Pamela Randlett Walker passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024 after a courageous nine-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Born December 2, 1943, to Richard and Kay Coffin, Pam grew up in Clyde Hill, Bellevue, Washington. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1962 and earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington in 1966.
Pam began her career as a teacher in the Bellevue School District, primarily at Clyde Hill Elementary. She later stepped away from teaching to focus on raising her children, Colby and Erica. When Erica was born with Down Syndrome, Pam became a passionate advocate for children with disabilities. Determined to advance research and understanding of developmental progress for children with Down Syndrome, she enrolled Erica in a research study at the University of Washington while she was still a baby. Pam championed resources and programs like the Highland Community Center, helping Erica flourish and paving the way for her to access a mainstream education and, eventually, meaningful employment opportunities within her community. Pam’s dedication extended to her service on the board of Kindering Center, supporting individuals and families with children with disabilities.
In the early-80s, Pam earned a computer software degree and joined the City of Bellevue, where she quickly advanced and developed the city’s first automated billing system. Pam held an unwavering belief that anything could be fixed and was worth the effort. In the days before YouTube, she would tackle repairs herself, inspiring her son Colby to become a skilled craftsman, capable of building, remodeling homes, and fixing any machine.
In 1988, Pam married the love of her life, Rob Walker, with whom she shared 37 wonderful years. Together, they enjoyed gardening, skiing, boating, and cherished time at their home on Guemes Island. After retiring in 1996, Pam and Rob traveled extensively, savoring faraway places and extended stays in Hawaii.
Pam’s warmth, creativity, and love for family shone in her art, baking, and her kitchen, where she hosted countless meals. She remained close with her high school friends, a cherished group of eight women who gathered yearly for over 60 years.
Pam’s strength and compassion were undeterred by her Parkinson’s diagnosis. She became a passionate advocate for the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, serving on its board and co-chairing the 2019 gala to inspire support for others facing the disease.
Pam is survived by her husband, Robert Walker; children Colby Brinnon (Tracy Bentley), Jennifer Simons (Mike), Jessica Beaumont (Sidney), and Cassie Johnson (Jeremey); grandchildren Katie, Natalie, Tatum, and Walker; and her brother, Richard Coffin (Kate) and former spouse, Mike Brinnon. She is predeceased by her parents, sister Barbara, and daughter Erica.
Donations in Pam’s honor can be made to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (https://nwpf.org/support-nwpf/). Pam will be remembered for her love, kindness, and ever-present optimism—always seeing the glass half full, bringing out the best in others, and leaving an unforgettable mark on everyone she met.