Morgan Lambert

1927 - 2025

In the early morning hours of November 5, Morgan Dale Lambert passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife, Linda, and three of his children. He was exactly two months short of his 99th birthday. Morgan was born to Jessie and Wesley Lambert in San Francisco on January 5, 1927. Morgan and his first wife, Enid, married in 1946 and had four children. He and his wife Linda married in 1981. Morgan is survived by his wife, children Laura, Ellen, Kent, April and Tod; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. His son, Scott, predeceased him in 2002.
Through his values, actions and writings, Morgan had a major influence on the direction of education and those who led it. At the age of 16, Morgan enrolled at UC Berkeley; he completed his work with a doctorate in education in1984. His 60+ years in education included roles as counselor, teacher, assistant superintendent and superintendent. One of his most unique and influential roles was the design and implementation of the innovative Canyon High School in Castro Valley, CA, a national model for the provocative reforms of the 60's and 70's. In 1989, Morgan and Linda moved to Egypt to work with USAID and help redesign that nation's schools. While there, Morgan also served as page editor for the Middle East Times and designed the teacher education program for the American University in Cairo. As educational consultants, writers and literary researchers, Morgan and Linda traveled widely in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and America.
His legacy was personal as well as professional; those who met him found a man who was charming, kind, witty , adventurous and knowledgeable. His remarkable commitment and engagement with family, and playful relationship with Linda inspired those who knew him. As much as he will be missed, family and friends can draw comfort from knowing that at the end of his life he told us that he was "ready to go home."
At the time of Morgan's death, plans were underway to celebrate his 99th birthday on January 3rd. Thus, the family will hold his Celebration of Life on that day at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Santa Rosa, with a reception to follow.
Morgan was a registered organ donor and the program was close to his heart. His son Scott donated his organs after a tragic bicycle accident in 2002. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Morgan and Scott, donations can be made to:
Donor Network West Foundation.
12667 Alcosta Blvd, Suite 500.
San Ramon, CA 94583.