'Pam Was One Of The Finest People I Have Ever Known'

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By By April Zepeda

Summary

A growing memorial was visible at the Jewish Federation Building Saturday, where 58-year-old Pam Waechter was shot to death during a gunman's rampage Friday.

Story Published: Jul 29, 2006 at 7:35 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 8:32 AM PDT

'Pam Was One Of The Finest People I Have Ever Known'
SEATTLE - A growing memorial was visible at the Jewish Federation Building Saturday, where 58-year-old Pam Waechter was shot to death during a gunman's rampage Friday.

Waechter, 58, worked as the Jewish Federation's federation's annual campaign director.

In her biography, co-workers described her as "upbeat, enthusiastic, classy, funny, and calm in the face of a storm."

"She loved her work," said Federation Chair Robin Boehler. "It was the highlight of my life to work with her."

Waechter was a member of Bnai Torah Temple in Bellevue for the last 30 years. Her Rabbi says the magnitude of the loss is just starting.

"People want to be together," Rabbi Jim Mirel said. "It's a sense that we need to stay with our traditions and not be afraid."

The other victims, all women, were rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Two of them, including a pregnant woman, are in satisfactory condition. Three others have been upgraded from critical to serious condition.

They are all staff members of the Federation, but only one is Jewish.

All day Saturday, a stream a people brought flowers and cards to the Jewish Federation Building.

"I was born and raised in the Northwest, and to see people attacked like this for no reason if beyond belief," said Kathy Craft.

"I think it's important to recognize and remember crimes of hate," added another at the scene.

Pam Waechter will be remembered for a life of service to her community, faith, and two grown children.

"Pam Waechter was one of the finest people I have ever known in my life," Boehler said.

A funeral is planned for Waechter on Monday.