Melvin John Lambe, longtime community leader on the Burin Peninsula and Director for Region 2 of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services, passed away suddenly on Friday, March 27, at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John�s. Originally from Little Bay, Melvin was 59.

"Volunteers give of themselves freely and with full devotion," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador. "Today we mourn the loss of a man who was much more than a volunteer; Melvin was a beloved husband, father, and son. He was a significant contributor to his community, and this province."

The list of Mr. Lambe�s community involvement is endless. In 1989, he rejoined the Marystown Fire Department after serving two and a half years in the late 1970s. As a firefighter, Mr. Lambe served as the president/chairperson of his fire department for the past three years and was elected as a director for Region 2 in 2007 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services, representing fire departments from the Bonavista to the Burin Peninsulas. He was a municipal councillor with the Town of Marystown from 1980-1985, served on the local Roman Catholic Parish Council and was an active member of the school council for the region.

"Melvin was a dedicated family man and a fine gentleman," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA for the District of Burin - Placentia West. "His commitment to the community was straight from the heart. He was a thoughtful, considerate, and genuine individual."

"This is a sad day for everyone whose lives were touched by Melvin Lambe," said Minister Whalen. "I personally believe that success in life has nothing to do with what you gain or accomplish for yourself, it's what you do for others. Melvin was a dedicated firefighter and a pillar within his community. On behalf of the Provincial Government, I offer my condolences to his wife Madonna and his children Denis, Jimmy, Dora and Lesley."

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca