Pamela Kinney Burlingame

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains."

Pam's light was a gift to everyone who knew her - guiding, comforting, and inspiring. A radiance too bright to be dimmed by time or distance. Her brilliance still shines in the laughter she sparked, the kindness she gave, and the hearts she touched. Her light remains in the memories we hold and the love we shared. Pam's spirit continues to shine in all of us, forever in our hearts.

Obituary

It is with a sad and heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Pamela Jean (Kinney) Burlingame. Pam passed peacefully on October 2, 2025 with her husband and children by her side.

Pam was born on November 13, 1974 in Seattle, WA to Thomas and Joan Kinney. The Kinneys moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1980, a few days before Pam started kindergarten. After graduating Lathrop HS in 1993 she attended Boston University and completed a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. It was at BU that she met and fell in love with her husband Rusty Burlingame. They were married July 1, 2000 at Rusty’s childhood home in Harmony, RI.

Pam and Rusty moved to Anchorage, AK then to Soldotna in 1999. In 2002 they settled in Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley where they have lived, loved, worked and played since.

Together Pam and Rusty have two amazing children, Bellamy and Colston “George.” She loved her family fiercely and bragged on them at every opportunity. Pam grasped every opportunity to adventure with her family, particularly enjoying skiing, berry picking, kayaking and dog mushing. Her and the kids forged connection and memories during a summer long road trip across the country.

Pam’s true calling was her career as a physical therapist where she excelled as the heart of Alyeska Therapy Center in Wasilla. Her natural talents improved the lives of a diverse population of clients. She had a magical way of working with children that made them feel understood and capable. Pam modeled kindness, compassion, humility, thoughtfulness and empathy to her patients, staff and community. Pam encouraged people, cheered for people and stood up for anyone that needed a louder voice. She provided above and beyond care and leadership, tirelessly working to understand people at a deeper level – their passions, dreams, beliefs, and motivations. Pam was a mentor who thoroughly enjoyed helping others succeed. She had a way of quietly finding people’s weaknesses and turning them into strengths without them even knowing it. Pam’s compassion for those around her was truly unmatched. She spoke positivity into others and inspired people to be better each and every day. She seized opportunities, valued people, made time for people, encouraged people and always prioritized connection.

Dance and theater were a large part of Pam’s life from a young age. As early as 2nd grade she participated in square dancing at Alaskaland in Fairbanks. She practiced various forms of dance including jazz, tap and eventually ballet. Performing in The Wizard of Oz and West Side Story were important early theater experiences for her. Pam’s love of dance and performance continued into adulthood. She was a driving force in founding Boston University’s Fusion Dance Troupe in 1993. While living in Soldotna Pam forged lifelong connections dancing and teaching at The Dance Emporium.

In 2002 - and known as Ms. Pam - she continued her journey with Sonja’s Studio of Performing Arts where she quickly became a treasured teacher and mentor to generations of dancers. Her deep passion for the performing arts and unwavering commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from her. In 2010 she became the founding Director of Enliven, the Valley’s first adult dance company - a role she led with grace, vision and artistry. Under her direction, Enliven became a beacon for the adult dancers and a cherished part of the local arts community. Pam often volunteered countless hours of her own and Enliven’s time and efforts to many non-profit organizations - telling stories through the art of dance to further impact the cause.

A highly respected and sought-after choreographer, Pam shared her talent generously with countless schools, studios, theaters and community programs. Her creativity and artistic direction brought life to the stage and inspired those around her to strive for greatness.

Pam also played a key role in the grassroots development of the Glenn Massey Theater, helping to bring this vital space for the arts to fruition. Her expertise in technical theater and stage management made her an invaluable asset to productions of all sizes and her dedication helped ensure the theater’s ongoing success.

