Pamela Jean McIntosh (nee Woods) was born September 24, 1944 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She died peacefully in Tofino Hospital with her beloved husband David by her side on the morning of August 1, 2018, of mesothelioma cancer. Pam leaves behind her husband David McIntosh, daughters Lisa (Gregory Sundstrom), Sarah (Tom Rahme), Gwyneth (Zak Bougraine), five loving grandchildren (Nikolai, Sasha, Liam, Ethan, Rayyan), and her brother Michael Woods (Donna Woods).
Pam moved from South Africa to Brentwood Bay, BC with her brother and parents in 1950. After her school and university years in the Victoria area, she moved to Ucluelet with husband David in 1968, intending to stay in a teaching position at the local school for one year, but fell in love with the natural beauty and sense of community of the west coast, and never left.
In recent months while she was ill, friends and families routinely referred to her strength, compassion, generosity, humility and integrity. She was a fierce defender of principles of justice and equality, and consistently worked to instill these values in her daughters.
She was a dedicated member in a number of local community organizations, including the Pacific Rim Arts Society, Seaview Seniors Residence, and St. Aidan's Church. Pam was also a beloved teacher and librarian for over three decades at Ucluelet Elementary School, teaching several generations of children in the community.
Pam was also a lifelong learner. She was always ready to read a book on a new topic, try a new recipe, or to pick up a new craft like quilting, scrapbooking, or playing an instrument. She was physically active and especially enjoyed activities with friends, such as the "CROCS" walking group, swimming, tai chi, and qi gong classes.
More privately, Pam loved to laugh and make silly jokes and was always game to "cut up a rug" with her family. Pam also loved listening to her daughters singing together and adored music of many kinds, ranging from classical orchestral and chamber music, to Elton John and Rod Stewart. Singing in the Ucluelet and Tofino Choir was one of the activities that made her feel better long into her illness. Although Pam faced many illnesses and challenges in her lifetime, she did so with calm fortitude. We miss her intensely.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Tofino Hospital Society in recognition of the generosity and care from friends and the medical staff of the west coast.
An open house to remember Pam will be held at the McIntosh residence on August 25, from 1:00 to 5:00. A small memorial service will be held at St. Stephens Church, Saanich, on September 22.