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Richard Lam Obituary

Richard K. Lam

Resident of Sunnyvale

Born September 9, 1949 in Guangdong, China and passed away on January 7, 2011 peacefully at home after a courageous five-year battle with liver cancer.

Richard is survived by Lorraine, his wife of 28 years, and his sons Jameson and Gregory. He was the son of Shui Ying and the late Tze-Ming Lam. He also leaves his brothers Lun, Fung (Pam), and Kevin along with many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and loyal and caring to family and friends.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Stanford Hospital Liver Transplant Team. Donations in his name may be made to Asian Americans for Community Involvement or Stanford Asian Liver Center.

A wake will be held on Thursday, January 13 at Alta Mesa Funeral Home and Memorial Park from 7-8pm. Funeral services and internment will be held on Friday, January 14th at 11am at the same location. The address is 695 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94306.

For further remarks to the family, please visit www.tributes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 12, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lam

16 Entries

Rich at a birthday lunch at the office last year.

January 27, 2011

John Laumann

January 18, 2011

Lorraine, Jameson & Gregory -

Dianne and I were saddened to hear of Rich's passing. I enjoyed his company - he always had a smile and his sense of humor lightened the mood.

Rich kept reminding me that I taught how to ref soccer. I did such a good job that he went into coaching the sport! He was enthusiastic about both of these endeavors, as well as rooting for his boys' teams.

I will miss him.

Ann Alexander

January 16, 2011

Dear Mrs. Lam,
Unfortunately for us, we did not have the pleasure of knowing your husband. We are your neighbors at the opposite end of the street, and fate has not previously guided us together. We grieve for your loss and would be pleased to assist you in any way possible. Sincerely, Ann & Jerry Alexander (408) 773-1452.

Holly Wong Agbayani

January 15, 2011

I am sadden to learn about Richard's death. Even though I haven't seen him in many years, I've always had fond memories of him when I worked with him at Macys when I was in high school.

Remembering Richard

Sharon Seto

January 14, 2011

Lorraine, Jameson, and Gregory:

Richard touched so many lives, including mine. He will always live on in my heart. The times we had together were special. Tons of people have crossed paths with me but he is one that stands out from the rest. Richard's humor, incredible zest for life,energy and his positive attitude makes it so easy for one to converse and like him. Just thinking of Richard makes me smile.

I enjoyed our shared views on family values and how important education is for setting a foundation to a better future. I will never never ever forget when he told me that putting my kids to boarding school does not make me a bad mother, that I was sacrificing for their future. I loved my kids, cried almost every night when they left as it was certainly hard for me to let them go at a young age; but I was getting a lot of flack from people who thought I was "getting rid" of them. No, it was because I knew it was what the wanted so that they can better understand different perspectives and gain a broader education. I had to let them go so they can discover themselves. Richard understood.

He is really a breath of fresh air and I will always remember. God bless him and you all.......
With love,
Cousin Sharon Seto and family

Jenna Hwong

January 14, 2011

Begin your Guest Book entry here.To my Uncle Rich:
Husband, father, son, brother,
But to me you were an uncle like no other.
So many thoughts in my head,
So many things left unsaid.
You left that day without a glance,
Not knowing that I would not get a second chance.
My promise to bake your favorite cream puffs,
Delicious whip cream you could never get enough.
I’d bake you the world if I could go back,
With all the sugar you’d most surely get dental plaque.
But it’s okay, you’re apart of the Lee family,
They’re doctors and dentists, all smart as can be. (but I don’t know what happened to me)
But who knew you shared the Lee genes,
Finding the best deals, you were a bargain machine.
Claiming the best buys it was no surprise,
That your favorite store would always be Fry’s.
I’m sure that’s where you bought your camera and gear,
To always capture the moment picture clear.
Our personal historian at all family functions,
You never missed my etiquette malfunctions.
Mouth open, talking with food
I was scolded for being rude.
Forever cherish those small moments we shared,
Even though many times I was unprepared.
All those times I would undue,
For just one more picture with only you.
I will miss our conversations, you’d ask about my studies,
When we all know I had more fun with my buddies.
You put so much emphasis to give the best education,
Your greatest pride to see your sons’ graduations.
You have two wonderful legacies, both oh-so-fine,
Jameson and Greg, proud to call them cousins of mine.
No words can express the grief that I feel,
More time with you, in a heartbeat I would steal.
No one can ever take your place,
Your image in my heart will never erase.

Love Your Niece Jenna

Josie Carter

January 14, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the Lam family. Our sons graduated with Jameson and Gregory. Being Lynbrook parents, Marvin and I have fond memories of working Grad nite activities and sharing many enjoyable conversations with Richard and Lorraine. May all our prayers comfort you during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
The Carter family - Marvin, Josie, Nathaniel and Matt

Emily Lo

January 13, 2011

Lorraine and family,
It's my honor to be able to volunteer with Richard in Chinese school. His enthusiasm, passion, and 'can do' attitude will be well-remembered.

Emily Lo

Mia Nguyen

January 13, 2011

Lorraine, I only met Rich a few times during the work parties, the times I did meet him I can tell how much he loved his family. His sense of humor always made it easy to chat and put a smile on my face. I could never tell that he went through the medical procedures over the past years because he seemed so positive about life. His curiosity about life and life's beauty can be seen by him trying to capture those moments with his camera. I was blessed to have met him and I admire him for his positivity.

"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, love is stronger than death.”

Dora Wuethrich

January 13, 2011

Dear Lorraine and family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. May God grant you strength and peace during this time of great grief.

Most sincerely,

Dora

Susan and Carlos and the kids

January 13, 2011

Lorraine and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. We will cherish our memories of Rich. He and his camera will be greatly missed!

Mark Teagle

January 12, 2011

I knew Rich as a parent at Lynbrook High School. Rich was an active parent volunteer and an avid supporter of his son's activities. You could trust Rich to be on hand, video camera running, to be a part of all that was going on. He will be missed, but he is a part of so many memories.

Srini Srinivasan

January 12, 2011

Lorraine,
I am very sorry to hear about Richard's demise. Renuka & myself have very fond memories of those wonderful years when our children attended Lynrbook and we had an active role in the Music programs. We join in the prayers to give you and the rest of your family courage to bear with this big loss in your personal lives.

sincerely
Srini & Renuka

Perry & Helen Ong

January 12, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the families.

Howard Duff

January 12, 2011

I can honestly say that in the over 10 years I've worked with Rich, everyone and I mean everyone we've ever had to interface with liked Rich. A true gentlemen, scholar, and family man. I am very honored and fortunate to have had Rich as a friend. ("POSH", Rich)

Bill Wright

January 12, 2011

From Rich's AT&T family, our heart felt condolences go out to his family. There is a tremedous sense of loss that we feel having to say goodbye to such loyal and trusted co-worker. We are much better people having had the opportunity to meet Rich and enjoying his dedication, compassion and quick wit.

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