Robert D (Bob) Lambert, a longtime East Grays Harbor resident, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was 86.
Bob was born Nov. 18, 1933, in Coos Bay, Oregon, to Fred and Gladys (Spitler) Lambert. In 1934 the family moved to Tacoma, Washington. Bob is the third son of four boys, Fred Jr., Roy and Larry raised in Tacoma. Bob graduated from Lincoln High School.
In 1955, during his junior year at Olympic Community College, he met and married Dorothy Strellenbarger. Bob went on to Eastern Washington University. During his EWU time he received a B.A. in science education and mastering in Biology and Math. Bob played football and baseball at both Olympic Community and Eastern Washington University.
In 1957-58, Bob went on to serve his country in U.S. Army as a Medical instructor. He received the Good Conduct Medal and was a member of the 4th Army specialist. During this time Bob’s military time was mainly at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
For the next two years he served in the Army Reserves, where he started his first teaching/coaching job in Republic, Washington. While in Republic he coached in three major sports, football, basketball and baseball.
In 1960 he taught biology, science and math at Elma High School, his passion for 29 years.
His love of biology, athletics and family produced much joy in his life. He coached football for seven years and started the 1965 Wrestling Program in Elma and the High School baseball program. He was the COACH for all events.
In 1969, Bob and three other fathers started the Elma Little League and Babe Ruth Program, that also developed athletic fields for the high school and city ball fields.
In 1969 Bob received a MA in Education Administration at the University of Oregon.
During his first marriage, they had three sons and one daughter, Robert (Rob) Lambert Jr. (Suzette), Shelley Johnson, Douglas (Julia) and Jeffery (Chris).
In 1978, Bob married Marcia Salzer in Reno, Nevada, which brought their children together (Brady bunch). Bob now has three more kids, stepdaughter, Debbie (Salzer) Smith (Randy), stepsons, Ray Salzer (Cathy) and Randy Salzer (Tess).
The combined family were roughly in the same age and activities during their time at EHS.
Now the seven children are married giving Bob 14 beautiful grandchildren, 16 beautiful great-grandchildren and two special Shih tzu dogs. Joey has passed but Abby is still keeping Marcia company.
Bob joined the Catholic Church 42 years ago and has been an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elma.
Bob was one that wore many hats in the family and community. On Feb. 14, 2004 Coach Bob was inducted into the Elma High School Hall of Fame.
After retiring from Elma High School in 1989, Bob ventured out into the Real Estate. He worked for Century 21 Warne Real Estate. He was remarkably successful and enjoyed this new journey.
When both Bob and Marcia retired from Real Estate, they began to travel with their 5th wheel trailor.
They stayed mainly in the Western states. He enjoyed their family stories, eating out and sitting around the campfires telling large fish stories.
Bob enjoyed his many hobbies, fishing, hunting and watching football, especially his favorite team, the Oregon Ducks, Go “O”s, for 86 years. Bob and Marcia always gathered with great friends for coffee hour at the Elma Bowling Alley.
Bob was an amazing husband, father, grandpa and true friend to many.
He leaves behind his wife, Marcia A Lambert, children, Rob Lambert Jr., Shelley Johnson, Doug Lambert, Jeff Lambert, Debbie Smith, Ray Salzer, Randy Salzer, his brother Larry Lambert, and 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Roy Lambert and Fred Lambert.
Services are postponed due to the Covid 19 virus. We will have a service at the St. Joseph Church on August 1, 2020.
