Coquitlam plans to honour two francophone trailblazers posthumously with a plaque at the Maillardville Community Centre.
And the commemoration for Jean and Suzanne Lambert is expected to be installed next month — in time for the 70th anniversary celebration of the Scouts Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (SFCB).
On Monday, April 14, city council will consider the request from SFCB and Scouts Francophone de Maillardville to recognize the couple and their achievements in the French-Canadian neighbourhood.
Saskatchewan-born Jean Lambert, who held the Freedom of the City award, founded of the BC Francophone Scout groups in the 1950s while Suzanne Lambert helped to launch the Francophone Girl Guides.
A long-time employee of Seagrams, Jean Lambert served as a grand knight with the Knights of Columbus. At Club Bel Age and with its Jammers band, the musician performed at care homes around the region. As well, he was a member of Société Bi-culturelle de Maillardville, which helped to build Foyer Maillard, a seniors retirement residence in Maillardville.
Suzanne Lambert (née Goulet) spend much of her time at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church and its schools. A longtime volunteer with the St. Mary’s Hospital auxiliary unit until the New Westminster hospital closed, she also volunteered with the Red Cross for more than 40 years.
The pair had five daughters: Diane Johnston, Michelle Lambert, Pat Turner, Nicole Deakin and Monique Power.
In 2015, the Lamberts were interviewed by the Tri-City News on the 60th anniversary of the French Scouts in Maillardville; Jean Lambert wore his Scout uniform for the photo and proudly displayed his Medaille Jean Vanier, the highest public service honour in Canada.
