Diane Margaret Hogg (nee Morgan) was born on November 13, 1956, in Perth Scotland.
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She died suddenly in Benalla on June 12 this year.
Diane was the only child of Ted and Isabel Morgan.
In 1958 the family moved to Australia and settled in Geelong.
It was during their time in Geelong that Di was introduced to Aussie rules and first started following her hometown team.
She remained a loyal Cats supporter for the rest of her life.
Di completed her primary and secondary schooling in Geelong, before the family moved to Warrnambool where they managed a service station.
This experience helped her with her first job at Black Magic dress shop.
She worked hard and brought her first car, a mini minor.
Owning her own car gave her independence, and not long after she was working at the Commonwealth Bank in Warrnambool.
An unexpected opportunity early in her career had her move to Benalla.
Leon Judd saw management potential in Di and offered her a position as the manager of the Royal Hotel in Benalla.
She happily accepted the position, but on the proviso it would only be for two years and she would then return to Warrnambool.
However, little did she know she was heading toward the town where she would find her true love, and she would never leave.
While Di was working at the hotel, a local sportsman, Brian Hogg, caught her eye.
Brian had won a trophy at an end-of-year function and she asked him, if she could help polish it.
That comment was the start of a long and beautiful relationship.
The pair were married on March 10, 1990.
On September 16, 1993, Maddy was born and three years later the Hogg family was complete when Steph was born September 21, 1996.
Both girls are outstanding in their sporting fields and have become successful in their field of employment.
Di worked in various positions in different banks before her and Brian purchased the Comfort Inn Motel in Benalla.
It was here that Di excelled.
She had a wonderful rapport with clients and people just kept coming back.
In the first two years Di and Brian worked really hard, with no breaks.
And because of this they won many awards.
The staff enjoyed working there, customers kept coming back and they were loved and admired by the national owners of Choice Hotel Enterprise.
Below are some exerts from a letter from a boss at Comfort Inn Australia “Di was vivacious, gregarious the best laugh to match her sharp wit and cracking sense of humour”.
“Di was well known for her incredibly warm caring ways, thoughtful and selflessness, I have watched many check in and even her guests were greeted like friends or long lost relatives.”
“Di and Brian made a remarkable couple and excelled at partners in business. The dream team.”
“There is still no comprehending Di’s passing, it was simply too sudden too soon.”
Later on Di and Brian did manage holidays.
Bali was their desired destination. Di loved it and would send lots of photos home to the girls.
Brian, Maddy and Steph would like to thank the people of Benalla, family and friends for their ongoing support during these difficult times.
A life gone before her time. A great person who will be sadly missed.
Di, Disy, Dinky Di, Morgs, mum. Miss You always.
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