It is with heavy hearts that the family of Pam announces her passing in Whitehorse. Pam was predeceased by her husband Paul, and her parents, Gordon and Maree Stanford. She is survived by her children, Tracy (Scott) and Graham (Liz), her grandsons Jack and Michael, her relatives in New Zealand and many cherished friends.

Pam was born and raised in Taranaki, New Zealand, where she spent much of her free time playing sports and swimming at the beach. After graduation, she continued on to Teacher's College. In 1961, as a 21-year-old, she developed a strong yearning for travel and adventure, which would stay with her for a lifetime. She and her friend Janice boarded a passenger ship and left New Zealand to see the world. After stops in many countries, where the two would sightsee and work to save money for the next leg of their journey, they ended up in Vancouver, where they answered an ad for waitressing jobs in Haines Junction. Not long after arriving in Haines Junction, Pam met and fell in love with Paul, and her quest to travel the world was put on hold. Pam and Paul eventually made their home in Whitehorse, where they built their log home and raised Graham and Tracy.

Pam was a dedicated and caring teacher for 35 years. She began teaching at Whitehorse Elementary and later taught at Jack Hulland and Selkirk. She obtained her bachelor’s and then master’s degree of Education from UBC and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students.

Pam loved adventure. She loved to be out hunting and fishing in the bush, on a boat in the middle of nowhere, or travelling across Canada and much of the States. Pam and Paul explored almost every square inch of the Yukon and Alaska. She hiked the Chilkoot Trail, took multiple trips back to New Zealand to visit family and friends, and in 1991, shortly after the Iron Curtain fell, travelled to Russia alone, to meet and visit with Paul's relatives. She continued on to Europe to meet up with her friend and travelling companion, Janice, to finish the final leg of the world journey they began as 21-year-olds.

Pam also had many other interests including berry picking, sewing, baking, reading and gardening. She was an avid gardener who loved to grow her own vegetables and create special spaces with her flowers. After retirement, she took up genealogy and quickly exhibited a sharp sense for detective work, following clues and tracking down leads. She volunteered for many causes and events and was always happiest when helping others.

What will be most remembered by Pam's family is a very special person who cared deeply for family, friends, and animals, and who always had a smile and helping hand for anyone she met. She loved her grandsons Jack and Michael immensely, and valued her time spent with them. Her retired teacher’s coffee group was also very special to her. She will be missed dearly.

In the final years of her life, while dealing with dementia, Pam was cared for with exceptional compassion and dignity by Dr. Biss and staff at Whistle Bend Place and Sunrise (Victoria) Care Homes. Pam's family are forever grateful for the amazing caregivers she had on her side.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer Society of Canada or Humane Society Yukon. A celebration of Pam's life will be held in the Spring, when the flowers are blooming.