A Life Long Legacy

Leaving a legacy means your life and generosity will make an impact on the people and communities that are important to you, long after you are gone. This was certainly the case for Pamela Gardner, a lifelong resident of Burnaby, who made an enormous impact in the community and on the province of BC throughout her life.

Pam, as she liked to be known, gave much of herself and her time to the Burnaby community. Achieving many milestones in Burnaby, this spearheaded a lifetime of loyalty and appreciation for the city and its residents. Born at Burnaby Hospital May 24, 1966, Pamela attended Burnaby South Secondary, received a degree from SFU in Kinesiology and Political Science, founded Burnaby Orthopedics and treated patients at Burnaby Orthopedic and Mastectomy. 

A passionate and dedicated volunteer, she served as Treasurer of the St. Michael’s Complex Care Centre, President of the Rotary Club of Burnaby, and Chair of the Burnaby Hospital Community Consultation Committee. She was on the boards of Simon Fraser Health Region, KidSport Burnaby, the Life Saving Society of BC, and the College of Denturists of BC. Additionally, Pamela represented Burnaby, the North Shore and Tri Cities as Regional Director of the BC Liberal Party.

Unfortunately, at only 54 years of age, Pamela passed away from cancer at Burnaby Hospital June 24, 2020. However, her legacy lives on. Says Pam’s good friend Dianne Doyle, “Pamela’s last days were spent at Burnaby Hospital, and in her Will she specified Burnaby Hospital as a charity she wanted to support. In her business life she connected frequently with hospital staff to identify and address patient needs. Pam was especially drawn to assisting the disadvantaged and was a passionate supporter of Burnaby Hospital because she recognized the invaluable role it plays to the health and wellbeing of the Burnaby community.”

An astute businessperson, Pam knew that planned giving is an excellent way to ensure an individual’s wishes for the allocation of their assets are identified and appropriate recognition is discussed in advance. Prior to her passing, Pam was clear about her wishes regarding allocation of her estate to support Burnaby Hospital and other charitable causes that were important to her.

“Pamela left us too young but her legacy of charitable giving and community involvement live on as examples for all of us to follow. We will remember Pam for her team spirit, her zest for life, and her passion for family and friends. We will miss her smile, her generosity, and her political and community involvement,” says good friend Dianne Doyle. “The legacy that Pam left for Burnaby Hospital will contribute to improved health care in Burnaby, the community she loved so much, for years to come.”