December 8, 1925 - April 12, 2015
Pamela Emily White (nee Ferguson), 89, of Campbell River, BC, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2015, within the circle of support from her loving family and while sharing cherished times in her life’s journey.
Pam was born in Victoria BC on December 8, 1925, the beloved and youngest daughter of Roberta Scott (nee Brown) of Kilmarnock, Scotland and Kenneth Farquhar Ferguson, of St. Thomas, Ontario. She grew up in Victoria, BC and graduated from Victoria Senior High School. She was a member of the Victoria Girls Drill Corps, a Cub leader, an avid cyclist, and loved track and field.
Pam was married to Cyril Stuart White (Cy) on June 19, 1948 at St. John the Divine Church in Victoria. During their 52 year marriage, they raised 5 children, moving 29 times in their first 12 years of marriage, following Cy’s career and living in such varied places as Schenectady, New York; Montreal, Quebec; Peterborough, Ontario; Chemainus and Vancouver, BC. Pam and Cy retired to the Oak Bay area of Victoria, BC, in 1998.
Pam began her working career as a medical records stenographer at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC until her marriage to Cy. After their move to Vancouver she worked as a secretary in the Chancellor’s Office at the University of British Columbia and then found the perfect job as a secretary with a group of orthodontists (Drs. Hayes, Malkin, Cutler and Rossman). Pam was also involved in P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) – an organization that raises money for women’s education. She actively attended Anglican churches throughout her life, including St. Philip’s in Vancouver (especially enjoying her time with the Jones Girls) and recently St. Mary’s in Victoria, BC.
Pam was a ‘gentle soul’ and an inspiration to many. She enjoyed playing bridge and scrabble, sailing, knitting, and was a voracious reader. She also enjoyed gardening, writing letters and creating poetry for family and friends to celebrate their special life events. She had a contagious smile; a positive outlook on life and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Many of the family’s dearest friends felt that Pam was their mom too – someone who was always eager to hear news of their many life adventures!
Pam is survived by her 5 children: Barb Wood (Ron), Don White (Lori), Richard White (Renée LeBlond), Susan Vandermolen (Jeff), and Kathryn White (John Thornhill). Also survived by her grandchildren: Carolyn and Nick Wood (Dylan Reiswig), Andrew and Theresa White, Ryan and Réa White, and great granddaughter Aura White, other extended family, and many, many close friends. Pam is predeceased by her husband Cy White, and her brothers and sisters: Helen Gordon (Allan), Bob Ferguson (Laura), Hugh Ferguson (June), Jack Ferguson, and Grace Weatherhead and is survived by her brother-in-law Glenn Weatherhead.
For Pam's Campbell River friends and family, please join us at Evergreen Seniors Home for a small memorial service to be held on Wednesday, April 22nd at 3:30pm. A private burial will be held in Victoria where Pam will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Cy. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 1pm at Cedar Hill Golf Course in Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, 2390 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC V8N 1V7 or to Chapter AZ, P.E.O., c/o Barb Wood, 817 Georgia Drive, Campbell River, BC V9H 1S2 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may also be left with Boyd’s Funeral Services at www.campbellriverfunerals.com.
The family of Pam White wishes to thank Dr. Jon Walker and the care-providers and residents of Evergreen Seniors Home in Campbell River for their love, friendship and respect which made a warm and loving home for Pam and her family over her final months and days.