Pamela Margaret Barton

1951 - 2015

Pamela Margaret Barton obituary, 1951-2015, Calgary, AB

BORN

1951

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Foster's Garden Chapel & Crematorium

3220 4th St NW

Calgary, Alberta

Pamela Barton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 21, 2015.

Dr. Pamela Barton died unexpectedly in Calgary on January 19, 2015, surrounded by family and friends.

Pam was born in East Molesey, England, on April 25, 1951, to Nancy Fitzgerald (née Preston) and Richard Charles Barton. She is survived by her husband Dr. Douglas Richard James, brother John Barton, sister Sue Schroder, and extended family on both sides in Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand. Pam came to Alberta with her parents and sister in 1954 and grew up in Edmonton and Calgary. She graduated from the University of Calgary with an Honours BSc in biochemistry in 1973 and an MD in 1976, the year she married Doug. She joined him at the University of Minnesota where she trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, before completing her Canadian requirements at the University of Saskatchewan in 1981. In addition to achieving specialist qualifications in PM&R in the United States and Canada, she earned subspecialty board certifications in both electrodiagnostic and pain medicine. She held clinical and academic appointments at the universities of Western Ontario and Calgary, where her work focused on musculoskeletal medicine and chronic pain. In 1997, she cofounded and was the first medical director of the Calgary Chronic Pain Centre, where she maintained her practice. Admired by her colleagues and patients, she mentored medical students, residents, and professional peers, and was known for her expertise in treating the most complex cases. She was as committed to those in her personal life as she was to her profession, making no distinction between family and friends, passionate in her engagement with others, always generously sharing her wisdom and affection. For more than four decades, she and Doug cultivated a loving, respectful, and ever deepening relationship. Their appetite for adventure included kayaking in Haida Gwaii, trekking in Nepal, cycling in Morocco, scuba diving in Belize, and travelling widely and often. A Girl Guide and figure skater in her youth, she was an avid ballroom dancer, swimmer, walker, reader, student of Spanish and Pilates, and follower of the arts.

Please join Pam's family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating her life on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Foster's Garden Chapel, 3220-4th Street. N.W., Calgary, AB Donations in her memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in lieu of flowers. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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39 Entries

February 7, 2015

Dear Doug, Fred and I send our deepest sympathy to you. We were so sorry to hear about Pam's passing. We remember our Ballroom club days with you fondly.
Jennifer and Fred Butterworth

February 7, 2015

Shaun Gray

Dear Barton family:
On behalf of the Edmonton rehabilitation medicine community, I would like to extend our sympathy and heartfelt condolences. Pam has been one of the pillars of our specialty provincially and nationally. She will be very much missed.

February 7, 2015

Tania Cermak

RIP beautiful angel! CPC patient

February 6, 2015

Allan Mandel

Dear Doug
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your wife and soulmate. Pam will be remembered as a person who had intellectual passion, as well as a passion for caring and for her friends, of which I count myself as one. I learned a lot from her and always admired her, through 30 years of professional collaboration. She will be greatly missed in the Canadian pain professional community.

February 6, 2015

Nancy Otto

Dear Doug,

Sending you the deepest sympathy in the tragic loss of Pam. My heart goes out to you in suffering such an enormous loss. You are in my thoughts now and will continue to be in the time ahead.

Sincerely,
Nancy Otto

February 5, 2015

Ted Findlay

Kim and I express our most sincere condolences to Doug and family at this too sudden and tragic loss. Like so many others, Pam had an major impact on my own career and interests. We will so miss her leadership, wisdom, and friendship.

February 3, 2015

Hasiba Keskic

To Dr. Bartons Family and Friends, I am very sorry for your loss. Dr. Barton - you may be gone but you will never be forgotton. I will remember you as one of your patients. The first time I stepped into your office I felt loved and safe. Your love and compassion for others will always be remembered. I especially remember how you always went beyond expectations, no matter how much time it took. You changed my life for the better and I will always be thankful for that. I remember telling her how my parents passed away when they were very young and she told me that God only takes special people that young. That made me feel good, and when I heard of Dr.Bartons passing, the first thing I thought of was that God recognized she was a very special person, which I always knew. From the bottom of my heart, you will be missed forever. May God Bless your Soul and take you straight to Heaven. Love Forever, Hasiba Keskic.

