David E. "Dave" Lamb

84, passed away on May 1, 2014 after a short battle with cancer. Dave was born in Santa Barbara, June 2, 1929 and was an eighth generation Santa Barbara native. He was the younger son of Harry A. Lamb and Barbara Cota Lamb. He attended Santa Barbara High School and University California Santa Barbara up above the SB Mission. His class was the first graduating class from UCSB at its' current location in Goleta. He met the love of his life (Barbara Durning Lamb) at UCSB and they married at the Santa Barbara Mission in 1956. He worked in the insurance business right out of college, Harris and Frank (men's clothing) on State St. and finally purchased the Tree House Restaurant from his brother, Ed Lamb, in the early 1970's. He sold the restaurant in 1986 and retired. During the 1970's he found Amateur "Ham" Radio, obtained his license, and taught classes from his home. For over 40 years, he was involved with ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) and was instrumental in running the local chapters. He was deeply involved in emergency services, providing assistance to the fire and police departments, with his car radio. His Ham Radio provided contact between emergency service personnel from the repeaters (located on mountains in several local areas) and would connect when phone service was non-existent. He received many awards and recognition for this vital service. Several years after the death of his wife Barbara in 1997, he returned to the work force, working in the Isla Vista property management office of his daughter. He always said "He had to have a reason to get up in the morning." He thoroughly enjoyed his job, working with the college students. He would tease them about going shopping with their rent money. In turn, they would see him around Isla Vista and run over with their rent checks, to make sure he received his 'shopping money'. He had a knack for making the students laugh, sharing life stories, and his 1956 year book from UCSB. He always said that the students 'kept him young'.

He was a wonderful, happy person. He enjoyed life to its' fullest, with travels to Brazil, Paris, Caribbean cruises and many camping/fishing trips to the Sierras. He was independent, driving himself to Ventura just for lunch, walking 1-2 miles downtown Santa Barbara every day prior to his illness, and stopping at various restaurants to chat with friends, have a glass of wine or a meal. He went to movies frequently, often with his older brother, Ed. Working in Isla Vista, he became a huge fan of UCSB Gaucho Men's Basketball and went to every home game. He would cheer and call the players by name, many of whom were tenants of the office. He also read voraciously, preferring the hard cover books to a Kindle or Nook. He will always be associated with the ARES group for his determination, countless hours of volunteer work, and huge fund raising campaigns to provide the repeaters necessary for emergency contact.

He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Lamb Sweatt (Ed), granddaughter Julianne Marie Sweatt, brother Ed Lamb, extended family and LOTS of friends. He was deeply loved as "Daddy, Dave and Papa".

Join us in a celebration of his life on Monday, May 12th at 11:00AM at the chapel of Welch-Ryce-Haider, 15 East Sola St. in Santa Barbara. Please share your favorite stories about Dave. Gravesite services will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery , in Solvang. In lieu of flowers, remember Dave with donations to the local Cancer Center.