Henry Oscar Lampe

Henry Lampe graduated with honors from American University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952. Following graduation, Mr. Lampe worked at the U.S. State Department, the Office of Security and the Bureau of the Budget, before entering his career a stock broker and investment advisor for McKinnon Securities, Inc. which merged in Prudential Securities. Mr. Lampe retired in 1995. Mr. Lampe was well regarded for his low key customer oriented approach and thorough research. He preferred presenting investment options and letting the customer decide. He was proud of the fact that despite today’s litigious society he was never sued.

Mr. Lampe was recognized in “Who’s Who in the South and Southwest” particularly for his many accomplishments in the areas of political activity and civic affairs.

A lifelong republican, Mr. Lampe held many positions within the Party and worked on many campaigns, including those of Gov. Linwood Holton and John Dalton, Congressman Joel Broyhill and Pres. Ronald Reagan. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates where he served from 1970-72. While Mr. Lampe was hard campaigner, skilled political strategist and held firm opinions, throughout his political career he sought consensus and results rather than one upsmanship. He was we regarded for his balanced approach and ability to listen to opposing opinions. He was not adverse to reaching agreement over a good meal, a good scotch or a good cigar. He has been disappointed by recent political uncompromising polarization, cultural warfare and name calling.

Settling early in Arlington County, Virginia, Mr. Lampe became a prominent activist in community affairs. He was a long-time involved member of the Arlington County Chamber of Commerce, and became its President in 1988. Also, active in the Committee of 100, a bipartisan organization. Mr. Lampe became its President in 1968.

Among his many other association and governmental positions held, and programs furthered, Mr. Lampe was a Trustee and Member of the Board of Governors at George Mason University; Trustee and Chairman of the Board of the Arlington Hospital Foundation; Member of the Arlington Hospital Advisory Board; Vice Chairman, Home Health Services; Campaign Chairman, Arlington, Virginia and Trustee, United Way, Metro, D.C.; member, Northern Virginia regional Planning Commission; Vice-Chairman Virginia Metropolitan Area transportation Study Commission; President, Arlington Lions Club; and President, Arlington County Roundtable.

Among his many awards for service were: Lifetime Achievement Award, American University; Arlington County Man of the Year Award; and the third ever to receive outstanding citizen award from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce which he received this year ‘in recognition of highly successful and exemplary business career and outstanding contributions to the Arlington community.”

Mr. Lampe’s outstanding commitment to his community resulted in a very significant contribution in Arlington County’s transition from a sleepy bedroom community to a vibrant, energetic, independent city-like county that is usually rated as the second wealthiest in the country.

Known as “Hank” to his many friends, Mr. Lampe was an outgoing man of integrity with a good sense of humor, wry wit and a good conversationalist. He had a deep concern for his fellow man and few, if any, enemies. He was a great credit and contributor to the community, the state and the nation. During WWII he attended a Quaker Boarding School in Westtown, Pennsylvania. It is there he learned those skills which he kept all his life. He was a full life.

His first wife, Virginia, who supported and augmented his political activities and goals, passed away in 1984.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret (Sanger) Lampe; they shared a happy 23 years together in mutual love and admiration. Margaret, herself, has been an enthusiastic and great benefactor to the community.

Other survivors include two step daughters, Peggy Van Cleave and Nancy Wykoff, and nine step grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arlington Free Clinic and Virginia Lampe Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Virginia Hospital Center.