Dear Mrs. Lamont, Jeff, Brad, and Liana,

I hope you all know how much you mean to me and how sad it makes me, even to this day, that Mr. Lamont is not with us. You guys are my second family. Mrs. Lamont, you have treated me like a son, since day one. Jeff and Brad, you are my brothers. Liana, you are my little sis.

Like Jeff said in his eulogy, I too, did not get to say the things to Mr. Lamont that I wanted to say. Perhaps I didn’t know how to say them, or perhaps I was waiting until I was older, so it wouldn’t sound so corny, who knows. If I could, I would tell Mr. Lamont how much he meant to me when I was growing up without my father around. He was one of the father figures in my life. My mother was always working to keep a roof over our heads, so I had a lot of idle time between school and dinner. I spent most of my days and weekends at his home! I always felt so welcome and was able to be myself. Mr. Lamont was always around partaking in whatever goofy thing we were doing at the time.

I have so many memories of Mr. Lamont that I will cherish forever. Just to mention a few: he was our soccer coach for years and eventually persuaded my mom to coach with him – I will always remember the time he booked us a match against the Naperville traveling team – we lost 7-3, but he was so proud of us for the way we never gave up…he was always willing to play: pool, ping-pong, cards, or with his trains, even if he was noticeably tired…skiing in Colorado…walking the dogs…water skiing at the cabin – he was determined to make us succeed!…The Country House…the Vettes – we definitely had fast cars in common…the trip to Switzerland…and my personal favorite: Mr. Lamont coaxed me into clearing his entire backyard for a week, for only $40…I would have done it for free.

Although I never spoke up about how much I appreciated Mr. Lamont’s guidance regarding life in general, I think that he must have known. I will never forget him.

Love to you all,
Scott

Ellie,

I was saddened this weekend when I learned of Ed's passing.  It has been two years since we skied together at Lake Wildwood, but I always knew he would be willing to waterski at a moments notice.  I remember those mornings bright and early at 8:00 am to be sure we had the most smooth water possible. Ed was such a great man and we will truly miss him!

Eric and Kimberly Adams
Plainfield, IL

The first thing I will remember about Mr. Lamont is his smile.  He always seemed to be smiling.  I'll remember slightly rosy cheeks, a bushy mustache and a big smile.  Even when he was making a point, there always seemed to be a smile at the end.  The next thing I'll remember is Mrs. Lamont standing nearby and also smiling... perhaps with an "oh Ed..." being said.

I was very saddened to hear of Mr. Lamont's passing.  My condolences and sympathy go out to Jeff, Brad, Liana, Mrs. Lamont and the rest of the family.  Please know that I continue to keep all of you and Mr. Lamont in my prayers.  I pray that God will slowly ease your pain and provide you comfort.

It seemed like just recently I was celebrating New Years at Mr. Lamont's house.  Within the last year Jeff had invited me to some event and copied his parents on the email.  I remember replying and saying to his parents that I looked forward to seeing them again soon.  I told them that I had such warm and happy memories hanging around their house.

I'll miss how welcoming Mr. Lamont was at his home and during many trips to his cabin.  His eyes and his smile always conveyed a genuine happiness with his family... and that happiness seemed to spill over to having another guest present.

I grateful for Mr. Lamont's advice and will remember him telling me about being in the Marines and how he appreciated the camraderie and what he learned starting out at the lowest level.  I'm grateful for his genuine interest and support in my life and will remember Jeff telling me "my dad was very happy to hear about your new job and your career."  

And I'll remember all the simple things that made Mr. Lamont laugh.   I remember him appreciating the Spuds McKenzie poster in his basement as he played a round of pool with us.  He loved the beer mugs with the water frozen in between the glass.  I'll remember him enjoying a meal with his son and I at rustic Country House nearby.  I remember his love for the dogs Penny & Bailey and his love of a good rare steak. 

Its hard at first for me to think about Mr. Lamont.  Eventually, I become happier to reflect on such a caring, loving, happy and genuine person.  I am happy that his family knew every day how much they were loved.  I am very happy to have seen that love and been around him to enjoy so many happy memories.  May God bless you Mr. Lamont, I'll miss you… 

Love,
Jeevan

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr Lamont for the last 10 years.  He was always so engaging and interested in everyone and in supporting them in achieving their happiness.

Mr Lamont was truly a man for all seasons.  His style and approach drew others in.  Pretty much regardless of the topic (from business to water-skiing) others would to defer to him as the natural oracle.

Mr Lamont was always very generous with his thoughts and time (even for people who took many attempts to get up on one ski!).

