Stephen Lambert Yant

1942 -2026

Stephen Lambert Yant did a lot of living in the dash between the years of 1942 and 2026. His life in the metaphorical space of the dash, encompassed it all. He loved, he lost, he worked, he prayed, joy and sorrow lived in his heart…and he wrote. Through it all, he played his guitar or his ukulele and sang the songs which expressed, more than any of his human words could, the rumblings and resonances of his heart.

Stephen was the firstborn child of cherished parents William and Lenore Yant. He was the oldest of four children and is survived by sisters Sherry Vieth and Carol Gionfriddo and brother Tim Yant.

In his youth he excelled in athletics, and as a self proclaimed stick, he earned his varsity letter in golf at Whittier High School in Southern California.

At university, as a cager he suited up for the frosh basketball team at UC Santa Barbara. He and brother Tim were both Kappa Sigma men and it was in this setting that he started to hone his chops on the guitar as he would often regale his fraternity brothers and visiting sorority girls with popular songs of the day.

It was also at UCSB that he would meet Virginia Wagner, with whom he shared an interest in playing bridge. They soon became more than just bridge partners and after graduation they were married and together they ventured abroad, joining the recently formed Peace Corps and taking an assignment in Malaysia. It was there that Stephen had his first experience as a bilingual ed teacher, instructing English to local school kids, and it was also while in Borneo that his oldest son Barry Jahmal was born. The young family traveled through Europe and Asia while in the Corps and on the journey back to the U.S.

In time, Stephen’s longing for performing music again came calling and he answered, following his musical muse. He joined the local musicians union and began singing in a musical duo Massey and Lambert, also known as Steel Trap and Liquid Lizard. He performed in groups in and around Santa Barbara, and it was during one of these gigs that he would have the great fortune of meeting his future wife Cheryl Willows. Their joining through marriage led to a 50 plus year long love affair while building a life and caring for their family together. In time Stephen would come back to the classroom as teaching became his lifelong work. Still through it all, Stephen was forever playing and singing, seeking and searching, writing and trying to both understand and express through his art the inner workings of his heart.

A witty and gifted man of language, he loved and shared frequently, both the serious and silly poems that tickled him or wrenched his soul, songs that moved him or got stuck in his ear, interesting articles and anecdotes that resonated with him and that he thought may speak to others.

A true lifelong learner, many decades were devoted to teaching and learning. Serving as a licensed educator, he impacted countless individuals, whether teaching English at the school in Borneo, or later teaching elementary age students in California and Oregon. He also taught himself, building a two story log home in Southern Oregon where his two youngest children, Laura Willows and Caleb Lambert were born. There, he also taught others how to build pole barns. He learned to sing and arrange harmony in madrigals and rounds with Cheryl and other collaborators, even once singing their way into the Oregon Country fair while Cheryl was with child, using musical charm to lead the way. Later, he taught himself to sail, with an online sailing course culminating in an epic novice sailing adventure in Desolation Sound with his Oregon family.

Education and the pursuit of knowledge guided and led Steve down many paths that would ultimately lead Stephen to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Language Acquisition at Chico State University. His son Barry was also a student at the same university and they were thrilled to celebrate at the graduation ceremony together.

His passion and heart for underserved populations still remained a heart calling he could not ignore. He interpreted, advocated and taught the children of Migrant families as he worked for Migrant Education in California; pursuing equity, opportunity, and education for their children.

His ear for language and learning of Spanish eventually brought him to Salem, Oregon, and his final formal teaching job, working at Grant Elementary as a dual language third grade teacher where he was continuously inspired by his colleagues and the mission of the work. He continued using songs and melodies he wrote as a connection point and bridge for people between languages, and his primary teaching instrument was his guitar, which always hung in his classroom, easily within reach.

Even after retirement, he continued teaching music lessons to anyone interested and always wove in music theory, a favorite topic of his. He would often attempt to enthrall his middle, high school, and college age grandchildren with his love of the circle of fifths and sacred geometry. The interconnectedness of music, math, and nature thrilled him in his final decade.

These retired years were of course permeated with all things Steve. Singing and playing with his many friends and musical appointments filled his days, as many kindred spirits stopped by his home studio for musical connection and long talks pondering the big Q's.

At times he worked alongside, then later consulted with his children on their various home projects, using his wealth of knowledge from his building days. In retirement, he converted the backyard greenhouse into a woodshop and spent many fall and winter days crafting tables, settees, and other creations that had inspired him.

He shared with all within his circle his musical ideas and thoughts on existence. Through it all he remained a loving and supportive spouse, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed attending many of his children and grandchildren's music concerts, and sporting events such as baseball, basketball, and soccer games, but enjoyed the sideline banter equally. He made the effort to be there for family and friends life events as well, such as birthday parties, memorials, or reunions, and he was always ready, willing and happiest when he could pick up a guitar for the occasion.

He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, son Barry and his wife Ellen, daughter Laura and her husband David, and son Caleb and his wife Erin. He is greatly missed also by grandchildren Cole and Kyle (Barry), Tre and Jude (Laura), and Emery, Hadley and Rowan (Caleb). His passing is felt by all of those with whom his heart did touch. Inspired by many a song, a favorite of late was Ripple by the Grateful Dead, so in true Steve fashion we say… his words did glow, with the gold of sunshine. His tunes were played, and his voice came through. We who are left in the dawn and the dark of night on this earthly plane, hold him near and dear and are grateful for the time we shared together on this Earth.

To honor Stephen’s passion for music and social justice, contributions on his behalf may be sent to the Playing For Change foundation rather than floral arrangements.

A celebration of life will be held in Salem, OR in early November. Dates and times are tentative.