1930
Donald
2014
Donald Lambert
September 9, 1930 — November 26, 2014
Donald R. Lambert left his earthly abode peacefully with his daughter/nurse, Carole, at his side on Wednesday November 26, 2014 in Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
Don was born in Stafford Springs, CT on September 9, 1930, the only son of the late Raymond and Alice Lambert
He will be profoundly missed by his loving wife of 55 years, Jeannette (Harpin) Lambert and their five children: two sons, Michel of Wisconsin, Jean Paul and his wife Beth of Norfolk, Virginia; three daughters, Donna and her companion David Ferreira of Naperville, Illinois, Marie Haley and her husband Christopher of Monson, and Carole Richard and her husband Joseph of Belchertown; eight grandchildren, Jean Paul Jr. and Jacob Lambert, Daniel and Shannon Haley, Joseph Jr., Sarah and Jenna Richard, and Cassandra Fischer and her husband Mark who blessed him with a great granddaughter Elizabeth. He also leaves many dear cousins and friends.
Don began his formal education at St. Edwards Parochial School in Stafford Springs CT and graduated from Stafford Springs High School, class of 1948. He completed the two-year program at Stockbridge Agricultural College then transferred to the University of Massachusetts where he received a dual degree in Oliriculture and Education. Don had a tremendous thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader with an equal passion to share what he had learned. He devoted most of his professional career to Education.
Don performed his duty serving his country in the United States Army during the post Korean Conflict (4/54 through 4/56) as a high-speed radio operator. He was discharged on April 26, 1956 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal of Honor.
His first teaching assignment was at Dartmouth High School (MA) where he taught for 2 years. In June of 1961 he accepted a similar position at Westfield High School teaching Agriculture. Soon thereafter the Agricultural Department was phased out and he was transferred to the Science Department at Westfield High School. The highlight of his teaching career in Westfield took place in 1971 when he initiated and directed Project Epic (Environmental Program for Instruction in Classrooms). The emphasis was placed on teaching students about their coexistence with their natural environment. Don also included within the curriculum a program that afforded the opportunity for all 5th graders to spend one week learning hands-on in the great outdoors at Camp Moses. At the EPIC office he also created a comprehensive environmental education library that all teachers could utilize. Don retired in 1995 after teaching for 36 years.
In 1968 Don was awarded the Massachusetts Conservation Teacher of the Year.
Beyond school he nurtured a passionate desire to safeguard the environment. In 1971 he was appointed a member of the Monson Conservation Commission. For a good portion of 38 years he served as Chairman. In 2011, he was asked to remain an Honorary Member for life.
In 1973 he was elected to the Hampden Conservation District. For a good portion of 37 years he served as Chairman.
Don's life-long devotion for the great outdoors was enthusiastically shared with both his family and his many students. His diverse adventures included camping and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Don touched many lives. He always found the best in others and gave his best in all his endeavors. He would be the first tell how blessed he was in life. His faith was that simple. The proud legacy left to us---God is good and loves us all...a curiosity about life...a sense that anything is possible if you work hard...and the importance of loving one another unconditionally.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, December 5, 2014 from 5-8pm in Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 6, 2014 beginning at 9:15am in the funeral home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Patrick's Church. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Trustees of Reservations, Long Hill, 572 Essex Street Beverly, MA 01915-1530.
Don was born in Stafford Springs, CT on September 9, 1930, the only son of the late Raymond and Alice Lambert
He will be profoundly missed by his loving wife of 55 years, Jeannette (Harpin) Lambert and their five children: two sons, Michel of Wisconsin, Jean Paul and his wife Beth of Norfolk, Virginia; three daughters, Donna and her companion David Ferreira of Naperville, Illinois, Marie Haley and her husband Christopher of Monson, and Carole Richard and her husband Joseph of Belchertown; eight grandchildren, Jean Paul Jr. and Jacob Lambert, Daniel and Shannon Haley, Joseph Jr., Sarah and Jenna Richard, and Cassandra Fischer and her husband Mark who blessed him with a great granddaughter Elizabeth. He also leaves many dear cousins and friends.
Don began his formal education at St. Edwards Parochial School in Stafford Springs CT and graduated from Stafford Springs High School, class of 1948. He completed the two-year program at Stockbridge Agricultural College then transferred to the University of Massachusetts where he received a dual degree in Oliriculture and Education. Don had a tremendous thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader with an equal passion to share what he had learned. He devoted most of his professional career to Education.
Don performed his duty serving his country in the United States Army during the post Korean Conflict (4/54 through 4/56) as a high-speed radio operator. He was discharged on April 26, 1956 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal of Honor.
His first teaching assignment was at Dartmouth High School (MA) where he taught for 2 years. In June of 1961 he accepted a similar position at Westfield High School teaching Agriculture. Soon thereafter the Agricultural Department was phased out and he was transferred to the Science Department at Westfield High School. The highlight of his teaching career in Westfield took place in 1971 when he initiated and directed Project Epic (Environmental Program for Instruction in Classrooms). The emphasis was placed on teaching students about their coexistence with their natural environment. Don also included within the curriculum a program that afforded the opportunity for all 5th graders to spend one week learning hands-on in the great outdoors at Camp Moses. At the EPIC office he also created a comprehensive environmental education library that all teachers could utilize. Don retired in 1995 after teaching for 36 years.
In 1968 Don was awarded the Massachusetts Conservation Teacher of the Year.
Beyond school he nurtured a passionate desire to safeguard the environment. In 1971 he was appointed a member of the Monson Conservation Commission. For a good portion of 38 years he served as Chairman. In 2011, he was asked to remain an Honorary Member for life.
In 1973 he was elected to the Hampden Conservation District. For a good portion of 37 years he served as Chairman.
Don's life-long devotion for the great outdoors was enthusiastically shared with both his family and his many students. His diverse adventures included camping and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Don touched many lives. He always found the best in others and gave his best in all his endeavors. He would be the first tell how blessed he was in life. His faith was that simple. The proud legacy left to us---God is good and loves us all...a curiosity about life...a sense that anything is possible if you work hard...and the importance of loving one another unconditionally.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, December 5, 2014 from 5-8pm in Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 6, 2014 beginning at 9:15am in the funeral home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Patrick's Church. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Trustees of Reservations, Long Hill, 572 Essex Street Beverly, MA 01915-1530.
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