Richard Cletis Lambert, age 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 4, 2021, at the Vulcan Community Health Centre, Vulcan, Alberta, after a brief battle with cancer.
Richard was born to Evelyn Melvina and Leslie Bert Lambert on June 9, 1941 in Franklin*, West Virginia (*Upper Smith Creek, Ziglar, West Virginia). He loved gardening, walking, learning about history and politics, researching family history, bluegrass music, and making useful things out of discarded items. As a young man, he spent two years in the United States Army, Armor Division and two years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the states of California and Nevada. Richard received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Brigham Young University in Utah, where he also met his wife, Linda Dow. He began his teaching career in Utah before moving to Alberta in the late 1970s, where he taught Social Studies for many years at County Central High School in Vulcan and a few years at Milo Community School. He also enjoyed a number of years working with Wheat Country Special Needs Society. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a willing volunteer at the Vulcan Historical Society.
Richard is survived by his wife, Linda Dow Lambert, of 51 years; their five children: Todd Lambert of Okinawa, Japan; Robyn Lambert of Calgary; Kyle (Stefanie) Lambert of Canton, Michigan; Ryan Lambert of Calgary; Maryn (Jamin) Hall of Suwanee, Georgia; granddaughters Melissa, Riann, Ellie, Emma, Brooklyn, Mia, Audrey, Millie (Amelia), and Eden; grandsons Isaac and Ezra; brother Dale (Bonnie) Lambert, sisters Virginia Lee White, Mary Jane Santelli, and Madeline (Keith) Hoover, half-brother Gary McKinney, half-sister Nancy (Jerry) Green, and numerous extended family members.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, as well as six siblings: Flossie Bell, Rachel (his twin sister), Howard, Jerry, Doris, and Cleo.
The family would like to thank all of the dedicated healthcare professionals at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge and the Vulcan Community Health Centre for their professionalism and excellent care.
A Family Graveside Service was held at the Vulcan Cemetery.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. Please E-mail condolences to the family through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
My condolences on the passing of Richard. I don’t remember my children having him as a teacher but I do remember you, Linda and Maryn. After reading all the positive things his former students said about him, it is obvious Richard will be remembered as a terrific teacher. Thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Thank you, Theresa. It’s good to hear from you. Teaching was definitely one of Richard’s loves. He worked hours after the school day ended and went to class each day without complaint. He loved learning and was energized by his students. Thank you for reaching out to us. Linda Lambert and Family
I met Richard working at WCSN. We had many interesting conversations. Many about religion, work, family and the world. He opened my eyes to new thoughts and I know I had his brain thinking as well, he told me so. I have often thought about him over the years and hoped that life was continuing to be good for him and his family.
Linda, you are in my thoughts and prayers
Thank you, Rosemary. It makes me happy to think about Richard having discussions with you and many others. When we try to understand one another we are doing good in the world. It sounds like you and Richard were on the same “doing good” team. Thank you for being a friend. Linda Lambert and Family
Thank you, Penny. Richard thoroughly enjoyed his days at CCHS too. A good group of people. Thank you for your kind thoughts. It helps our family to hear these things. Linda Lambert and Family
Thank you, Richard. We have great memories of you and Annette and your children. Your kind comments are very much appreciated. It helps to hear them and remember many good experiences from the past. Richard enjoyed discussions and hearing different opinions so you know that he was having a good time. He loved Canada and knew Canadian history and politics so much better than I did. He loved to study it all. Thank you for reaching out. Linda Lambert and Family
Thank you, Jean and Jim. We appreciate your good thoughts. Richard enjoyed his friendship with Lola very much. They both liked to tease and laugh. She was always very good to him. It makes me happy to think about those good times. Thank you for sharing and for your loving concern. Linda Lambert and Family
Mr. Lambert you will be missed. He was a teacher who made a huge impact on my life, he taught me so much more than basic school subjects, even if I did not realize it at the time. I always looked forward to seeing him with his glorious mustache sitting at the back desk during my Jr High days in Milo. I have a feeling of warmth in my heart when I think of him.
Thank You Mr Lambert for helping to shape me into the person I am today.
Thank you, Brooke. Mr. Lambert enjoyed going to school each day and working with you and so many others. He wore his glorious mustache for most of his adult life and would be pleased to know that you noticed. Thank you for your kind thoughts. It helps us to remember all the good times. We appreciate it. Linda Lambert and Family
We were saddened to learn of Richard’s passing and wanted to express our thanks for his many acts of service and kindness to my Mother (Lola Findlay). His visits, notes, kind words and treats brightened her days. She will miss his friendship. We send our sympathy and love at this very tender time.
Thank you, Jean and Jim. We appreciate your good thoughts. Richard enjoyed his friendship with Lola very much. They both liked to tease and laugh. She was always very good to him. It makes me happy to think about those good times. Thank you for sharing and for your loving concern. Linda Lambert and Family
Dear Linda. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am so glad we moved to Vulcan and were able to know you and Richard. He was always so friendly and gracious. He will be missed by all who knew him. Hugs to you Linda. With love Donna.
Thank you, Donna. Vulcan was a good move for us and we are happy to have known you and Jim. People and relationships are the most important. Thank you for the kind thoughts. They are very much appreciated. Linda Lambert and Family
Linda, just read about Richard this morning, 12 Jan. Although we have not been in contact these past many years, the years we taught, worshipped, and served together are fond memories. Often, I think of our hurried trips to Cardston with our lengthy and in depth discussions along the way. His kind and gentle demeanour with his soft response to harsh comments was a catalyst to conflict. Thank you for bringing him to Canada and the Champion Ward. Thoughts of him bring smiles to my face. He is a great man. Condolences does not express what I would like to convey, but my sympathy is with you. Richard.
