Brett Lambley, Engineering Manager of Safeguard Coaches, has died after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 49. Mr Lambley joined the respected Guilford business in 1998 at the age of 24, and gave over a quarter of a century’s service to the family-owned operator.
Prior to that, he worked for Dennis – a forerunner to today’s Alexander Dennis – and Grays Trucks in Guildford, along with his family’s Blue Saloon coach and bus operation and another local operator. During his time with Safeguard, Mr Lambley advanced from Vehicle Technician, first to Workshop Foreman in 2004 and then to Engineering Manager in 2007.
In that position, he was responsible for Safeguard’s coach and bus fleet, its workshop and engineering staff, and premises. At the 2006 routeone Awards, Mr Lambley was recognised as winner in the Bus Engineer of the Year category, an achievement that Safeguard Managing Director Andrew Halliday notes that “he was always very proud of.”
“Brett was a true ‘go to’ person who knew every quirk of every vehicle, from the newest to the company’s 1956 AEC Reliance, could diagnose every fault or knew a man that could, and seemingly knew everyone on the supplier side of the industry,” continues Mr Halliday.
“With Brett being very personable, tributes have been pouring in for a man who everyone seems to know and like. He will be much missed by all who knew him as a father, husband, son, friend, colleague, or acquaintance.”
An informal event in remembrance of and gratitude for Mr Lambley’s life will be held between 1830-2100hrs on Friday 17 November at the Anchor and Horseshoes, 194 London Road, Burpham, Guildford, GU1 1XR. A light buffet and drinks will be served and anyone connected with Safeguard Coaches is warmly invited to attend.