I am sure Mr Lamont would be proud with how Jeff, Brad and Liana are carrying on his legacy.

Mrs Lamont, Brad, Jeff and Liana-  I'm very sorry about Mr. Lamont's passing.  I have many fond memories of Mr Lamont, his genuine interest in what we were all doing with our lives, that twinkle in his eye and his laugh at family and neighborhood parties on tanglewood.  Even finding me temp work over the summers through Remedy.  I can hear his laugh in my head now and he will be truly missed.  Thinking of you and your whole family.  Love-  Tracy Heuvelman Weiner

Sister’s remembrances of Edwin by Lynn Lamont Beckmann

My earliest memory: When I was about five and he was one and a half I taught him to pronounce his name. Edwin Lamont came out every time as Yah-Yah Llb-Llbla which sent me into gales of laughter.

Next were the summer trips to Cape Cod and I insisted on sitting in his baby car seat with the steering wheel. He had to ride on Mom’s lap. In those days in our 1937 Plymouth it took two days.

I remember the time he had a tiny scratch on his knee and even with the band-aid on he refused to walk down our front stoop steps. I remember Dad teaching him how to play baseball.

As soon as he could figure out the cash, we played monopoly - just Dad, Ed and I - Mom wouldn’t deal with these cut-throat, bad attitude games, in which the winner had to clean up the mess on the living room floor because the two losers left in a huff.  People always felt us very competitive - maybe it began here.

Once when Ed was about seven we took an educational vacation spending a week at a working farm in PA. He became fast friends with the owner’s son  David Goodenough. Ensuing summers Ed went back to the farm by himself and David came to Lynbrook - to see us but especially to see New York City for the first time.

Our parents left us for a week every Oct. for Dad’s banking conventions. We had to go to Aunt Mimi’s or Nana Sinnigen came to stay with us. We preferred Nana because Ed could have his friends over - like 25 at a time for parties. The beer was delivered through the cellar window which I thought was ingenious though risky, and Nana was oblivious. When the guys rang the bell she chased them away calling them rowdies so they came in the back door.

I remember George and Kevin and Muir being over at the house and Dad having his great “philosophy” discussions with them - eg “what’s important in the world, your life’s goals, etc., etc…”

Our family was small and close. I remember Dad always saying the four of us had to be one-for-all and all- for-one.

Dear Ellie,

I was so shocked and very deeply saddened to learn that Ed had passed away.  I have many wonderful memories of our school days and from all I have learned about Ed, it is clear that even all those years ago he exhibited the wonderful qualities that shaped his life.  I am so glad that you are coming to the reunion and I look forward to meeting you.  I hope that sharing so many memories with his classmates will help to comfort you and your family at this most difficult time. 

Sincerely,

Claire Greenberg Epstein

Mr. Lamont was a wonderful man. He was always incredibly generous. Along with Ellie he was always kind and happy to see both myself and my family as it grew with a husband and two young boys. 

He was always very curious about our lives and seemed that all conversations picked up where they left off "so how are the kids, how's medicine". Things that other's may forget he would remember. One of his funniest comments was that I saved him a bunch of money by showing Liana a good time around U of I when she was college hunting!

He was always very humble. I suspect that had I not been in the Drumtight offices in his basement in the early years I would have never known he was a Marine.
 
In the last visit I had the chance to make with him, played with our two young boys with a joy that lit up his whole face, eyes alight, cheeks aglow and a chuckle at the energy they brought into his home. This was just before Linden's birth and I can only imagine how much he enjoyed being a grandfather. 

I, and indeed our whole family, will miss him dearly. 

Leelie

Mrs. Lamont, Brad, Jeff and Liana,

I recollect vividly meeting the whole Lamont family when Brad and I were moving into the house together.  Many more visits to campus, trips to Lisle or the lake, and over the intervening years...I continue to value those times and our friendships greatly.  

I always enjoy and feel comfortable with your family.  Over the years I've realized that time at the lake was more than just waterskiing, eating and sleeping (in frequent rotation).  Certainly it was about family and camaraderie.  Mr and Mrs Lamont are very generous with their treasure and also their hospitality: I always feel part of the group. 
 
Mr Lamont was a valuable adult mentor.  It was easy to listen to and ask for experience-based advice from him, without the 20-year-old's dismissal of the advice from one's own father.  I will always value those times.

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon, and continuing to make memories together.

Pete

I have known Jeff for +25 years, but I was only able to see Mr. and Mrs. Lamont once or twice a year. However, Mr. Lamont was always interested in hearing about my family and what was going on in my life. Funny thing is every time I called him Mr. Lamont, he asked me to call him Ed. I just could never do it. When someone is your soccer coach when you are like 14, you can't just call him by his first name once you are in your late 20's. Well here it goes.... Ed was very supportive and would add his words of wisdom if required. It was nice beating him (but sometimes letting him win) in pool and ping-pong. It was equally pleasant defeating him in tennis. 

