Ian Lambert

Ian Lambert, 78, of Whitefish Bay, WI, died April 23, 2025, surrounded by family and listening to the Brahms Requiem, a favorite piece.

Ian was born in 1946 to Arthur and Elsie (née Winter) Lambert of Darlington, England. His many talents were evident at an early age, including violin, rugby, gardening, and mathematics. He attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Corpus Christi College at Oxford, and London Business School.

In 1966, Ian embarked on a monthslong tour of the US, staying with the Wilcox family of Winnetka, IL, including their daughter Katherine. He and Kathy married in 1974. They first settled in Chicago, and Ian built his career as a corporate finance executive as the family expanded with his daughter Elisabeth and son William.

Moving to Whitefish Bay in 1989, Ian set about transforming the yard into an English garden. He maintained a vast array of interests, chief among which was music. Along with playing violin and piano, he sang for many years with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and Christ Church Whitefish Bay choir, devoted time and expertise to the Early Music Now organization, and loved attending Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concerts. He was an accomplished baker and an avid supporter of the Newcastle United Football (soccer) Club.

Ian anchored himself with his relationships. He and Kathy celebrated their 50th anniversary together in July 2024. He relished being a father to Elisabeth and William, and his granddaughters Elsie and Hallie Thompson brought him great joy. His friends from childhood, University days, England, Winnetka, and Milwaukee meant the world to him.

Ian is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Elisabeth, son William, granddaughters Elsie and Hallie, brother Richard, and sister-in-law Maureen, and cousin Mollie Murray. He loved both his extended Lambert and Wilcox families.

Gifts in Ian’s memory may be made to three groups that were particularly close to Ian’s heart: Next Door Foundation (supporting early childhood education in Milwaukee), Early Music Now, and the Clearwater Camp Foundation.

His family will be planning a memorial in the weeks ahead. Please reach out to the Lambert family for details.