Robert James Lambert

1953 - 2025

Robert J. Lambert, 72, of Irvine, California, passed away on March 27, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, after navigating brain cancer for more than two years.
Born November 23, 1953, in Oak Park, Illinois, Bob was the second son of William King Lambert and Arleen Kranz Lambert. Raised in Palos Verdes Estates, he embodied the spirit of 1960s Southern California - a waterman, a gearhead, and a City of Huntington Beach lifeguard. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1975 and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. Bob proudly served nearly a decade as a Naval Aviator, flying the carrier-based A-6E Intruder in forward-deployed operations as well as research, flight test, and development. After his military service, Bob began a business career at PepsiCo Inc., where he held senior HR positions and formed lifelong friendships over ten years. He later served as a senior HR executive at several companies including Stride Rite, Broadway Stores (now Macy's), and Patagonia, and as a partner at global executive search firms.
Bob is survived by his wife and college sweetheart of 45 years, Debi Duci Lambert; his children, Scott (Amy) and Christopher (Mackenzie); his brothers, David, and his children Andy, Libby, and Rory, and Philip (Monica); and his sister-in-law Barbara (John). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas. Recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for contributions to the community, he had a lifelong commitment to scouting, both as a youth and longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 695. His friends and family will carry forward his legacy with pride and love.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp in Irvine, California, on Saturday, May 3, at 12:30 p.m. PT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island - a Boy Scout camp that was a cornerstone of Bob's life, from scout to camp counselor, scoutmaster, father, and son. The family also welcomes donations to support brain tumor research at UCLA's Lai Lab.