My father passed away a year ago, so I was looking for some guidance. To that end, I had re-established my connection with Ed just weeks before and looked forward to his professional direction. 

I will miss Ed, as the entire Lamont family does as well. Maybe he and my father can get together for a game of bocce or something.

Matt Malcheski

I would like to ask each of you reading this to take a few moments to say a prayer for Ed in your own fashion of praying….

It is important for me to thank my neighbors for supporting me on the evening I found Ed after his circulatory event leading to his death.  Also for honoring his memory by being so considerate and mowing my lawn twice before his memorial service.  I know Ed would have greatly appreciated your kindness.

I’ve been very blessed in my life.  I started life with loving and giving parents.  Added to that I had wonderful siblings to grow and learn with.

Then I married Ed who was strong, supportive and a loving partner. We shared much and learned from each other.  I think “together” would be an appropriate term for our marriage. Together we were able to achieve our mutual goals in life.

Together we have always been so proud of our three children and their success in their life’s endeavors.

Together we decided to begin a new chapter by growing our own business.

And together we decided to sell that business so we could enjoy our mature years together.

Life has unexpected tragedies and he was taken from me too soon. I will miss his love, his decision-making and his presence in my daily life.

I am so thankful for the many loving family members and friends supporting me at this difficult time.

Dear Jeff, 
We are very sorry and sad to hear that your Dad passed away. We are sending you a lot of courage, light and peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Martine and Irfan, Switzerland

Lamont family,

I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Lamont.  My prayers are with your entire family during this very difficult time.

Kristin Hill Brown

Ellie, Brad, Jeff and Liana, my deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband and father.   I have fond memories of his warm smile and sense of humor while being over at the house as a teenager.  I’m glad I had a chance to see him and all of you once again in Switzerland for Jeff and Simone’s wedding.  My thoughts are with you and your family.
Best
Michelle

As a friend of the family, this news was very sad to hear.  Mr. Lamont always had a smile and good words of wisdom for us. A welcoming aura and greeting.  In my mind, Brad, Jeff and Liana are the true legacy of what Mr. Lamont accomplished. Wishing you peace and repose from the Mall's to the entire Lamont family.

Sometimes the biggest influences in your life reveal themselves only in hindsight.  Through both words and deeds, Ed inspired me to pursue a career in business and a life of entrepreneurship.  I first met Ed in 1991, after my first year in college. His son Jeff and I decided to take a chance and work for ourselves over the summer rather than getting conventional summer jobs.  Little did I know what started that summer would launch me on adventures around the world, enable to me to attend law school and business school at Harvard, and open professional and personal opportunities I never imagined.  I never had a chance to thank Ed for being such a wonderful mentor.  I always thought I would have more time.  

I have been blessed with wonderful parents but Ed filled a role my parents, despite all their love, could not provide.  My father is an engineer and my mother has a degree in social work so there was no one in my life to pattern myself after once I started developing an interest in business.  Sometimes all a young person needs in order to accomplish their dreams is access to a role model they can see and touch on a regular basis.  Ed was not only the person Jeff and I patterned ourselves after but also someone who took our dreams seriously.  He always believed in us and regardless of the business idea we were pursuing, he provided both advice and encouragement.  The latter being invaluable because it so easy discourage someone when they are embarking on a new road.  Ed did the opposite – he told us we were just as smart as anyone, encouraged us to be daring, and made us believe that we would one day be at the helm of billion dollar enterprises.  

Ed’s words had resonance because he had accomplished so much as an entrepreneur himself.  And he did it without fanfare, preferring rather to lead by example.  He gave advice only when asked and was always the last to trumpet his own considerable success.  My summers with the Lamont’s during college were more valuable than any business class I ever attended at Harvard.  Ed provided lots of lessons both big and small, from explaining exactly what it took to develop a customer base, to never taking no for an answer, to hiring and managing employees, to the tax consequences of different forms of business structures… the list goes on and on.  The mere fact that he believed in us and always made himself available when we had questions led us to challenge ourselves further than we would have ever done on our own. 

The news that Ed passed away Wednesday is a terrible shock to all of us that loved him.  He was one of the constants in my life that I just assumed would be around for many years to come.  

Thank you Ed.  I never had a chance to share with you what a huge impact you made on my life.  I hope I one day get the chance to be as good a mentor to someone else as you were to me.

Eulogy delivered on May 23, 2010
A bit more than 3 years ago, when I was considering starting my business, I went to my Dad for advice. After much discussion and thought, I concluded that I could not do it on my own, so I asked him if he would be willing to be a part of it. I will never forget his response: “I will be honored to help you.” In fact it was I who was honored to be able to work with him. 

During these 3 years I never doubted what a wise businessman he was. But as I was busy with day-to-day life and generally self-centered, I was guilty of not taking the proper time to think and appreciate and tell him everything that he had done and was still doing for me.
 
A few hours before he died Wednesday I actually called home, as I normally did 3-4 days per week, to ask him his advice on something. My mom yelled up to him while he was on the roof and asked him to come down to speak to me, but I interrupted her and said that I would just ask him later.  I knew he was doing what the liked to do and I did not want to disturb him. I shut down my computer that night and made a note to myself to ask him the following day.
 
I woke up on Thursday morning in Switzerland and 30 minutes later received a text message from my mom only saying: “call home ASAP.” Given that it was just past midnight in Chicago, I immediately had a very bad feeling about what I was going to hear.

During the past 3 or 4 days as I have been trying to deal with the shock, sadness and pain, lots of family and friends have written very comforting emails to me about my dad. They described what he had done for them and what he had meant to them. The words they used to describe him moved me: wise, patient, a family man, intelligent, caring, encouraging, honest, smiling, interested in what everyone was doing, friendly, loving, treating everyone with honor, a mentor, a counselor, a role model.

As I read these messages I realized that this is what he meant to me as well. I doubt I ever articulated to him how appreciative I was for everything he had done for me and imparted upon me not just the past 3 years, but the past 37.

It’s impossible to turn back the clock so I realize the only thing I can do is go forward and honor him by doing my best to uphold his values and make him proud.

Dear Ellie,  Sandy and I were shocked and saddened to receive your note about Ed's death.  I regret not seeing the two of you for over the last 25 years, but we have fond memories of Wharton days and our visits after that.  He was a good Marine and a good man.  Thank you for keeping in touch with Christmas cards over all these years.  It's wonderful that you have a strong family to lean on going forward.  Our very best to you.  Our prayers are with you.  

Kirk and Sandy Cressman, Savannah, GA

Dear family of Ed:
 He was a classmate of mine in M.H.S. I'm sorry I never knew, he too, was a vet of the Vietnam war. As members in this selected "brotherhood" we could have shared many moments.
Our best to you at this time,
Peter/Joyce King

I have such great memories growing up with Liana and around the Lamont family. You are such loving and kind people and my heart goes out to you all now.

Ellie 
So shocked to hear about Ed. I met Pam Watts Fletcher and she told me what happened. I was so looking forward to meeting you and seeing Ed at the
Malverne H S reunion after so many years. Hope you might be able to be there. I know all of us in his class would love to see you.
Noel Peters Cook, Cary, IL

Dear Ellie and Family,
I want to let you know that you're in our thoughts and are held dear in so many places. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. 
Linda Moselle and Gary Venter

Ellie, 
Sue and I want to express our sincere condolences.  Ed was my mentor in our early days at Remedy.  Countless times I turned to him for advise, opinion, or just to share a good story.  
I'll always associate Braxton's Rest. with you two.  It'll never be the same again.  
John & Susan Corso

From the very first gathering of the Dinner group we knew this is one fabulous "gentleman". Ed always had a smile on his face, a great story to tell and he was such a helper around the kitchen! 
We will always have such fond, loving memories to cherish but we will miss him terribly. 
Ellie and Family ,as they say at the lake...He was a keeper ! 
Bridget & Ron and the Dinner@theLake Group

Dear Ellie and family,
Our memories of Ed will always stay with us and be a reminder of his great love for family and friends.  There are no words that can satisfy you now, however, in time all the words of your friends will be a comfort to you.  Our deepest condolences to all and especially you, Ellie, at this saddest of times.  
You both had the love of a lifetime.
you are in our thoughts,
Debbie and Randi

Ellie...Joanne and I are still in shock.  Ed was a very special person in my life as a young man.  My mother and his parents were good friends and since I had no brothers or sisters family friends were more than just friends.  Ed was there for me on many occassions when I just needed a "buddy."  He was also there for me when I went in the Marine Corps.  He will be missed, but it would seem God needed him more.  Please continue to stay in touch.  All our love to you and the family.   Curt & Joanne Reilly (Brooksville, FL)

We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Lamont Family.  Please know Larry's American Diabetes Association Family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this very sad time.

Dear Ellie & Family:

Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Ed.  May God comfort you in this time of sorrow and may Ed now rest in peace with God.