Thank you, Richard. We have great memories of you and Annette and your children. Your kind comments are very much appreciated. It helps to hear them and remember many good experiences from the past. Richard enjoyed discussions and hearing different opinions so you know that he was having a good time. He loved Canada and knew Canadian history and politics so much better than I did. He loved to study it all. Thank you for reaching out. Linda Lambert and Family
Dear Linda & family. So very sorry to hear this news. Richard has been a wonderful contributor in so many ways. I always enjoyed chatting with him.
Thinking of you .
Thank you, Norma. Thank you for your kind thoughts. Thank you for being a good “chat” lady. Richard enjoyed talking and learning with others. It made him happy. Linda Lambert and Family
We remember fondly the times we have been together as ‘shirt-tail’ relatives over the last 22 years since our daughter, Stefanie, married Kyle. We have shared with you and Linda, four wonderful granddaughters, a great blessing for the four of us. We have experienced and observed many of your fine qualities through this association. Many of these qualities we recognize as we interact with your family. Thank you for your steadiness, loyalty, integrity, hard work, intellect, courage, friendship and kindness. We’ve been recipients of all those qualities. Thank you for being a wonderful father and grandfather to our son-in-law and granddaughters. Your legacy will live on! Bon Voyage! We know that we’ll meet again.
Thank you, Lynne and Darryl. The years have gone by so quickly that it amazes me when you report the number 22. Our family is stronger because of our association with Stefanie, 4 granddaughters and all of your family. Thank you for the many positive things that you contribute to us and many others and the many kind words that you have shared. Linda Lambert and Family
We will miss Brother Lambert as our Hometeacher and friend. He always displayed a good sense of humour and we knew he honestly cared about us. He was indeed a special and unique person. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Thank you, Janet and Larry. It was enjoyable for Richard to be associated with your family. You welcomed him into your home and were friends to him. Thank you for your kindness. Linda Lambert and Family
Mr. Lambert was a wonderful teacher, and a kind gentleman. He was a valued teacher during our years at County Central and his impact upon our lives will always be treasured. My sincere condolences to his family.
Thank you, Karen. Richard was pleased to be associated with the teachers and students at CCHS. He enjoyed being a part of it all. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It helps us at this difficult time. Linda Lambert and Family
Dear Richard Lambert Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of a great Husband, Father, and Grandfather. Richard was a very gentle man who I considered a friend, especially when I worked with him at CCHS. He was always so fair and concerned with all his students. He never failed to say “Hello” to me whenever I saw him in Vulcan. May your cherished memories of him give you peace and comfort.
Hugs to Linda and Family.
Penny
Thank you, Penny. Richard thoroughly enjoyed his days at CCHS too. A good group of people. Thank you for your kind thoughts. It helps our family to hear these things. Linda Lambert and Family
I will miss you Uncle Richard.
You always made me and my family welcome.
Godspeed and keep my daddy company please.
Brad White.
Thanks, Brad. That was a beautiful thought. Richard and Brian were always figuring it out together and that’s good. Aunt Linda and Family
Richard will be sorely missed. No one could tell a story like he could.
My condolences to the family. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour. I will miss seeing him out walking with his walking stick.
Thank you, Bonnie. Thank you for your kindness. I’m sure that Richard was happy that you noticed his walking stick because he has a collection of them and liked to show them off. Linda Lambert and Family
Very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He was my Social Studies teacher in Vulcan. Excellent teacher who cared about the students. I enjoyed seeing him on the walking paths and having the occasional chat. Wonderful man. He will be missed by all those who knew him. My condolences to his family.
Thank you, Dean. Teaching social studies and walking on the walking path were two of Richard’s favorite things to do. He appreciated you and your efforts. Linda Lambert and Family
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Thank you for your kind words, Ramona. We appreciate them. Linda Lambert and Family
Goodbye Mr. Lambert. Your social studies classes were the reason I was always happy to jump on the school bus in the morning. Thank you for your guidance and putting up with all of us.
Condolences to everyone in the family. Your husband/dad/grandfather/brother can rest after a lifetime of service to his community. His students will help you carry his memory and impact around the world.
Thank you, Tim. Mr. Lambert was motivated to keep learning and teaching when he had good students like yourself. Thank you for the kind words. The world is fortunate to have good people who keep trying to make it better. Linda Lambert and Family.
Uncle Richard was the greatest story teller I ever knew. He was a kind and amazing man. Our family will not be the same without him. We will miss him dearly. All our love to aunt Linda and the rest of the family.
Thanks, Lisa. Richard spent many hours memorizing his stories and poems. He wanted to perform well for his family. I’m so happy that you enjoyed them.
I remember him so fondly as an amazing Teacher! Condolences to all his family.
RIP Mr. Lambert
My deepest sympathies to the Lambert family. I spent many wonderful years growing up in your home and will always remember Richard as kind, caring and forever welcoming. Thank you for everything, you will be missed.
Thank you, Laura. We thoroughly enjoyed your friendship with Maryn. You were a great friend to her and that in turn helped our family. We always wanted to adopt you. Thank you so much for your kind words. They bring back beautiful memories. All the best to you. Linda Lambert and Family
Thanks, Kandy. He loved teaching. He loved working with his students. Linda Lambert and Family
Thanks, Kandy. He loved working with each of his students. Thank you for reaching out to us and sharing. We appreciate it. Linda Lambert and Family
Condolences Linda and family on the loss of Richard. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Thank you Val and Ron. It helps to hear your kind words. Linda Lambert and Family
Richard was an amazing teacher and a great person. He will be missed.
Thank you for your kind words Darcy. We appreciate them very much. Linda Lambert and Family