Leo Lambert Obituary (1928 - 2003)

WINTHROP ? Leo Lambert, 74, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, at Bethel. Leo was born in Berlin, N.H., July 19, 1928, the son of Napoleon and Marie Anne Lambert. Members of his family surviving include three brothers, Paul and his wife, Scottie, of Scotia, N.Y., Raymond and his wife, Mary Jane, of Fairfax, Va., Henri and his wife, Arlene, of Berlin; his wife of 44 years, Jane; son David A. and his wife, Mollie, of Alexandria, Va.; daughter Kathy A. Kelly and her husband, Dean, of Cordova, Alaska; son Stephen L. and his wife, Rose, of San Clemente, Calif.; and twin daughters, Karen Koltz and her husband, Mark of Columbia, Md., and Carol Phillips and her husband, Mark, of Winthrop. Six grandchildren ? Beth and Greg Lambert, Michael and Leah Koltz, and Ryan and Lindsay Phillips ? also survive him, as do many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Jules Lambert. Leo graduated from Notre Dame High School in Berlin, class of 1947. He served in the Army from March 1951 to January 1953, spending some of that time in Germany. He then attended the University of New Hampshire on the G.I. Bill and graduated in 1956 with a business degree. After graduation, Leo accepted a position in the claims department of National Grange Mutual Insurance Co. He retired in 1983 as claims manager after 25 years of service. He then worked for a short time for Century 21 and also in the construction business. Leo worked for the Maine Bureau of Insurance as supervisor in the department of market conduct, retiring in 1995. Jane and Leo enjoyed traveling in their recreational vehicle. The most memorable time was a monthlong trip to Alaska. Leo enjoyed all sports and actively participated in golf, tennis, volleyball, skiing and skating. After an accident a few years ago in which Leo lost several fingers, it was noticed that his game of golf was better than ever! 'Umpa,' as he was affectionately known to the grandchildren, loved to play with them at their level, because he was a big kid at heart! Leo was very energetic and was always helping someone with a project. He enjoyed playing the card game of GOLF with his friends. He was also active in the Maine Handicapped Skiing Program at Sunday River, as well as the Trek Across Maine. He was a volunteer on many projects at the Maine Lung Association. Leo was a member of Maine Wheels (an RV organization), Le Club Calumet and Elks, and was a lifetime member of the Winthrop Lions. The Winthrop Lions will hold a service Sunday at 7 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home. Leo will be remembered as a dedicated, outstanding volunteer who thrived on helping make life more fulfilling for others. His family and many friends will sadly miss him. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at St. Francis Xavier Church, Lakeview Avenue, Winthrop, with the Rev. Brian Blanchette, celebrant. A reception will follow at the parish hall. Leo will be buried at Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Maine Handicapped Skiing Program, Sundance Lane, Newry 04261 or Maine Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta 04330.