Morgan Lambert

1927 - 2025

Morgan Lambert
01/05/1927 - 11/05/2025
Pioneer Educator dies
Morgan Dale Lambert, January 5, 1927-November 5, 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 at Mary's Help Hospital in San Francisco on January 5, 1927. He was the youngest of four children, including Muriel Jean, Wesley and Ron, all of whom predeceased him. He and his first wife, Enid Wellman, brought four children into the world as well. Morgan and his second wife, Linda, were married in 1981 and were loving partners for 44 years. They've lived in Novato, Point Richmond, Oakland and the Sea Ranch before moving to Oakmont in Santa Rosa 10 years ago. As educational consultants and literary researchers, they traveled widely in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
Wesley observed in a letter to their mother in 1945: 'Dale (as he was known then) is going to be one of those men who, after the war, is going to make America an even greater country than it was." He was right.
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, preparing to be a Methodist minister. He then took a leave from his studies to enlist in the Army before returning to Berkeley in 1947 to complete his BS and MS in psychology. He earned a Doctorate of Education in 1984. His 60+ years in education included roles as counselor, teacher, assistant superintendent and superintendent. One of his most powerful 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.
Morgan continued his contributions through consulting, writing and teaching. In addition to his work, he made a difference in the world through his kindness, wit, charm and well of knowledge. He was an amazing father, even though he never met his own father, who disappeared before he was born. Morgan is survived by his wife Linda, children Laura, Ellen, Kent, April and Tod; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. His son, Scott, predeceased him in 2002.
As much as he will be missed, family and friends can draw comfort from knowing that in the end 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. The family has decided to keep this date to celebrate his joie de vivre at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Santa Rosa, with a reception to follow.
Morgan was a registered organ donor. Although his organs were not candidates for donation at this time, the program was close to his heart. His son Scott donated his organs after a tragic bicycle accident. 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
Submitted by Morgan's wife Linda and son Kent