The heartwarming legacy of generational giving in the MacDiarmid family
For generations, the MacDiarmid family have quietly dedicated themselves to giving back, from volunteering and supporting local charities to creating endowments to provide lasting support, they inspire those around them through their kindness and spirit of giving. Their commitment to philanthropy, particularly at the University of Manitoba, exemplifies the profound impact of generational giving.
A legacy of generosity
The story begins with Dr. William MacDiarmid and his wife Bette (Brown) MacDiarmid [BEH/53], who met in Regina and believed deeply in volunteering, donating, and in later years, the power of philanthropy. Together they got married, started a family and moved around Canada and the US, including many happy years in Winnipeg. Dr. MacDiarmid, a dedicated physician, UM professor and head of the Department of Internal Medicine, was passionate about his work and actively gave back to the community through support for local churches and involvement in the early days of Klinic—a charitable, not-for-profit health care centre based in Winnipeg. With Bette’s unwavering support, he balanced his demanding career with his role as a devoted father, making his schedule work so he could be home for family dinners, take charge of bath time, and read to the children at bedtime and beyond. Together, William and Bette created a nurturing and values-driven household, raising their children with a strong emphasis on community, generosity, and family bonds. Their partnership and shared dedication to volunteering and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others left a lasting legacy for their family and the communities they served.
William and Bette MacDiarmid on their wedding day
Following Dr. MacDiarmid’s retirement, his family sought to honour his legacy by establishing the W.D. MacDiarmid Family Endowment for Internal Medicine at UM in 1999 and designated it to support education. It has been used to renovate a space, including equipment, for teaching at the St. Boniface Hospital. This endowment not only supports future medical students but also serves as a reminder of the values instilled by a loving father who cherished education and community service.
Dr. William MacDiarmid, UM professor and head of the Department of Internal Medicine
After Dr. MacDiarmid’s death in 2000, his son, Donald, discovered a handwritten list of charities his father had supported, a testament to his unwavering commitment to helping others. “I had that list taped inside the door of my office credenza for 20 plus years as a reminder,” he shared, highlighting how his father’s legacy continues to inspire his own philanthropic endeavors.
Bette’s journey: A commitment to education
Bette (Brown) MacDiarmid’s journey began at age 17 in Saskatchewan, where she learned that she could attend UM while still in grade 11. Encouraged by her father, she seized the opportunity, becoming one of the few girls to venture into university life at that time. Living in residence for four years, she embraced the challenges and triumphs of academia and graduated in 1953. With a degree in Home Economics, she moved on to teach high school for a couple of years until they started having children.
Bette Brown (spelled Betty in the archive photo) graduated with a degree in Home Economics from UM in 1953
Years later, she reflected on an article she had read in the newspaper about the limited access to education for many. This revelation ignited a sense of responsibility within her. “I felt like I owed something back to society when I graduated,” she often expressed, underscoring her lifelong commitment to giving back. Bette’s journey of volunteerism didn’t slow down when she got married. In the 1970s, she and her husband, Dr. William MacDiarmid, taught a marriage preparation course at their church, sharing their wisdom and strengthening the bonds of others. In Winnipeg, she was affectionately known as “the Tuesday Lady” by her Meals on Wheels clients, who looked forward to her warm deliveries. Later in life, after moving to Victoria, she continued her service by volunteering 5 to 10 hours every week at her church’s thrift shop—a role she maintained well into her late 80s.
UM 1953 Home Economics Council
In 2023 she took the initiative to create the Bette MacDiarmid Family Bursary Endowment. Her motivation stemmed from a desire to support mature Indigenous students, a cause close to her heart. “She wanted to assist those who may have missed out on a more direct path to post-secondary education,” her son explained. This endowment reflects a commitment to reconciliation and a recognition of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
“I was delighted when my daughter showed me the video of thanks from the first bursary recipient,” Bette recalls, sharing the joy that comes from seeing the direct impact of their giving. This sentiment resonates deeply within the MacDiarmid family, reinforcing their belief that every act of generosity contributes to a larger narrative of hope and opportunity.
Inspiring generosity across generations
The MacDiarmid family’s legacy of giving is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting future generations. Family philanthropy comes from deep-rooted connections and shared values, ones that William and Bette’s children, John, Margaret, Donald and Andrew, continue to embody through their contributions to UM. Notably, Andrew is an assistant professor at UM in Internal Medicine, furthering the family’s commitment to education and mentorship. The endowments they have created are opportunities for students who strive to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Through their ongoing commitment, the MacDiarmids not only uplift individuals but also inspire a legacy of generosity that will resonate for years to come.
UM’s endowment fund exceeded one billion dollars this year – a tremendous milestone in UM’s nearly 150-year history. 6,400 donors annually, through endowed and annual gifts, contributed $40 million in scholarships and $14 million in bursaries, creating possibilities for students of all backgrounds, for generations to come.