Mr. Colin John Lambert

Obituary

Colin Lambert passed peacefully on January 30 at Maxville Manor leaving behind a legacy of warmth, friendship and spirited conversation. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 40 years, Doreen Meyer of Rockland ON, and his cherished daughter, Jennifer Anne Lambert on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Colin, 86, was born in Hendon, UK, and lived and worked in Australia as a young man before arriving in Canada. He was predeceased by his mother Edith (Barber) Lambert, his father Arthur John Lambert and sister Joan Jones, and survived by his sister Maureen O’Brien, niece Marie O’Brien McCann and nephew Carl Jones.

Colin worked as a miner in Australia and Sudbury ON before following his passion of fighting for workers’ health and safety rights. He was Health and Safety Director for CUPE National for two decades and worked to improve health and safety legislation, providing training and inspiration for workplace activists and encouraging collaboration among union leadership in Canada and overseas. Colin was a driving force behind the creation of the April 28^th Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job today recognized internationally.

After retirement Colin took up long distance horseback trail riding. In 1994 on his horse, Kesia Winona, Colin placed first in the two-day 80-mile Canadian Championship Competitive Trail Ride. Late in life Colin was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson’s-like symptoms. He met the challenge head on participating for more than a decade in the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District day program where he inspired others and was loved by staff. Colin had a keen sense of humour and he loved folk music and enjoyed singing and dancing especially to his favourite Harry Belafonte tunes.

The family would like to thank special friends Mairi Watson and Jeff Dawson, Amanda Quenneville, and Olga Lambert for their love and support. Special thanks to the exceptional carers and loving staff who knew and cared for Colin while he resided in Maxville Manor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District, and Maxville Manor’s building fund.

Colin will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who came to know him. A private celebration of life is planned for a date later in Spring.