Simon van der Goes and his three sons were told about the name of Langley's newest school two days before it was revealed at Tuesday's (March 29) board of trustees meeting.
They were surprised and delighted to learn that when the Willoughby-area school opens in 2012, it will be known as Lynn Fripps Elementary in recognition of his wife and their mother who passed away in 2005 after a battle with breast cancer.
"It is a remarkable honor," van der Goes said.
Simon, 53, and sons Benjamin, 17, Nicholas, 15 and Adam, 12 were in the audience for the official announcement.
Chair Rob McFarlane read out a declaration praising Fripps for her "spirit and dedication."
She was remembered as a devoted volunteer who advocated for the revitalization of downtown Aldergrove, helped form Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services.
Fripps was a member of the Aldergrove Community Enhancement Society, the Aldergrove Revitalization Committee, the Bertrand Creek Enhancement Society, and the Langley Breast Feeding Committee.
After her diagnosis in 1999, she started the Shower of Thanks Campaign which encouraged those with breast cancer to send thank-you cards to cancer researchers.
Lynn Fripps
Family photo