David R. Lambert

David Ross Lambert, 70, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his wife, three children and granddaughter by his side on Wednesday September 22nd. Dave is survived by Connie (Mantis) Lambert, his wife and best friend of over 50 years; children Kimberly, Tracey, and Dave (Erin) Lambert; grandchildren A1C Eric Ashley, Abby Ashley, Xander and Jack Lambert; his dear sister Doreen Shuler, and many nieces and nephews and cousins he loved. Dave came from a family of intense game players who always followed the rules. Then he met Connie. He was intrigued by her “creative scorekeeping” on their first date playing mini golf and had fun “bending” the rules of the game. Dave and Connie had many adventures raising three kids traveling the world while serving 20 years in the Air Force. They loved seeing the comedy shows in Las Vegas, playing the slots- especially when he used his last quarter and won at Caesar’s Palace- and pounding his fist on his chest while singing along to Celine Dion in concert; visited the Wild Wild West, San Francisco, Niagara Falls, the Northeast (including Connecticut to get “Louie” the $100 10-pound lobster), the South and everywhere in Europe they wanted to go. If they could get the three kids, the dog and a cooler in the station wagon, they went! Dave loved his family and enjoyed coming to their rescue, even as adults. Dave was truly the foundation of the Lambert family. Kim, Tracey and Dave will tell you their Dad was the best dad, and he was. Dad taught them many useful life lessons such as how to make a thick burger, the key to good BBQ sauce is to add beer; change your oil; burping at the dinner table is OK if you say “excuse me;” when in the South, always say you’re from Jacksonville; and all men are pigs, find a good piggy. Poppop loved playing with and spoiling his grandchildren. He looked forward to the start of fishing season and when he could take the grandkids to the trout farm. He loved camping and playing video games with them, like Mario Smash Bros, Among Us, and Cards Against Humanity. Dave’s Words to Live By: I Don’t Like Small Food Always Say Yes to Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is the Best Cake Hide the Evidence Lambert Rules are More Fun than Regular Rules Always Pronounce the Silent Letters in Words Adapt and Overcome Life is short. Laugh as much as possible. Live, travel, have fun. Most importantly, love your family.

David R. Lambert

August 28, 1951 - September 22, 2021