It is with deep sadness that Edmonton Opera mourns the passing of Dr. Dianne Kipnes, one of our most devoted supporters, visionaries, and champions. Dianne’s contributions to Edmonton Opera and the cultural fabric of our city are immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Dianne Kipnes was a trailblazer who shaped Edmonton into a hub for the arts and health care. Alongside her husband Irv Kipnes, she founded Edmonton Opera’s Valentine’s Gala, our largest annual fundraiser, which has become a cornerstone of our organization. Through their generosity and leadership, Dianne and Irv led the Opera’s endowment campaign, raising over $20 million to ensure a steady and sustainable income for the company. This transformative achievement has secured Edmonton Opera’s future and allowed us to continue sharing the beauty and power of opera with our community.
Beyond her impact on the arts, Dianne was a tireless advocate for health care and medical research. Her passion for improving patient care and advancing research led to groundbreaking initiatives, including the Dianne and Irving Kipnes Chair of Lymphatic Disorders at the University of Alberta - the first of its kind in Canada. Her efforts extended to veterans’ care, cancer treatment, and radiopharmaceutical sciences, reflecting her deep compassion and dedication to making a difference.
Dianne’s philanthropic journey began in 1992, when she and Irv hosted intimate charity dinners in their home every Valentine’s Day. The overwhelming success of these gatherings led to their relocation to the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, where they raised millions of dollars for causes close to their hearts. From creating the Kipnes Centre for Veterans to supporting cancer research and establishing the Kipnes Lantern at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Dianne’s legacy extends far beyond Edmonton and touches lives across Canada.
Her accolades and honors - including the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Peter Lougheed Award for Community Service, and the Order of Canada - reflect the widespread recognition of her exceptional contributions. In 2009, she and Irv received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta, further solidifying their status as pillars of the community.
In addition to the incredible work she dedicated to Edmonton Opera as a board member from 2002, and Chair of the Board from to 2008 to 2010, Dianne’s support went far beyond her formal roles. She had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, frequently reaching out to our team with thoughtful phone calls to check in, warmly welcoming new members with a smile and a hug, generously sharing words of advice and encouragement. Her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Garner Beggs, Edmonton Opera’s current Board Chair, reflected on Dianne’s legacy: “Dianne and Irv Kipnes set the gold standard for philanthropy in this city. Their vision, generosity, and determination created opportunities that will impact generations to come. I had the privilege of joining the Opera Board through their encouragement and mentorship, and I often look to their example as a guiding light. They didn’t just support and donate financially - they inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Whether it was donating time and resources, buying opera tickets as gifts, or encouraging love for the arts, they showed us what true commitment to community looks like.”
While we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Dianne Kipnes’ remarkable life and enduring legacy. Edmonton Opera is forever grateful for her support, her friendship, and her belief in the transformative power of the arts.
Our thoughts are with Irv Kipnes and their family during this difficult time. We honor Dianne’s memory and vow to continue building upon the foundation she so generously helped create.
Dianne, your extraordinary contributions to our city, our organization, and the lives you touched will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.