February 2, 2015

Amanda Lee

My condolences go out to all of Pam's family and friends. She was an amazing mentor and her compassion and genuinity were always enough to make anyone smile. Pam's outlook on life was an inspiration, and I've learned so much from her. May she rest in peace.

February 2, 2015

We have known Pam for over 30 years, both professionally and as a close friend. We admired her extraordinary affirmation of life in all its aspects, physical, nature, art, feelings etc. She was always enthusiastic, friendly, interested, compassionate and conscientious.

It was a terrible shock to hear of her sudden death. We both are very sorry, and will miss her deeply. Our sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you, Doug. May you have Grace to bear the loss and may good memories of Pam support and comfort you.

Oleh and Maria Maryniak

February 2, 2015

Lila Rudachyk

I am sad and shocked to hear that Pam has died! My sympathy to all her family, close friends and patients. I got to know Pam through CAPM&R, where she was always engaged, involved, and willing to share her knowledge and experience. May she rest in peace! We will remember her!

February 2, 2015

Dr Ken Bowler

Doug both Judy and I were saddened to hear of Pam's passing. Our interactions in London while Pam and I were both at Parkwood Hospital and involved in the Chronic Pain program along with our visits at each other's homes will be warmly recalled. She will be remembered for her professional accomplishments both in London and in Calgary by all of us who knew her. Sincere thoughts are with you as you celebrate her life.

February 2, 2015

Hillel Finestone

I remember Pam from my years in London, ON. She was always so kind and giving of her time. The physiatry community has lost an important person.
Hillel Finestone

January 31, 2015

Donna and Paul Pospisil

Doug and family we were so saddened to receive this news.
I cherish the time we shared in Maui and all the birthday parties with Katherine and Manfred.
Pam was a true and thoughtful friend. We will miss her.

Donna ans Paul

January 31, 2015

Rest in peace Dr. Barton.
You will be missed, deepest condolences and prayers to your family.

January 30, 2015

Michelle Deyholos

Doug, Sue and family - I was so shocked and sad today to hear about Pam. I came to know Pam as a devoted daughter and physician- her passing so shortly after her mom's death seems too great a blow to comprehend. My deepest condolences at this hard time.

January 30, 2015

Rita Donovan

My condolences to my dear friend John on the loss of his remarkable sister, Pam, someone I have heard about for years. So sorry for her husband, Doug, and family. May she continue to be a beacon to you all.

January 30, 2015

Jina Stoianov

So saddened .. Pam was an incredible boss. Teacher. Mentor. Friend. She lived a truly authentic life full of such a focused compassion for everyone, a genuine interest in everyone. She was a gifted doctor with an instinctive comprehension of her patients. I am so blessed to have worked for her and known her these many years and I will truly miss her.

January 30, 2015

Mu husband and I were so saddened to read of Dr. Barton's passing. I first met her as a patient at the Chronic Pain Centre in about 2004, after almost 25 years of pain following a car accident. She was so kind to both me and my husband, but mostly so knowledgeable, and willing to try anything she thought might help me. I had never had the care I received from her from any other doctors I had seen, and I had seen many! For the first time in many years, the all over body pain began to recede, and finally disappear almost completely. We could not believe how lucky we were to have been treated and helped by Dr. Barton. I know she will be hugely missed by all her patients, she was a fantastic doctor, and I will forever be grateful for the care she gave me.
Lori Kromm

January 30, 2015

David Falk

As a fellow medical school classmate, I remember Pam mostly for her ready smile and passion for what she did. Her perseverance for those with complex pain issues is remarkable and only achievable by someone like her. My condolences. She will be missed.

January 29, 2015

Julie England

January 29, 2015

Lynn Needham

We never truly lose our loved ones as they are still alive in our hearts and minds and through us, they live on. Sending our condolences, Pam will not be forgotten.

January 28, 2015

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Pam's passing! I have known her for many years and we always got along! We have shared many conferences together, most recently in May of 2014 in Quebec City, but the best part was "hanging out" with Pam, sharing our chats, walks and dining experiences. She knew all the great places to go in Calgary and Vancouver!
I respected her passion for her work and compassion for her patients. She was committed to making life better for those living with chronic pain and taught us a lot!
My condolences go out to her husband Doug and the rest of her family.
I'll miss you, Pam!
Dr. Gail Delaney, Kingston, ON

January 28, 2015

Marilyn Joseph

January 27, 2015

Randall Kimm

Pam was an endearing soul that you could not help but be immediately attracted to. She was funny and engaging but most of all the world was a better place because of her wonderful approach to life. She was the kind of person you wanted to have in your life. The world will be a smaller and emptier place without her.

