Pamela Jane TURK

TURK, Pamela Jane,
of Vancouver, BC, died at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with cancer. Pam was born in Winnipeg where her father was stationed as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. She grew up as an army brat in Shilo, Winnipeg, Oromocto and in Germany. As a child she could never understand how someone could be happy growing up in 'only one place' and as an adult she developed a deep love of travel. Pam attended UBC and then went on to work in the Canadian investment industry for more than 25 years finishing her career as associate director at Scotia McLeod. Pam was a recognized leader and an inspiration to all that knew her. Her competence and professionalism earned her much advancement throughout her career. She rose from receptionist to compliance officer, then sales assistant and branch administrator and, for the past several years, regional and national administrative roles. Pam championed the people who worked with her. She trained and mentored countless young people who entered the investment industry and who continued to call on her for advice and guidance throughout their careers. Pam was a positive, beautiful force. Her spirit was so big, her energy so infectious that over the years she attracted a great many friends; colleagues, clients and others; who appreciated her vitality, her warmth, her great sense of humor, her loyalty and her honesty. Pam faced her illness with the same courage and matter-of-factness with which she faced every challenge and she lived her life to the fullest. She treasured her time with her husband John and with her family and friends. She was a force to be reckoned with who never suffered fools, but whose beautiful spark brightened the days of virtually everyone who came in contact with her. She will be deeply missed by many.

Pam was predeceased by her father, Tom. She is survived by her beloved husband, John Newell, her mother, Jeanne Turk, her sister, Lesley (Don Ferguson), her brothers Tony (Lorrie Siemens) and Michael (Margie), her step-children Hayley, Anthony and Emily Newell. Pam was the special aunt of Jasmine and she loved all of her nieces and nephews, Carol, Christine, Donny, Sandra and Thomas and great nieces and nephews Caitlyn, Bizzy, Camille, Zachary and Ethan. And her dog, Ruby, who loved her unconditionally.

Pam's friends are invited to celebrate her life at 4 PM, Friday, September 22 at Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Crosscreek Road, West Vancouver, BC.

If desired, donations would be appreciated to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, Suite 200 – 601 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4C2.