Ken Lajambe: 1926-2013
Friday, March 15, 2013 by: Darren Taylor
A well-known, tireless worker for many local organizations has passed away.
Ken Lajambe died Thursday at Sault Area Hospital at the age of 86 after recently suffering from two strokes.
Lajambe lived and worked in Sault Ste. Marie most of his life, as an employee of Algoma Steel, from the early postwar years until his retirement in the 1980s.
He was also a pilot who volunteered with Sault Search and Rescue for two decades.
Lajambe was a school board trustee and served as President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce in the early 1990s.
He is best known for his leadership roles with the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and Ontario Winter Carnival Bon Soo.
He also devoted his energy, through fundraising efforts, to help make the new Sault Ste. Marie arena (now known as the Essar Centre) become a reality in 2006.
Lajambe was awarded the City’s Medal of Merit in 2003 by the late Mayor John Rowswell, and the Tourism Sault Ste. Marie Volunteer of the Year Award in 2004.
He is survived by his friend June Conway, along with his children, grand-children and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place at Northwood Funeral Home Monday 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday at 11 a.m. prior to a service at Northwood at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
The full text of Lajambe obituary as sent to us by Northwood Funeral Home and Cremation Centre follows.
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Born July 23, 1926 – Died March 14, 2013
Beautiful life lived.
Legacy of love, his gift to us.
With his loving family at his side, at the Sault Area Hospital, he was peacefully reunited with his beloved grandson Adam Kenneth.
Adored and respected father of Jodie (Bruce), Dan (Christina), Karen (Dan) and father-in-law of Diane.
Ken loved unconditionally his grandchildren Cheri, Brad, Angela, Michael, Vanessa, Adam in spirit, and Lauren.
Great grandfather of Ayden, Mady, Karlee, Connor, Preston and Kalam.
Survived by his brother Frank.
Ken cherished and enjoyed every minute with his sweetheart June Conway.
To his nieces and nephews, Uncle Ken leaves incredible memories of fun filled family times together.
Ken will be missed by his many friends and staff at Collegiate Heights.
Awesome Puppy Papa to Cali.
Much gratitude from the family to the staff of 3C at SAH for their compassion and care.
Friends may call at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation & Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road 705-945-7758) on Monday, March 18, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service in the Chapel at 1 p.m. with Reverend Hamish Currie officiating.
Memorial donations to ARCH or charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.www.northwoodfuneral.com
He stood for all that’s good,
and for everything that’s right.
When life seemed dark and dreary,
he was our beacon of light.
Respected by all who knew him,
loved by his family.
His honour is beyond question.
Ken, the man of integrity.
He stands as a great example.
The best anyone ever had.
He stands tall, above them all.
There he stands…..Our Dad.
With love and admiration,
Your family...XOXOXO
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(SooToday.com file photo above was taken by David Helwig when Ken Lajambe received his Volunteer of the Year Award from the Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Association in 2004.)
