Pam Parker Obituary

Pam Parker 1951 - 2012 Pam Parker, wife, mother, grandmother, artist, inspiration and champion for the Boise Community died on Monday, March 12, 2012 at her home in Boise, Idaho. Pam's career started in 1972 as the bookkeeper for the Boise YMCA's Executive Director and by the time she retired from the Y in 2003, she had directed a $13.5 million Capital Campaign used to build the National award winning West Family YMCA & Boise City Aquatic Center, acted as their Executive Director and as their Philanthropy and Communications Officer. She moved on to work with the Nature Conservancy as the Director of Philanthropy and finally to the Bogus Basin Mountain and Recreation Area as their Vice President of Development. With only a High School diploma, she developed this impressive career by working hard, seeing a need, and filling it - she achieved any goal set before her. The Idaho Business Review interviewed Pam and quoted her as saying, "I always felt like if somebody had expectations of me, then I must be able to do it - they wouldn't ask me to do something I couldn't do." She continued by adding, "I'm very motivated to be creative and get the job done because I really care about it and have cared for all the people I have worked for and with." Pam was often recognized for her achievements and contributions. Some of the awards she received included Outstanding Development Executive Award by the Idaho Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the WCA Joyce Stein Award for Pioneering Impact on Growth and Advancement of Women and the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Outstanding Development Executive Award. Of all her achievements, Pam was most proud of her marriage of 42 years, her daughters, the home she built and the marathon she ran at age 50. Of all of her passions, cooking an elegant meal for her friends and family and being in the outdoors were the things she loved the most. Pam enjoyed backpacking, running in the foothills, sailing the San Juan's and serving as co-pilot while flying in the Idaho backcountry with her husband. She made every day count. If Pam wasn't volunteering for community services, which included positions as an acting member of the Boise Art Museum Board of Trustees, Boise Metro Rotary Club and the American Cancer Society State Public Information Chair, she was giving to her friends and neighbors with her creative talents in cooking, sewing, gardening and the arts. Pam had cancer and lived the last six years with incredible courage and grace. Her strength and positive outlook were always an inspiration to others. She is loved and will be terribly missed. Pam is survived by her husband, Bruce Parker; daughters, Kelli Parker and Abbie Parker and, their husbands Olivier Chatel and Steve Korol; her granddaughter, Elsinore Korol; sister-in-law, Le Kelleher; her parents, Marvin and JoAnn Turner; as well as her siblings, Joe Turner, Ival Turner, Pat Petrie, and all of their children and grandchildren. A memorial service to remember Pam and the beautiful life she led will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at the West Family YMCA, 5959 N. Discovery Way, Boise, ID 83713. A celebration will follow. Details about the reception will be coming soon and will be on Pam's blog at http://pamspipeline.blogspot.com/ , and to share memories with the family please visit Pam's memorial webpage at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Bogus Basin Mountain and Recreation Area or the Boise Family YMCA.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Mar. 15, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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thinking of my dear friend this week and all of those she watches over. We love you Pam..... and you will be happy to know that we are loving each other.

Denise

March 10, 2013

I first met Pam before our 5th grade year at Garfield. She was a good friend and we had lots of fun. I last saw her at a store in McCall. She shared her illness with me and was on my mind for weeks. I sifted through her guest book soon after her passing, but couldn't message until now, just after my father's passing. We grew up in old south Boise. It was a great time to be a kid. I miss her and wish her peace.

Jan (Albright) Kirk

August 30, 2012

With tears flowing down and a huge lump in my throat, i write this.

It is May 5th. . Robby and I just found out why our friends have not been able to visi\t again this year.

Every time I look out on the water, I see sail boats that remind me of Pam and Bruce and the fun we had with each other when they would come to visit the islands.

Pam was the most amazing woman and I will never forget her, ever. My memories of Pam started in 1978 when I began working at the YMCA Pam was always ready to help in any situation and I always felt comfortable in her presence. She will live in our hearts forever.

Love to Kelli, Abbie and Bruce, God bless you.

Jodee and Rob Robinson, San Juan Island, Washington

May 5, 2012

very sorry to hear about Pam's passing. Ed and I had lots of good times working with Pam. She will be missed. All of our love to Bruce and the girls. Now just know that you have a angel watching over you. Our prays are with your family. With Our Love Pat and Ed Mechtel

Pat and Ed Mechtel

April 2, 2012

Pam was a conduit for love--who connected and nurtured people effortlessly. We are grateful for her, and for her family who shares so generously. Our thoughts and love are with you always.

Denise Caruzzi

April 1, 2012

Bruce,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Pam was a very special Lady. I am sorry that we could not make it to the memorial today. We are thinking about you though.

Randall & Launa Jayo

March 18, 2012

Pam was an incredible person -- full of love, courage, and life. She made this a better place and she will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Bruce, and to your family.

Jodee McDowell

March 17, 2012

Pam was a wonderful, wonderful person and friend. I haven't been very close to Pam and Bruce the past couple years but will never forget all the time spent with two very special people. Travel well Pam see you again someday.

Ronnie Temple

March 17, 2012

Very sorry to hear of Pam's passing. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to you, Bruce, and your family.
George & Teresa Opolski

George & Teresa Opolski

March 17, 2012

Dear Parker family,
I was so sorry to see that Pam had died. She left a wonderful legacy to the community and to the state, but that does not mute the grief that her family and friends are feeling now. My condolences to you all.

Patty Pierose

March 17, 2012

I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers now will be for your peace and gratitude that Pam graced your life for so many years.
With best wishes to you and your girls,

Julie Kane

Julie Kane

March 16, 2012

Being in Pam's presence was like being caught in the rays of sunshine. Her face shone with light and openness and she positively radiated warmth and goodness. I am sorry that you have lost her. Judith Allan

March 16, 2012

"Bruce and family...We are so sorry for your loss.Pam was such a wonderful person. She had a beautiful heart for everyone,and will be remembered for all the wonderful things in life she did...Your cousins Glen & Marlene Smith

glen and marlene smith

March 15, 2012

Pam was always the sweetest person -- much like her mother. I had not seen her in years, but I am glad that her life was so full of good causes. Hugs to all the family and friends who can attend the service. Her cousin

Bert

Bert Dudley

March 15, 2012

DEAR bRUCE; IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE OUR LAST CONTACT. BUT I THINK OF YOU OFTEN WHEN I DRIVE HOME FROM MY EXERCISING CLASS AT ST ALS. I HAVE KEPT A LITTLE BIT OF CONTACT FROM MIKE BARTON ( MY DAUGHTERS BOY FRIEND) AND SO KNEW BOTH OF YOU HAD BEEN ILL AT HEALTH. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS AND ON THE PRAYER CHAIN AT CHURCH. I LOVE YOU BRUCE AND MY MEMORIES ARE FROM LONG AGO. I TURNED 90 ON FEBRUARY 1, BUT STILL GOING STRONG MARIE WHITE=GRAMMU

March 15, 2012

Bruce..I am so sorry for your loss. Pam was a beautiful girl -even in high school. She was younger but I still had contact with her off and on over the years. You and your family will be in my prayers..Chic (Haroian) Rementeria

Chic Rementeria

March 15, 2012

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