Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Colombie britanique for funeral details
SCHMALZ, Lambert
September 28, 1934 — November 5, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lambert Schmalz.
Lambert passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Lambert was born on September 28, 1934, in the German village of Balmas in present-day Moldova. In grade 5, in Ottenberg, Germany, he met his lifelong friend Paul Leinemann. They both became journeyman carpenters, journeying and working across Europe together. Lambert came to Kelowna in 1956 to visit his Aunt Barbara and Paul followed in 1958. They then formed Lambert & Paul Construction Ltd. in 1964 which has contributed to the development and growth of Kelowna for 60 years. Lambert worked in the residential and commercial construction industry in the Okanagan and is responsible for many of the region’s fine homes, subdivisions, and commercial buildings including car dealerships, schools, churches, and the Kelowna Curling Club to name a few. Lambert’s talent for wood carving intricate designs, especially grape vines, is on display in several places at Gray Monk Winery.
Lambert was one of the founding members and served as president of the local chapter of the Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada (HUDAC) now called the Canadian Home Builders Association. He held the position of director on both the provincial and national council of HUDAC, as well as chairman for HUDAC’s national research council committee for conversion to metric in 1980. Lambert has also served as Chairman of the Carpentry Advisory Committee at OUC, a member of the Independent Contractors and Businessmen Association, and the Urban Development Institute. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Okanagan University College (OUC) in 2004 in recognition of his long-term involvement with their carpentry program and his contributions to our community
Lambert loved the outdoors. He hiked on many mountains in Europe and BC. He shared his love of the outdoors with his family who have many fond memories of hiking and camping in the Rockies in the summer and skiing in the winter. He enjoyed his love of skiing at Red Mountain before there was a highway 33, Rutland’s Black Mountain ski hill as well as other BC ski hills. With its opening in 1963, Big White became his primary ski hill well into his 80s. He also loved to go ocean fishing off the coast of BC and boating on Okanagan Lake.
Lambert is survived by his sons Al and Tom (Susan); son-in-law Jeff; and grandchildren Christopher (Aleisha), Josie, Logan, and Anika. He is predeceased by his wife of 49 years Anna (2012); his daughter Anna Christine (2018); and brothers Mike (1989) and Alois (2016).
Lambert’s larger than life personality will be deeply missed but his stories and sayings will continue to bring laughter and joy to those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to KGH Foundation, the Red Cross, or blood donations to Canada Blood Services.
The family wishes to thank nurse Lesley and the amazing team of care aides from KHS who spent time with Lambert providing attention and ensuring his comfort, as well as all the nurses and doctors who tended to his ongoing medical needs, especially Dr. Hart, Dr. Locke, and the palliative care team.
A Prayer Vigil will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7:30 pm, and a Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made to view shortly after.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM: The Livestream Link will be available here when the service begins.
September 28 1934 — November 5 2024
Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice SCHMALZ Lambert September 28 1934 — November 5 2024
obituaries notice SCHMALZ Lambert September 28 1934 — November 5 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of SCHMALZ Lambert September 28 1934 — November 5 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
