LION CC David Lambert

February 20, 1932 to August 25, 2009

We are all saddened over the sudden passing of our friend, mentor, and sponsor to many. When talking about David, you think of words to describe him, like honest, patriotic, dedicated, loyal, passionate, commitment, and committed to the caring for and serving of those less fortunate. To see how these attributes came about, you only need to look back at his short journey through life.

During the great depression, Dave’s family managed to save up and buy a small lot in the rural town of Inster, Michigan. Along with his parents, aunt and uncle and his Grandfather , Dave moved to the country to live. For 10 months, they lived in a tent while building a house on the property, cooking meals over an open pit fire. When the house was finished, it was only 24’X24’ with no interior walls and only blankets strung up to divide living space. They didn’t even have the money needed to put tar paper over the cracks in the building, leaving them to watch the snow and feel the cold wind blowing through their home. Dave was around 6 by then and his job was to take the coal bucket down by the railroad tracks and pick up coal that fell from the train. Since he was small, the train security guards, or bulls as they were called, would let him fill the bucket before running him off. At eight Dave got a job setting pins in the local bowling alley. He was so proud to be able to contribute to the family, and of course he proved to be a hard worker. Being a industrious sort, he soon took on a second job selling ice cream from his bike. One day he figured if he went down by the lake, the people there would be hot and want to buy ice cream to cool off. Sure enough, he sold out quickly and returned for more. By day’s end, it was after 9:00 pm when he returned home, having ridden his bike around 100 miles that day. His father being upset, met him wanting to know where he had been coming home this late. He told his father he had been working and handed him the $68. That he had earned that day, his father who still only was earning about $25-a- week was amazed.

Dave graduated from high school at 16 and enrolled in Dearborn Jr. College. He gave up his ice cream business when hired by Ford at their Dearborn plant. More importantly, this was the year he meet his love and life partner, Carla, who was also 16. At 17 Dave joined the local Air National Guard which was almost immediately activated, sending Dave to Luke Air Base in Phoenix. Carla came to Phoenix a year later and they got married.

Dave rose in rank quickly to an E-9 (Chief Master Sgt.). They would move around the world living in sixteen different locations such as Korea, Guam, Japan, and Okinawa until Dave retired to live in phoenix and finish rising their family. You didn’t have to know Dave long to realize his love for Carla and his family. As a matter of fact, he would take every opportunity to let you know.

At 25, Dave had been invited to and joined a local Lions club. He enjoyed the service to others, feeling it was an extension of his beliefs. After moving back to Phoenix, Dave entered Glendale Community College, earning his AA degree in General Business with a GPA of 3.66. He then enrolled in ASU where he earned his BA in both Personnel Management and Accounting. Dave served as the Comptroller for Arizona under Governor Bruce Babbitt. He was also President of several large health care organizations and owner of Canyon Accounting. Dave transferred into the Phoenix Metro Lions in Limonitic year 75-76, where he served in all offices several times. He also served in District offices, becoming the first Lion in 21A to serve as a LT. Governor when that position was first established. Dave served as District Governor and Council Chairman in 1980-81, serving as the 21A Host Governor for the first Lions International Convention held in Phoenix. Dave was a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and Life Member of Phoenix Metro Lions Club, receiving last year his 50 year pin and 100% attendance. He most recently was recognized by the President of the United States with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his lifetime commitment of service to others. Dave was a Lions Key member, receiving his 25 Member Key. In Closing I raise my glass in a toast to Dave. Dave: you have left your foot prints in the sands of time and an indelible imprint in our hearts. With this, I bid you a fond farewell, my friend and Gods speed on your new journey till we meet again - God Speed.