BENSON, Pam
April 25, 1955 — January 16, 2018
Pamela Louise Boppel was born April 25, 1955 in Dayton, Ohio to Henry and Vi Boppel. She grew up with three brothers, Greg, Karl, and Ed. When she was entering high school, her family moved to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan just outside of Detroit. She was an energetic, enthusiastic teenager, and a cheerleader in her high school. It was during high school that her friends invited her to go with them to the youth group at Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church. It was there she encountered Jesus and made a commitment to Him. That decision would be the foundation for the rest of her life. Her involvement with that youth group introduced her to Briercrest Bible College on the cold prairies near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. It was there, in the fall of 1973 that Pam met the love of her life, Randy Benson. They were married three years later on July 10, 1976.
Pam and Randy started life together as youth pastor couple for a church in Dallas, Oregon. Pam stayed busy as a new wife and home maker, and it was there that their three children were born; Chandra (who was only with them for three days), Kendra, and Adam. Pam continued to develop her artistic skills of sewing, tole painting and water colors. In 1981, Pam and Randy moved to Canada to continue pastoral ministry in Tofield, Alberta, and in 1987, in Calgary. With both kids now in school, Pam resumed her receptionist career working in a doctor’s office and for an orthodontist. She worked hard, and for one year was the main bread winner of the family while Randy was between jobs. It was during their time in Calgary that they had the opportunity to participate in a Youth with a Mission Family Discipleship Training School. So the family packed up and spent 3 months in New Zealand and 3 months in Fiji.
1993 brought the family to Kelowna, which has become home. Pam continued her receptionist career, working for dentists, a chiropractor, Willow Creek Canada, and lastly as the receptionist for Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. Together Pam and Randy enjoyed biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and going to the gym. A highlight for them was their trips to Hawaii, three of which were with the entire family. Pam so much enjoyed her time with her children, Kendra and Graham, Adam and Carin, and her grandkids, Sienna and Zepplin, Elizabeth, Oliver, Myles, and Nolan. Pam had great relationships with all of her kids and grandkids and was able to love on them and enjoy them.
Pam was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease in July, 2013. Encouraged by her doctor to travel as much as they could, in that first year, Pam and Randy took a trip to Australia to see Kendra and family, enjoyed an Alaskan cruise, and had their second Hawaiian family reunion. By 2016, it was apparent that Pam needed more assistance, so Randy arranged in-home care while he was working. Pam went into residential care in June of 2017. Pam lived out her last months at Mountain View Care facility. Many thanks to the staff for their care and genuine love that they showed Pam during that time. To the end, Pam kept up her smile, good humor and love. The staff reported that Pam would often spontaneously break into dance, swinging her arms and twirling around.
Pam passed away on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2018 surround by her family and bathed in love. She will be greatly missed, but leaves a legacy and fond memories that will last forever.
A celebration of Pam’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 at 1 pm at Willow Park Church, 439 Hwy 33, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, www.kelownagospelmission.ca.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de BENSON Pam April 25 1955 — January 16 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