January 27, 2015

Cori Kushniryk

I was a patient of Dr. Barton's at CPC. She left a lasting impression on me and I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to meet her. She showed such compassion and understanding and I was always in awe of her vast knowledge and willingness to help. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet her and have her lead my team. She will be missed.

January 27, 2015

Dr. Betsy Woolner

I have always admired her caring and dedication to her patients, even with their incredibly challenging problems. As a colleague, she was the best - she was always available to speak to you, to give you advice about a patient. This is a real loss to the community as well as to her loved ones. My condolences to her family.

January 27, 2015

Dr Steve Simpson

I am sincerely sorry to hear of Pam's passing - I only knew her professionally, but shared patients with her and organised educational events with her. She was very dedicated and it is a great loss to our community that she is gone and too soon.

January 27, 2015

Jatin Patel

My sincere condolences and prayers for your loss.

January 27, 2015

Douglas Bigelow

Doug, Our sincere sympathy and condolences for your loss. From an old friend from years gone by.
Doug and Carolynn Bigelow

January 26, 2015

John McWhae

I was a patient of Pam's for 19 yrs. She was a guiding light who saw me thru a lot of challenges. What a wonderful Dr. Feel I owe her so much. Will try to pay it forward.

John McWhae MD

January 26, 2015

Srini Chary

Doug,
My sinciere symapthies and prayers to you and the rest of the family. Sorry, in my earlier note, I had used James from my address book and I meant Doug. All our love and God bless.
Srini.

January 26, 2015

Wendy Bannerman

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will miss Dr Barton very much. I will miss her smile and statuesque presence, kindness and professionalism. Blessings to her family at this difficult time.

January 25, 2015

Art and Debbie Stiver

January 25, 2015

Ralph and Diana

January 24, 2015

Colleen Wardlaw

Even though I didn't know Dr Barton long she has left a lasting impression on my life. The first time I saw her as a patient at CPC I was amazed at how she wanted to get to know my whole story around pain in my life from childhood to the present; and it wasn't just the pain she was curious about but me as a whole person and not just a file number. I felt for the first time that someone finally "got" what I was saying and feeling.
Dr B I will miss you greatly but I know I'm far better off emtionally and physically because you were in my life. May the Lord keep you safe in His arms and to her family my deepest condolences.

January 23, 2015

Bert Deyell

Forty years ago, a student, I drove from Calgary to Hinton AB to surprise Doug, during Christmas break. It was more of a surprise than I expected: Doug had brought home Pam to get acquainted with his family.

About 35 years ago, on a road trip, I arrived at Doug and Pam's Minneapolis doorstep. They were busy grad students and newlyweds. I suspect my timing was less than perfect yet Pam was smiling.

I don't know if Pam lived long enough to completely forgive me but I know she didn't live long enough.

Doug, the Annapolis Valley and Calgary are far apart but Johanna and I are with you in our thoughts.

January 22, 2015

Stephanie McNeil

Pamela was a very special individual, a tireless advocate for her patients, a champion of her medical specialty, Physiatry, and a role model for her students in her demonstration of professional responsibility, leadership and fighting for change in the medical system to better patient care. She is sorely missed by her medical colleagues and students.
My deepest sympathy and warm prayers to Pamela's family.

January 22, 2015

Deborah Nicholson

I first experienced Pam's generous spirit in my first week at the Chronic Pain Centre. She brought me back some corrections to my dictations, but stopped and took the time to actually explain the physiology and biomechanics so I would understand better what I was transcribing. She was generous with her time when I was writing and producing The Pain Diaries. Her stories of starting the CPC made me laught and cry, her dedication and caring so great. She also shared her personal life and stories freely, making her that much more accessible. She is going to leave so many holes to fill in so many parts of other people's lives. I wish her family love and prayers during this time. I will miss Pam greatly.

January 22, 2015

Dianre Colley-Urquhart

Such a precious warm intelligent kind caring woman. Pamela your legacy will live on forever in so many different ways. It was such a privilege working with you and knowing you. Words are never enough. But words are all we have. May you rest in peace and look over us forever. Diane Colley-Urquhart

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

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