September 15, 1950 - January 20, 2025
Lambert Nicolaas Theo Head of Yarrow, British Columbia passed away at home, in the arms of his loving wife, on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 74 after battling cancer and asbestosis. Lambert was born on September 15, 1950, in Edam, Saskatchewan to Edward and Anneka Head. From three months old, Lambert lived with his grandparents, Lambertus and Janka Sprietsma. He was raised with his two uncles, Nick and Tony and two aunts, Tineka and Johanna. They moved to Edson, Alberta where the family owned a concrete company. This is where he lived until moving to Victoria, British Columbia with his Grandparents in the early 60's. In Victoria, Lambert would deliver newspapers to make money. He was credited for saving a young boy's life when Lambert was 13 years old. Lambert moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia for his grade twelve year in 1967. He graduated from Abbotsford Senior High in 1968. He met his future wife and love of his life, Sharon Pausch, at the Dog n' Suds where she worked in Clearbrook, British Columbia in August of 1969. Lambert and Sharon were married April 5, 1971. After spending two months in the McKenzie Manor Apartments, Lambert and Sharon purchased their first home in Huntington, B.C. in June of that year. Lambert Jr. was born that July, followed by Saleena in 1972. They moved to McBeth Crescent in Abbotsford, B.C. with Lambert Jr. and Saleena and welcomed the arrival of Jeremie in 1976, and Dwaine in 1977. In May of 1978, the family moved to Yarrow, British Columbia. Lambert and Sharon built their current home in Yarrow in 1986, and this is where they lived until Lambert's passing.
Lambert received his mechanics ticket after he and Sharon were married. He went without any vacations for four years and used this time to travel to Kelowna and BCIT to complete his mechanics training.
Lambert worked as a mechanic at Henry's Texaco after graduating high school. He worked there for nine years. He then worked as a mechanic at Westgate and then ran his own mechanics business for a short period at the Esso station in Yarrow. He then became a member of Operating Engineers, working as a heavy-duty mechanic for Commonwealth Construction, working on large machinery used to build the Hope-Princeton highway. In November of 1982, Lambert worked out of town for ten months in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. He then worked as a heavy-duty mechanic for Goodbrand Construction in Aldergrove, B.C. Here he acted as shop steward. Lambert then became a Teamsters union member while he worked for Lafarge in Aldergrove, B.C. Lambert's final job move happened in 2000 when he accepted a job with Pacific Blasting as their Equipment Superintendent and was part of the Operating Engineers again. Lambert remained the Equipment Superintendent driving into Burnaby for 22 years until he retired in August 2022.
Lambert always had an interest in cool old cars. He owned a 1968 Dodge Dart and a 1960 Corvette, He built a 1951 Chev hardtop from scratch. Lambert, Sharon, and the kids would travel to car shows in Washington state to show this car off. He won numerous awards for this vehicle. In the early 90's, Lambert helped his daughter restore a 1966 Beaumont. In 1993 Lambert purchased a 1930 Ford Model A, with full intentions of restoring it like he had with the 1951 Chev. In June of 2024, Lambert purchased a 1931 Ford Roadster. He went on leisurely cruises with his wife and also entered this car in Car Shows. The first car show Lambert went to he won first place. Lambert often would help other car enthusiasts with their mechanical or wiring needs.
Lambert also enjoyed fishing and camping. These were activities that he participated in with friends and family for much of his life. He would take his family to a variety of lakes throughout B.C. Hihium, Sheridan, and Roche Lakes were a few of the lakes that he visited. Fishing for Salmon alongside the Fraser River was a fall weekend activity you could find Lambert and his family participating in.
Lambert was quite a handyman. He could figure out ingenious ways to solve tricky problems, and because of this, he earned the nickname "MacGyver".
Lambert was a very social person. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family. He had a great sense of humor and would share this with others around him. Later in life, Lambert tended to be a homebody, enjoying the company of friends and family who came to visit. Lambert did travel a bit over the years. He made a spontaneous trip to Tijuana one weekend after high school with a couple of friends where they drove to Tijuana and back in three days. Lambert and Sharon twice traveled to Mexico with friends, visiting Mazatlán, Acapulco, Xtapa, and Mexico City. Lambert and family drove to Disneyland and San Fransisco before traveling across the states to visit his family in Saskatchewan. They also had the opportunity to travel to Disneyland on three different occasions with some of their kids and grandkids.
Lambert was preceded in death by his grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, two uncles, an aunt, and stepmother.
Lambert is survived by the love of his life his wife, Sharon Head, and his children: Lambert Head Jr., Saleena Henrotte (Steve), Jeremie Head (Amy), and Dwaine Head. His grandchildren: Mattisen, Kallie, and Maddix Henrotte, Logan, Cameron, and Owen Head, Sheldon (Emma) Downie-Head, and Dominick Head and his great-granddaughter Bowen Downie-Head. Lambert is also survived by his sister Sheila Head, his aunt Johanna Sprietsma, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Clinic for their great care during Lambert's journey. Dr. Nateran Moodley for his compassion and quick response throughout Lambert's illness. Claire Saunders from Worker's Compensation for her support and compassion. Thanks are also given to Herb Conat for supporting Lambert in many ways, Len Rowley with his "magic finger", Kal Caplette for his strength and humor, and Everett for his support. Thanks also to family and friends who shared their thoughts and love during this trying time.
Celebration of Life to follow.