James W. Lambert

Dad Lambert left us very suddenly and we certainly were not prepared, but then no one ever is. He was bright, alert, very active, and doing well. "No grass was growing under his feet"

If he wasn't looking for free wood, he was on the hunt for treasures at garage sales, or working on his beloved 1972 Dodge pick up. You could count on every Friday and Saturday he would be cruising the area, not in the pick up, because it burned too much gas, but in his prized "yogimobile" searching for that special something. His most valued possessions were usually found in the free boxes. This was also a social event for him meeting up with his garage sale buddies to discuss and compare their great buys for the day.

He also enjoyed his good friends at the St Rita Food Bank. The companionship and friendships he formed there were very important to him. He looked forward to being there and spending time with them all.

Dad was not always an Oregonian. He was born in Ingram, Wisconsin on May 17,1922 and spent his younger years in the Wisconsin area. It wasn't until WWII started that he left home and joined the army. He was in Europe until the war ended and then returned to Wisconsin where he and Mom Lambert started their lives together.

Shortly after his return from overseas, the family made their way West to Portland. And in time all of Dad's siblings and parents came to the area as well. He was one of seven and over the years he maintained relationships with all of the brothers and sisters. His brother Gerald called every morning and it was during these conversations that all the world problems were solved. They had it all figured out and enjoyed sharing views with one another in a very amicable way.

Dad was a really good guy. He had an open mind and for his age was quite progressive. He was not judgmental or critical of others and believed that you should live and let live. He gave people the benefit of a doubt.-----except the medical profession and politicians. His belief was that they were all after your money and not very trustworthy.

It is hard not to mention Mom Lambert when talking about Dad. They were married 72 years and the vast majority of this time was spent right here in Gateway. They raised two wonderful children, Jim and Kay, and dearly loved grandchildren Tama and Dillon.

Dad was not one to fuss or bring attention to himself. He was quite thoughtful and inward. He worked hard over the years to provide for his family and make sure their needs were met. He was employed for many years at Sears in the service department. During this time he formed many lasting friendships. Many years after he retired, he and mom were invited to the Sears get togethers which gave him the opportunity to revive those friendships.

Dad was a pretty content with life as he aged. He didn't have many wants or needs. He surrounded himself with family and friends and for the past 10 months was building a different kind of life without mom. He was learning how to do new things like cook and clean and was feeling pretty good about his accomplishments. He missed Christine and talked freely about her, but he was learning to live without her. Now, he doesn't have to do that because they are together again, reunited after a short interval. He is going to be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him, but he really has gone home to be with his sweetheart.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on May 11, 2016 at Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes, 1515 NE 106th Avenue, Portland, OR 97220.