Elmer Lam Obituary
Charlotte
Elmer L. Lam, Jr., who transformed the North Carolina Transportation Museum, died on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, in Charlotte, at age 90. He was born June 8, 1925 in Roanoke, Va. During 17 years of volunteering, including a decade as president of the museum's foundation, he used his skills as a fundraiser and legislative lobbyist to help turn a dilapidated Roundhouse into an attractive building portraying railroad history, which brought national recognition to the museum. Legislators in the General Assembly were amazed to discover that Lam was lobbying as a volunteer.
In 2002, the State of North Carolina presented Lam with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state's highest award for service. In 2004, Preservation North Carolina gave him the Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit for contributions to historic preservation. Currently, the North Carolina Transportation Museum's "Elmer Lam Gallery" features railroad history and a replica of the Wright Brothers 1903 aircraft.
Lam was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Keeley Lam. He is survived by their son, Stuart Lam (Melissa), Charlotte, and daughters, Beth Leonard (Robert), Lebanon, Va., and Kim Lam, West Jefferson, N.C. The grandchildren include Matthew Lam, Adam Lam, Jacob Leonard, and Michael Leonard.
The funeral will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30, at Harry and Bryant Funeral Home, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte. The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be held at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Va. on Monday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation (NCTMF), P. O. Box 69, Spencer, NC 28159.
A complete obituary may be viewed at www.HarryandBry antFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Norberg
February 1, 2016
Elmer acquired many friends during his short stay at The Carriage Club retirement community; we are missing him.
Annie Warren
January 30, 2016
On behalf of Beverly Woods East, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences. Elmer was a great man and a wonderful neighbor -- we are blessed to have known him, and will miss him dearly.
Marvin Rogers
January 30, 2016
Prayers for the loss of Elmer. He was a great southern gentleman. I enjoyed knowing him and he never me a stranger when he was volunteering for the museum. He will be greatly missed.
Dave Belk
January 29, 2016
All Aboard!May You R.I.P Elmer Lam.Won't forget the past years you spent with myself & the club elders with the Piedmont Carolinas NRHS.I'm into my 30th year now & will hang on.Still into trains & also self-taught student locomotive engineer 3 years running from 2010-13.Glad you could join us on the NS steam excursions back from 1987 to 1994 & our NRHS Convention in Charlotte in 1996.To this day,I haven't reentered the NC Transportation Museum since 2002 no thanks to the uncooperative personnel & asking you for help.I ran out of options & can't think of anything more.I & the club elders will miss you a lot & all the time you devoted yourself to the railroad community around yourself.I like your hometown Roanoke Va.& hope to one day take another steam excursion behind the N&W 611 since I know you had a certain liking for the engine as you did with the 4501,1218 & 630.Tomorrow,I'll ride the P&N Domeliner special in memory of you.May the Good Lord keep you in wonderful peace.Railroadingly from:"Engineer"Dave H.Belk. Hometown Greensboro NC.And now:Waxhaw NC.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
David Holland
January 29, 2016
Stu, sorry to hear about your dad.My grand kids love the Transportation Museum and have him to thank
January 29, 2016
Stuart, Beth and Kim,
I had the pleasure of working with your Dad as Construction Project Manager when the Spencer Round House was renovated. He will always be remembered as the epitome of the true Southern Gentleman. A true friend to all he met. He will be sorely missed but the legacy of his service to The NC Transportation Museum will live on forever.
Jim Morton, China Grove
January 29, 2016
Stewart although I did not know your dad it seems he lead a good and fulfilling life. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Bryan Burns Sunbelt Office Suppliers
Jo Ann Nelson
January 29, 2016
Elmer was, without a doubt, one of the kindest men I've ever known. His gentle nature and sweet smile was his trademark. He was a true Southern gentleman admired by all who knew him. I consider it a honor to have been one of those.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Jo Ann Nelson
January 29, 2016
Elmer was always one of my favorite people when I worked at DuPont. He was a great, caring man. He will be missed.
Mary Foster
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207
Make a Donation
in Elmer Lam's name
How to support Elmer's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Elmer Lam's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