Pam was such a passionate and visionary force in Mat-Su Valley theater. Her tireless work behind the scenes and on stage set a standard of excellence that touched every aspect of the performing arts in the Valley. A gifted director, choreographer, and mentor, she brought out the best in everyone. The list of shows her talent helped bring to life with VPA and Colony High in the Glenn Massey Theater reads like a love letter to the stage: Chicago, Mary Poppins, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Little Mermaid, Matilda, Into the Woods, Anastasia, The Wizard of Oz, Something Rotten! and her final triumph, Hadestown. Recent shows allowed Pam and her son to work together in multiple aspects of production. She was excited as her work with Newsies was underway at Colony High School, a musical she had dreamed of bringing to the stage for quite some time.

Pam believed deeply in the power of storytelling, the magic of collaboration, and the transformative impact of theater. Her work brought new worlds together with events like ASL Under Northern Lights, a partnership with the Glenn Massey Theater and the Alaska Deaf Council, empowering both the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and hearing communities as well as Rock the Resilience put on by No More Matsu, a student-led event addressing domestic violence and sexual assault, where she mentored students and was honored with the 2025 Resistance Resonator Award. Other recent accolades include 2018 VPA Artistic Director Award for Mary Poppins, 2023 Mat-Su Education Association “Champion for Children” and 2025 VPA Best Director Award for Something Rotten!

Pam was a pillar of strength, support and inspiration to countless individuals whose lives were enriched by her presence. Her legacy of love and kindness continues on in the lives she touched, the thriving arts community she helped build, the artists she inspired and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She brought light to this world and emulated joy. Her contributions were immense, her spirit unmatched and her impact will endure. Pam was truly magic.

Pam is survived by her husband Rusty, children Bellamy and Colston (George), her parents Thomas and Joan Kinney, her brother Mike and his wife Regina. She also shared her love with extended family including in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles and a staggering number of friends within the therapy/medical and arts communities.

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Memory wall

November 14, 2025

Pam posted a question in a FB group for therapists, I responded and she messaged me and invited me to her amazing clinic for a meeting and coffee. During the tour, she said “I know, it’s absolutely ridiculous” (regarding the building) and insisted I reach out with any community needs as they had a plethora of equipment. She helped me find something for a client even though she didn’t know them. That’s Pam. Abundance mindset through and through. I wish I knew her longer than I did but she made an impact regardless. Thank you Pam for showing me how it’s done and what I can aspire to be. It’s an honor to be invited into her world.

Jillian Blount

November 12, 2025

It has been such a blessing getting to know Pam these past 10 years I enjoyed every minute I Had with her. I am going to miss her Laugh, her smile and her hugs so much, Pam will be missed.

Briana Olson

Briana Olson

November 12, 2025

When I met Pam last December, I felt like I was meeting a long-lost sister. We were so alike in so many ways, and I felt deeply connected to her in such a short time. Her passion, love, and compassion were contagious.

She made everyone feel so at ease and she brought out the best in people — their confidence, their creativity, their passions they didn’t even know they had — whether it was a patient, clinician, aide, or dancer.

I’m so grateful to have known her, even for a little while. Pam reminded me how powerful kindness and authenticity can be. Her light will continue to guide and inspire me.

Esther Bautis

November 12, 2025

It has been such an honor to get to know and work with Pam over the last few years. She has always led with kindness, empathy, honesty, and what felt like never ending energy. Her passion for her work, her dance, her community, and her loved ones was truly unmatched. She is missed so deeply.

Amanda Carver

November 11, 2025

I would not have taken the leap to move to Alaska if it was not for Pam. Her love and passion for her clinic and treating little ones shined bright through that Zoom call and drew me straight from NJ to AK. Though my time with her was short it was nothing short of impactful. She helped me grow professionally as a pediatric PT in many ways, especially with orthotic management and her creative interpersonal skills. She was also one of the most caring and fun people I have ever met, leading to a very smooth transition with moving to AK and making my time here more fun than I could have ever imagined, from kayaking to sharing every event that’s going on in the valley. Thank you Pam for being such a great role model in every aspect of life. I’m so happy that our paths crossed ♥️

Abigail Bayzath

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