David Anthony Lambert

David Anthony Lambert, adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, with his daughter by his side. He was widely known for his unassuming demeanor and his unwavering resilience in the face of life's twists and turns. Dave was filled with wonder at the natural world, pushed the boundaries of his athleticism, and was a calm presence for any who met him.

Dave grew up in the Bellevue-Redmond area of Washington, the son of Robert and Ruth "Betty" Lambert. As a boy, he played numerous sports with his older brother, Robert "Rob" Lambert, who preceded him in death, and corralled horses and milked cows with his younger sister, Cathy (Lambert) Gibbs, on the family's hobby farm. His athletic youth led to football and baseball scholarships at the University of Washington and a fourth-round draft pick with the Pittsburg Pirates.

When injuries closed the door on Dave's professional baseball career, another door quickly opened. His joy in growing things sparked an interest in hydroponics. He and his dad bought a large greenhouse where Dave grew up to 40,000 tulips and set records for the pounds of tomatoes and cucumbers he raised (we could hear the cucumbers grow!). Soon they also began selling hydroponic greenhouses. After a few years, when oil prices became prohibitive for operating greenhouses, Dave followed a new path toward becoming a horticulture teacher at Columbia River High School in Vancouver, WA. There he spent most of his career impacting countless students' lives as he taught them how to cultivate beauty with plants.

Before his teaching career, Dave was introduced to Elizabeth "Liz" Johnson Lambert on a blind date. He quickly knew he wanted to marry her. By March of the following year, 1972, they were married. Almost two years later they welcomed their son, Jon Lambert, followed by daughter Emily (Lambert) Scott. Dave loved being involved in his children's lives, coaching for Jon's sports teams and acting as stage manager for Emily's ballet performances, even dancing in the Nutcracker one year! Years later, Dave became "Papa" to Emily's three children, Iselin, Lyra, and Dietrich, whom he adored. Watching them grow was the joy of his last years. Dave leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, and other family members who also enriched his life.

Dave was a celebrated teacher who was committed to helping every student who passed through his classroom doors. He was honored as Sr High Teacher of the year in 1982 and won subsequent awards in Agriculture Ed and Landscape Design. It was not uncommon for Dave to encounter former students who recounted how his class had impacted their lives far beyond the classroom. Dave was also an artist who created beauty in multiple facets of his life, from the house he designed and built for his family to the koi pond he installed in his back yard as a tribute to his son, Jon, who died too young. As a man of deep faith who was always inspired by the natural world, he reflected in his university art thesis: "Ceremoniously the setting sun breathes color to the heavens, and off I sail on gulls' white wings, high in the tranquil sky, for the spirit of creation has picked me up, and set me free..." He is deeply loved and will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 3 at 2:00 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th Ave, Portland, OR. In lieu of flowers, send donations to: For Dave's deep faith: ministries at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon. For years of learning and travel: The Native American Art Council at The Portland Art Museum. For offering support: Parkinson's Resources of Oregon and SW Washington.