Lynn Fripps never lived long enough to see how much the community valued what she did but her spirit of giving is a legacy Lynn Fripps Elementary plans to continue.

The 510 students started there in school in September with the official grand opening ceremonies held Feb. 22.

A longtime community volunteer, Lynn died in 2005 after a six-year battle with breast cancer.

"I felt that my daughter was with us today," said her mother, Lila Fripps-Heier.

Fripps-Heier painted a picture of a person reading to a small group of children in a natural scene.

It will be hung in the school alongside other objects commemorating Lynn.

Her family said Lynn got involved in the community through work and volunteering out of concern for people.

"She wasn't expecting accolades," said Fripps-Heier. "She got on with the job and did her thing."

Lynn was with Peterson Road Elementary PAC for several years and worked on issues at the district level, was president of the Aldergrove Neighbourhood Service board, volunteered with the Aldergrove Revitalization Committee, the Bertrand Creek Enhancement Society, Bridge Community Church, and the Breastfeeding Action Group.

When diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, she turned her efforts against the disease, fundraising for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. She mentored others with the disease.

She was also committed to her family's community involvement, helping with her three sons' soccer, ball hockey, swimming, art classes, and more. Lynn ran three companies, as well.

"I think the joy this new school is bringing to students, staff and our local community is something Lynn would have been very proud of," said Langley School Board chair Wendy Johnson. "I hope everyone who walks through the door here remembers her spirit of advocacy and service and is inspired to make their own community a better place."

A petition was signed by almost 100 students who knew Lynn and liked the idea of having a school named after her. The board announced the decision last April.

Lynn's family gave the school a generous donation that was matched by eatherbrae onstruction. It as up to the chool to decide ow to use the unds.

"We'll be able to build an electronic sign outside of the school," said principal Kathleen Boles.

Lynn Fripps Elementary has capacity for 510 kindergarten-to-Grade 7 students and helps ease enrolment pressures in the growing Willoughby area.

Built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards, the school features a Neighbourhood Learning Centre that is home to a Precious Moments day care and pre-school.

The Kinsmen provided the school with its playground.

"The playground is full all the time," noted the principal.

The Township also offers a variety of community services through the Neighbourhood Learning Centre including immunization clinics, an Active Kids program and space for Girl Guides.

Adjacent to the new school, a community park - named Lynn Fripps Park - provides sand-turf fields, a playground area and walking trails.

A partnership between the school district and the Township provides additional parking and outside access washrooms for park patrons at the school.

"Living in Willoughby myself, I see firsthand the increasing number of young families who are choosing this wonderful community for their home," said MLA Mary Polak.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com