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Year in Review: Community heroes the Tri-Cities lost in 2021

The Tri-City News highlights some key figures that passed away this past year who all made an impact on their communities in more ways than one.
Janis Cleugh
Janis Cleugh

The Tri-Cities lost many heroes this year — including two Freedom of the City recipients.

And all shared a love for the environment, setting examples and leaving legacies for the Tri-Cities.

The following obits are listed in chronological order:

JEAN LAMBERT

Lambert — a Coquitlam pioneer and French Scouting leader — passed away in April.

A Coquitlam Freedom honouree, he was best known for his work in Maillardville, and for founding the French Scouting movement in B.C.

A father of five daughters, he also was responsible for the assembly of the Jammers, a Club Bel Age band.

DON GILLESPIE

In June, the Port Coquitlam resident died at the age of 90.

A longtime member of the Burke Mountain Naturalists, Gillespie added new paths to connect Coquitlam with trails in the area that’s known today as Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.

He also cared for the səmiq̓wəʔelə/Riverview Lands.

ROGER LOUBERT

Loubert passed away on July 3, just two days shy of his 76th birthday.

A proud Maillardville resident, he was the first photography teacher at Place des Arts.

He was a board member of various non-profit and civic groups including the Como Watershed Group, ArtsConnect, Tri-Cities Community TV and the Minnekhada Park Association.

SHANE PEACHMAN

In October, Peachman pass away at age 73 and his legacy is remembered well as a longtime volunteer with the Hyde Creek Watershed Society.

The Port Coquitlam resident started his retirement by helping to build its education hub and hatchery at 3636 Coast Meridian Rd.

NORM FLETCHER

The Port Coquitlam and District Hunting and Fishing Club (PCDHFC) announced the death of “one of its most valued members,” Norm Fletcher, in November.

He was a sage of salmon and a tireless volunteer with the Grist Goeson Memorial Hatchery run by the PCDHFC.

MARY ANNE COOPER

Mary Anne Cooper died at the age of 107 years old.

She was a passionate advocate for the preservation of the IoCo townsite.

A well-regarded heritage activist who was also an award-winning swimmer, environmentalist and volunteer, Cooper was a Port Moody Freedom of the City recipient.