Robert (Bob) Lambert
Oct. 17, 1939-June 15, 2024
Danville, California

Robert (Bob) Lambert passed away peacefully, following a very brief illness, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. He was born in Berkeley, California, to Robert L. and Helen (O’Gorman) Lambert on October 17, 1939.

His childhood was spent in the East Bay where he graduated from San Ramon Valley High School. After earning his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo in 1961, he joined a management training program with General Electric. Fortunately, his first assignment was in Richland, Washington, where he met the love of his life, Sharon Ann Toner. Their loving marriage of almost 62 years was the bedrock of their family’s life.

Bob’s first years of work took them to several destinations across the country before he determined that working in the family business in Oakland, California, was his destiny. He joined his father at Production Pattern and Foundry, becoming a master craftsman, brilliant pattern maker, and steadfast leader of the company. He also owned other metal foundry businesses at various points over his more than 45 years in the industry. He was a man of integrity who earned respect as a tough but generous employer and businessman. His willingness to work hard made a positive impact on everyone around him.

While handling the demands of a flourishing career, Bob and Sharon raised their children, Rob, Lisa, and Mike in Danville. He was an avid fan of all his kids’ and grandkids’ sports and activities, enthusiastically supporting their efforts in any endeavor they chose. He was a duck hunter and fisherman who passed his love of the outdoors to his family by sharing it with them. Summers spent at their cabin at Wright’s Lake found him leading hiking adventures, teaching everyone to fish, and sending his kids, nephews, and grandkids out on the lake in unique kayaks he crafted himself. For Bob, true contentment was a vacation spent fishing for 10 hours a day to catch salmon from the waters of Sea Otter Sound, Alaska. Keeping busy seemed to be his favorite relaxation.

Bob also drew deep satisfaction from serving others. At times that meant helping a friend create artisanal old-world sausage, or volunteering for unsung tasks at a soup kitchen or animal shelter. But most often he was literally serving his loved ones’ meals made from scratch (after his classic daily run to the store with a little pup on his lap). And let it be known, he made the best margaritas anyone ever tasted. Extended family and friends were always welcome at his table. He could be counted on to provide fast fixes and one-of-a-kind home improvements for family and friends. He crafted artful furniture and toys as gifts over the years. Most of all, he fully lived his Christian faith as a loving husband, devoted father, adoring grandfather, loyal friend, and caring community member.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon; son and daughter-in-law Rob & Laura Lambert and their children Matt (Whitney), Ryan, Megan, and Sarah (Kasey Peach); daughter and son-in-law Lisa & John Deal and their children Michael (Ashley) Czyz, and Amy Czyz; son and daughter-in-law Mike & Susie Lambert and their children Nathan, Katie, and Jessie. His precious great-grandchildren Jackson & Caden Czyz, and Penny, Robert, & Theodore Lambert are blessed to have known him as their “Big G.” He is also survived by his sister, Arlene Cochran; sister-in-law, Margaret Petersen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, and two nephews.

Bob lived joyfully, purposefully, and with stubborn but cheerful determination in everything he did, right to the very end. He will be deeply missed.

No formal service will be held, in accordance with Bob’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Shepherd’s Gate: https://shepherdsgate.org/

Smile Train: https://www.smiletrain.org/

Samaritan’s Purse: https://samaritanspurse.org/