We Remember

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.

A second Celebration of Life for Pam will be held in Minnesota at a later date.

Service
Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 at 1 pm

Location
Willow Park Church

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Kelowna’s Gospel Mission Link: www.kelownagospelmission.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BENSON, Pam is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 at 1 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Willow Park Church

439 Hwy 33 Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Sharlene Gray says:
    January 18, 2018 at 3:03 pm

    Randy and family. We remember a vibrant, beautiful and caring woman that Pam was and at this time share in the saddness of your loss. We are praying for you. Respectfully, Cal & Shar Gray

    Reply
  • Randy and Veryl Cermak says:
    January 18, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    Randy and family, thinking of you all at this time and pray God’s peace surrounds you. Pam was a beautiful and lovely woman. I heard you will be coming down to North Branch, possibly this Spring, so we will see you then. Take care.

    Reply
  • shanthini (Theyagaraj) Baskaran says:
    January 18, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    Randy, so sorry to hear about Pam. Know that we are praying for you and keeping you and your family before His throne of Grace.
    Love,
    Shanthini

    Reply
  • Sala Seseacagi-Ratu says:
    January 19, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Aunty Pam always had this radiant smile and was so energetic. Praying for you all during this difficult time. Love and prayers from the Seseacagi family in Lautoka, Fiji.

    Reply
  • Art & Barb Corbett says:
    January 19, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    Randy & family are hearts are heavy for you and pray you feel God’s every lasting love and arms around you. We pray you will feel God’s Peace today and for the days ahead. Pam will be missed and will be remembered for her smile and love for others. Pam is dancing with Jesus with no more pain. We love you all. May God Bless you and give you His strength and hope today and always. We love you. Love Art & Barb

    Reply
  • Kimberly Stanyer says:
    January 19, 2018 at 8:34 pm

    Randy. My heart goes out to you and your family. Big hugs my friend. She will stay with you in spirit. ❤

    Reply
  • Marg and Andy Sarah Adam Amy Mitch Chelsea and Jaxon says:
    January 19, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    We will all be thinking of you all at this very sad time Pam will be in heaven watch over all her family forever ❤️❤️

    Reply
  • Nancy Somerville says:
    January 20, 2018 at 10:28 am

    Dear Randy and family, my last memories of Pam are just days before she passed, as beautiful as always, and very sweet and gracious to her visitors. We are so sorry you have lost your precious wife, mother and grandmother. She leaves you all a wonderful legacy of faith, love, joy and fun. A treasure.

    Reply
  • Nick and Stacey Schultz says:
    January 21, 2018 at 10:15 am

    So sorry for you loss. Our heart and prayers go out to your family.

    Reply
  • Johnny Joyce Franklin says:
    January 21, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Our prayers to the family. Sorry we didn’t have the opportunity to
    Know you better. Pam was a sweet niece. So blessed to get to see the wonderful Christian woman she became.

    Reply
  • Elaine Porisky says:
    January 21, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    Randy and family. I can’t imagine the loss you are feeling. My prayers are with you. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.

    Reply
  • Mark & Dianne Hancock says:
    January 22, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Randy at this time of great loss.
    Mark and Dianne Hancock, #28

    Reply
  • Sheldon & Marlene Beagle says:
    January 23, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    Randy, we are sincerely saddened and sorry for your loss. So thankful, as I’m sure you are too; Pam, is no longer suffering. That does not take away any of the pain you all feel. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family as you journey through these days and weeks ahead. May God be your source of peace and strength.

    Reply
  • Bob and Lesley-Anne Evans says:
    January 24, 2018 at 9:32 am

    Randy. When we think of Pam we picture that huge smile of hers. We did not know her for a long time but when our paths did cross she always had that big smile to offer. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family for losing a good woman way too soon.

    Reply
  • Selena Stearns says:
    January 24, 2018 at 11:23 am

    Sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family Randy. May your faith, and the love and support of all who knew Pam, carry you through this difficult time.

    With deepest respect,
    Selena

    Reply
  • Christine Ransom says:
    January 24, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    Dear Randy and family,
    As we left the church after Pam’s beautiful memorial service, we were struck by the huge gentle snow flakes floating softly from above….it was so beautiful!

    Reply
  • Sally Godsell says:
    January 25, 2018 at 3:05 am

    Dear Randy and family
    It was a lovely service yesterday. I loved to see all those wonderful photos of Pam as a beautiful woman sharing so many happy memories. I knew she wa very fit and athletic but didnt don’t know she liked to dance!
    Our daughter Megan passes on her love and hugs to Kendra . Your children’s tribute to their mom was very touching. Remember that there are a lot of people sharing your grief and loss and you are not alone.

    Reply
  • Garry Enns says:
    January 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

    It is with deep regret that I was informed of the death of your beloved wife.
    May the love that God is wrap you as you grieve.
    You may contact me as you wish.

    Reply
  • Harold and Natalie warkentin says:
    January 29, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    We so appreciated your ministry here in Tofield. We remember Pam as enthusiastic, kind and loving and always a pleasure to be with. We are so sorry for your loss, Randy and will be praying for you and your family

    Reply

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