PAMELA VER CHAPMAN
March 13, 1945 ˜ August 15, 2021
Pamela Ver Chapman passed away Aug. 15, 2021, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. She was born March 13, 1945 to Harold William and Barbara Ver Kirch in the then Territory of Hawai’i. Pam spent her childhood and school age years in paradise. She shared these precious years with her older brother Michael and her younger brother Patrick, and many beloved neighbors, classmates, and friends. Pam graduated from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, in 1963. She left her island home to attend college at Western Washington State College in Bellingham, where she studied to become a teacher.
While in college Pam met the love of her life, James Chapman, a native of Vancouver, WA. On Aug. 19, 1967, Jim and Pam were married in Honolulu and then moved to Walla Walla, WA, to begin their life and teaching careers. After a few short years, they moved to Vancouver where they both continued teaching and raised their family. Pam joyfully spent her rewarding career teaching kindergarten and the primary grades for 30 years in both the Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts. Pam touched the lives of so many young students over the years. Her passion for making learning fun and meaningful inspired her students to become lifelong learners. Pam was always learning and looking for the best methods to engage her students. After retiring, she continued to teach and inspire in many different capacities. She was a supervisor for student teachers and taught a course for new teachers at City University. Through this dedication, Pam will continue to touch the lives of young people for generations to come.
Pam’s greatest joy in life was her family and her dogs, especially her best boy, Tucker. She loved every moment spent with her four grandchildren, Will, Maile, Jackson, and Ellie. Their “Pam,” as they so endearingly called her, was a stable and loving force in each of their lives. Pam especially cherished their trips to Hawai’i, holidays, and cheering each of them on as they pursued their dreams. She has forever touched their hearts with her loving presence and each of them know that she will always be with them.
Pam visited her beloved Hawaiian Islands very often, sitting in the sun and walking on her favorite beaches, searching for shells. Taking after her father who had been in the orchid business, Pam loved caring for her orchids and beautiful flower beds. Pam loved traveling and spending time with dear friends and longtime colleagues. In recent years, she was also very dedicated to her work with the Assistance League of SW Washington, a nonprofit with the mission to transform the lives of children through community programs. She became an active leader in a very short time due to her passion for helping children.
Pam is survived by her beloved husband, Jim of 54 years; her brother, Patrick Kirch (Therese Babineau); her daughters, Michelle Buss (Don) and Nicole Brown (Brian); her grandchildren, Will Buss, Ellie Buss, Maile Brown and Jackson Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael Kirch.
A celebration of life is being planned in Pam’s honor for a later date, due to the pandemic. More information will be given as the details become available.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pam’s name to the Assistance League of SW Washington (PO Box 65, Vancouver, WA 98666).
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Mrs Chapman was my first and second grade teacher at BBC in Vancouver. I am so saddened to hear of her passing. She was my favorite teacher and I will always remember her. She always used to read us Junie B Jones books and I have started to read them to my daughter who is 4. Prayers to the family and thank you Mrs Chapman for having an impact on my life.
Emily Peterson
Other
August 14, 2023
Hi Jim and family,
I was so saddened to read about Pam's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Diane O'Connor
Diane O'Connor
September 30, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Jim and all the family for the loss of an amazing life. I taught with Pam at Burnt Bridge Creek for many years and she was an talented and amazing colleague. She will be missed by all.
Patty Hughes
Patty Hughes
Work
September 30, 2021
We are beyond sad Jim, family & dear friends for Pam's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this heartbreaking time but know in our hearts that she will always be with you and you with her. She was a lovely person and we were fortunate to be neighbors to you both, loved seeing her walking her beloved dogs.
There is a saying I received when my father passed I want to share with you...
Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in the Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines upon us to let us know they are happy.
Author unknown
Special love to you all!
Gary & Darla Warner
Friend
September 30, 2021
Pam was my mentor when I was first hired in Evergreen in 2003 and I always enjoyed her real tips and ideas as I was just getting started. She was so encouraging and warm. I wish her family lots of support and love through this.
Lissa Evin
Work
September 27, 2021
Our memories are numerous for Pam & her wonderful family. Years as Coach House neighbors, many fun get togethers, fabulous "girls" NYC trip, collecting Lucy Bears, and always being there for family and friends.
We love you & will miss Pam always,
Sandy & Ernie Oosterveen
Sandy & Ernie Oosterveen
Friend
September 27, 2021
Pam was my son Marc's 2nd grade teacher at BBC. She was one of his favorite teachers. Her room was so inviting and the decor changed each month(I was in awe). She inspired Marc to read with Amelia Bedila. He loved sitting in the overstuff bear and was know to fall asleep on occasion on the bear. Her love of children was evident and she will be missed
Janet Railsback
September 27, 2021
In her relatively short time in Assistance League, Pam touched my life along with the lives of many others. Her graciousness, wit and dedication to kids and education made a difference, and will continue to do so for years to come. We miss her, but are grateful she came into our lives.
Nancy Gaston
Friend
September 26, 2021
RIP Pam...So glad that I was able to meet you thru our ork at City University..
Charles Sester
Work
September 26, 2021
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