAC, did a superb job as the evening’s emcee. Also on hand to welcome guests was GCTC’s managing director, Hugh Neilson.
At one point, Kirkwood was feeling so self-conscious that she asked if anyone wanted to physically trade places with her at the front of the room. “Di, you’re stuck here and you’re just going to have to deal with it,” Goldsmith jokingly retorted.
When Kirkwood did finally address her guests, her remarks were brief but gracious. “I’m overwhelmed, absolutely overwhelmed, and truly embarrassed,” she said while telling everyone how undeserving she felt of the attention. “I haven’t done anything exceptional at all in my life, except to have wonderful family and friends, and love my life … It’s just been wonderful.”
caroline@obj.ca
