• Remembering John Lambert

    jl bench There wasn’t much John Lambert couldn’t do. Perhaps the most important was his ability to positively impact the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

    Lambert retired from Bellefonte Area School District in the summer, after 35 years as a custodian – first at Marion-Walker Elementary School and then at Bellefonte Area High School. Shortly after his retirement, he passed away.

    But to help keep his memory alive, employees at the high school joined together to purchase a memorial in his honor, which was unveiled on Nov. 17 in the presence of his daughters, Amanda and Ashley. The idea started with high school cafeteria worker Lori Bartley, and a team effort among other administrators, professional staff and support staff made it a reality by collecting enough money to purchase a bench and plaque with his name. Several other district retirees, groups and clubs, a school resource office and more also made contributions in an effort toward raising more than $1,000.

    Additional gifts were presented to his daughters during the small ceremony.

    The bench is now a permanent fixture outside the gymnasium and adjacent to a display case that highlights many BAHS sports accomplishments, including his favorite sport, basketball.

    “It’s exactly where he’d want it,” custodian Bill Cain said. “I was with him for 16 years – probably spent just as much time with him as his family, so it’s kind of a rough afternoon. You can’t just work with someone for that long and then just not see him again.”

    Lambert is known for his positive attitude, help around the school, and always lending a helping hand no matter the task. He also had many passions, which included his family and grandchildren.

    *By Brit Milazzo, public relations director, BASD