Pamela Mary Robertson

Pam was born in Calgary, AB, the second youngest in a family of six children. She grew up in the neighbourhood of Glamorgan, where she spent her school years surrounded by siblings, cousins, and community. From an early age, Pam showed the creativity, humour, and determination that would come to define her life.

When Pam met Patrick in Calgary, they dated for three years, and then their lives took on new meaning and a new direction when they moved to Vancouver in 1986, got engaged and married shortly after. Together, they went on to share 39 years of marriage and raised two children, Stephanie and Russell. Pam filled the kid’s childhood with music, laughter, and creativity. Pam infused her children’s lives with song, laughter, and creativity — often singing Raffi tunes or watching Mr. Dressup, Mr. Rogers, or Sesame Street. During her time on the farm, Pam found great joy as a grandmother to Desiree and Jason.

Pam’s career was as diverse and energetic as she was. Over the years, she worked as an optician, real estate agent, store manager at the Red Rooster, and a heavy equipment operator as part of the Operating Engineers’ Union. She loved her role working as airport security and proudly served as an usherette at Calgary Flames games and other arena events. Her adaptability and humour shone through every role she took on.

Pam’s love of farming began as a young girl with the help of her family. She raised rabbits and sold them to the local community as pets. In early retirement, Pam and Patrick bought the Falkland farm and Pam felt overjoyed to embark on her dreams of being a farmer. She named every animal she raised and showed them deep affection and kindness. On the farm, she focused on growing gourmet garlic and tending to her land in countless other ways. She was tireless in finding creative solutions to improve her farming operations, and her garlic quickly became locally renowned.

Pam’s quirks were part of her charm. She had an eye for finding useful and unusual treasures from her time at Wastech, and was especially enthusiastic when Canadian Tire trucks came in. She was a natural storyteller and could turn her daily experiences into tales that entertained her friends and family and conveyed important life lessons. Pam also had a strong sense of social justice. For example, she began learning American Sign Language in the 1980s–long before inclusivity became a mainstream value.

Pam was committed to her community. She was a proud and active member of the Order of Eastern Star and formerly served as Bethel Guardian of Job’s Daughters where she mentored and inspired young women. As PAC president at Alderson Elementary, she advocated fiercely for children’s safety, leading a successful campaign to move a program for convicted offenders away from the school. Pam never hesitated to stand up for what she believed was right.

Those who knew Pam will remember her sayings from “who wants to be the lucky winner?” when she needed a hand, to her later phrases like “pile it high and watch it fly!”. More than her phrases though, her spirit endures; people will remember her for her hospitality, her gatherings, and a boundless love for her communities.

Pam will be dearly missed by her husband Patrick, daughter Stephanie (Troy), son Russell, and grandchildren Desiree and Jason. She is survived by her siblings Elizabeth (late Alan), Kathleen (Lindsay), Elaine (late Bill), Robbie (Mary), Gail, her many nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Margaret, and brother Bill.

Patrick, Stephanie, and Russell warmly invite family, friends, and members of her many communities to gather at the farm to celebrate Pam’s life, and her accomplishments over the past eight years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pam’s farm on Sunday, September 28th at 11:00am. Friends and family are invited to come together in the place she loved most.

Pam would want guests to come and take food from her harvest as a parting gift of her efforts. The family would suggest that you dress as if you were headed to a pumpkin patch.

Please RSVP to Russell by Monday, September 22nd. He can be contacted through email at [email protected], by text or phone at 604-910-3539.