We Remember
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:
Prayer Service
Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Service
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:30 am
Location
St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
KGH Foundation, The Red Cross, or blood donations to Canadian Blood Services Link: www.kghfoundation.com, www.redcross.ca, www.blood.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The prayer service for SCHMALZ, Lambert is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7:30 pm at located at 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC, .
The service for SCHMALZ, Lambert is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:30 am . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC
3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My regrets to all the family. I knew Lambert since 1969 when I arrived in Kelowna . I was his Banker for many years and always remember his great passion and dedication to his work. He will be missed!
Fred Stephen
I met Lambert through my job at OK Builders and the Home Builders Association. Always a pleasure to deal with and hear his stories. Condolences to his family. Ron White
Sincerest condolences on the passing of Lambert! I got to know Lambert during his recent several years of friendship with my mom Monika who rightly held Lambert in high regard speaking often of his character, talents and accomplishments. Too many meals out to recall and during the endless hours on my mom’s balcony Lambert was always a pleasure and a class act second to none. My mom passed earlier this year. They will both be sadly missed and I feel blessed to have such fond memories of the time I had with both of them.
The first time I met Lambert was when I came to Kelowna to negotiate a lease on his building for Princess Auto. It quickly became obvious that he was a person with tremendous ability. It also became obvious that he was a man of great integrity. I feel a loss that he is gone. He will be missed. My condolences to Tom and the rest of the family.
Moe Claude
Dear Tom, Al and families.
Please accept my condole on the demise of Lambert.
I first met him in 1974 almost immediately after I moved to Kelowna. We shared many laughs together as he shared his business and life wisdom with me. Such an incredible man!!!
I’m sure you have many fond memories which will hopefully ease your loss.
Rick Pushor.
Traurig sind wir, dass Onkel Lambert nicht mehr unter uns weilt, aber dankbar sind wir für die Zeit,die wir mit ihm teilen durften. Meinen Cousins und ihren Familien unser aufrichtiges Beileid und herzlichen Dank, dass wir an der Trauerfeier teilhaben durften. Fühlt euch gedrückt aus dem fernen Deutschland.
Es ging so schnell und doch so lang.
Danke Al and Tom für Eure schönen Worte und dass wir direkt dabei sein konnten. Danke
Letzter Besuch in Freiburg das Foto
Ja ja…..der Onkel Lambert…..;-) …. wir waren als Kinder,Silvia und mein Bruder Jürgen und ich Andreas,das erste mal im Winter 1974 in B.C. natürlich mit unseren Eltern Brigitte und Bernhard. Es war ein schneereicher Winter. Wir waren zusammen Ski fahren, Lambert hat uns mit einem langen Schlitten ( ich glaube Er hatte ihn selbst gebaut ?) hinter dem Auto her gezogen. Anna ,Tom , Al, Jürgen Silvia hatten sehr viel Spass. Tante Anna war es nicht so recht, daß Lambert solche “gefährlichen” Sachen mit uns gemacht hat. Aber es war toll !!!! Lecker Truthahn von Tante Anna gezaubert,durfte in dieser schönsten Weihnachtszeit nicht fehlen. Diese Zeit hat die Liebe zu unserer “Familie” und zu Canada sehr geprägt. Es hat nicht viel gefehlt,und ich wäre auch fast ausgewandert. Jahre später durfte ich mit meinem Bruder Jürgen ,als Kinder,allein eine tollen Sommerurlaub in Kanada verbringen. Wir waren mit Lambert und Anna in den Rockys unterwegs. Ein unglaublich schöner Sommer,mit singen und grillen und “deutsche Volkslieder singen am Haus in Kelowna.
Danke danke für die schöne gemeinsame Zeit !
gute Reise Lambert !!!
Tom, Al, and families,
I worked for Lambert for 18 years, he was a good boss, and a good friend. I will miss him. I’m so glad that I saw him before I left Kelowna. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ted Beierle and family
Dear family Schmalz, For 10 years I was allowed to be part of your family and experience Lambert in his full glory. He was truly larger than life and I enjoyed his company tremendously. The times in Big White were special and we had good talks and times together. My favourite memories will always be the Christmas goose dinners at our house on Donhauser Street. I am sad for his passing, but grateful for having known him. My deepest heartfelt condolences to all the family.