Ellie:
My warmest condolences to you and your family. May the fond memories of him give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Connie Gilmer

So sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of playing at your house as a kid. My deepest sympathy to your family.

We only knew Ed for a short while. We were with you on a river cruise from Budapest. From the first moment you came to our table and asked if you could join us for dinner, we knew there was something special about the two of you. Our friendship developed over this short time and we found we had so much in common. Ed was a delilght to be with, as we shared so many wonderful times together. 
Elaine and I have gone through what you are living now. There are no words to express our feelings for you during this time. Time will make the hurt less. You will have the memories of your life with Ed and they will sustain you. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Elaine & Harry Haber

Dear Lamont Family,

We send you our most sincere sympathy.  We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our daily thoughts and prayers.

Adrienne Phillips Foreman and Family

Jeff and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Roman Tuero

I will always hold an enormous amount of adoration for Mr. Lamont.  I remember his great smiles, laughter, and how he treated everyone with honor.  I have wonderful memories of your entire family, and am deeply sorry for this great loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

I read of Ed's death with sadness and offer condolences to his, wife and family. I am a former classmate from Malverne high school.

I'm sorry for your loss. Take comfort in your memories.

Dear Ellie. 

I am so, so sorry to hear the news. I had been looking forward to seeing Ed and to meeting you at our reunion. I feel I know you after all our emails. Ed is one of the people from high school that I remember fondly and vividly. Even at that age he was a gentle man and a gentleman. May you find comfort in knowing that his was a life well lived.

The Lamont Family- with sincere sympathy:
I was a classmate and friend of Ed's at Malverne High School. His sterling qualities exhibited then seem to have served him and all of you well during his life time. His intelligence, athleticism and honor made him an outstanding person. We all looked forward to sharing our 50th Reunion next month. He will be missed.
May these memories help you through this tragic time.  Sherry Sachs Lawrence

Ellie,
May you always remember the wonderful times that you and Ed had. I am so sorry about your loss.

Ellie, Brad, Jeff, Liana, Elena, Linden, Lynn and all of Ed's Family,  

I hope that you feel God's comfort and embrace especially in these trying times.  My family will keep you and Ed in our prayers.  What do you say about a great man passing-other than I am fortunate to have known him and a better person because of him.  What a great role model and close friend.

God bless you all,

Joe Palumbo and Family

So sorry to hear about Ed. We met him once at U of I when Chris and Jeff were room mates. May God give you strength now and during the coming months. Art & Lois Mall(Chris's Parents)

Ellie and Family,

We were greatly saddened to learn of Ed's death.  I have very fond memories of our high school days, particularly of the summer Ed and I spent caddying at the Lake Placid Country Club.  Linda and I were so looking forward to seeing Ed and you, Ellie, again at our 50th MHS reunion in June.  Our sincere condolences to you, Ellie, and your entire family.

Bill and Linda Eifler

Ellie, Ray and I are so saddened by your loss. May all your wonderful memories be a comfort to you and your Family. We are thinking of you all.
Jeannene and Ray Petrizzi

Ellie, we are so very saddened for your loss, and may all your wonderful memories bring your Family comfort and peace at this time. Ray and I are thinking of you.
Jeannene and Ray Petrizzi (levittown NY)

Our prayers and thoughts are with you, your children, and grandchildren.  His wonderful smile and sense of humor will be missed at Lake Wildwood.

Lamont family,
May you feel God's grace surround you and Ed's love bless you.  His peace is unimaginable, but I am so sorry for your unexpected loss.

Elinor and Family, 
We're so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Bill and Lorna Goldberg

To our dear Ellie, Brad, Jeff, and Liana...  Our grief is profound.  We loved Ed in life and will cherish his memory for all our days.  Blessings, Pat and Dick

All our love to all of you.
Emily Ronning & Jay MacBride

Ed was a real close friend.  Always fun to be with, whether it was water-skiing, shooting pool, partying or special get-togethers.  Sharing good times with Ed and Ellie were always special moments for us.  Andrea and I will miss Ed being in of our lives.

Ellie,
My most sincere condolences.  I am very sorry for you and your family.
Best wishes as you move forward,
John Ellsworth

Lamont family,
What a great loss - we will always remember him fondly and I hope that in time, your own wonderful memories will give you some comfort.  Our hearts are with you.
Jenny and Chris Mall

Ellie and Family,

Please accept our sympathy on your loss. May all of your wonderful memories bring you strength and comfort in the coming days.

OBITUARY

Edwin Ed B. Lamont II

April 25, 1942 – May 19, 2010

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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