Donald "Capt. Red" Lambert

Capt. Lambert was better known as “Capt. Red” to all who knew him. Born in Boston, he held a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a Master’s Degree from Bridgewater State College.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in both enlisted and officer ranks. After he received his commission, he served in several capacities, one of which was an Atomic Defense Officer. He was a participant in the atomic testing in the Nevada dessert in the mid 1950’s where he participated in the largest nuclear blast ever detonated in the U.S.

He was one of the first in New England to take up SCUBA diving, owning one of the very first aqua lungs imported into this country and later operated a dive shop in Hyannis.

He was also a pioneer in the sport of sky diving in the early sixties and was eventually severely injured in a freak accident during an exhibition at Lake Elsinore in California.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he settled in West Yarmouth where he served as a Yarmouth police officer, Harbor patrol officer, Assistant Shell fish warden and Assistant Harbor Master.

Capt. Red was a member of the Masonic fraternity and served as a Master of Howard Lodge, South Yarmouth. He was later employed by the Town of Bourne as a teacher and taught at the Jr-High level for 30 years.

During the summer seasons he was employed by Hy-Line of Hyannis as a Senior Captain for over thirty five years and operated all types of vessels from sight-seeing and fishing, boats to large passenger ferries between Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

He loved the sea and was also a commercial fisherman when time permitted. He was known up and down the East Coast and was considered to be an exemplary boat handler. He took great pride in the fact that several of his former crew chose the sea as their livelihood and went on to earn their licenses as Merchant Marine Masters.

Capt. Red loved motorcycles. He started riding at the age of 16 and rode right up until his death.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Louana Lyman Lambert and six sons, Dr. Bruce H. Lambert of Stockholm, Sweden, Capt. Kriss A. Lambert of Washington State, Ross F. Lambert of West Barnstable, Capt. Keith D. Lambert of Kihei, HI, Dana L. Lambert of East Dennis and Dr. Ryan K. S. Lambert of Honolulu, HI and 3 grandchildren.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.