Story Title: Family Togetherness
By: Michelle Slaughter
It’s funny how things change with time, each generation thinks they have to fix the things that were wrong with the generation before them when in reality some things were never really broken. When my grandparents were alive, this is actually on both sides of my family, but I will refer to Mary Shrewsbury, my family would always get together for various holidays as I grew up. Man did I have a big family: Aunts and Uncles and lots of cousins. They lived all over, West Virginia, Florida, Indiana, but they managed to come together for holidays. We shared Christmas dinners, Thanksgiving, and Easter Egg hunters, it was great! This also allows me to have so many memories of my family, today’s generation does not appreciate this, they are so busy running from one thing to another. I haven’t seen Phil in so many years and when I first came to this website and saw his picture it actually brought tears to my eyes because that is what I remember him looking like. He was such a gentle soul. I remember he loved the “Fighting Irish”, way back in the day he would give us all kinds of stuff. I remember going to visit him and Pat and going swimming. I feel very lucky that my family used to get together so often and I have so many fond memories of Phil. I hope you rest in peace.
Jim Cierzniak says
Phil is fondly remembered for his tenure as Penn’s principal and the personal interest he took in his teachers and staff. His enthusiasm was contagious. I’ve taught under several outstanding principals and he was one of them. May Phil rest in peace.
Brenda McDowell says
Pat, I am so sorry to see Phil’s death in the obits of the Lafayette paper.I enjoyed knowing you both, way back when. I am retired now in Nashville,Tn. From an old friend, Brenda McDowell
Mark says
Pat & Todd,
I am so sorry to read of Phil’s passing the Lafayette J&C. As you know, Phil and I worked very closely together at TSC for four years. During that time, Phil was a mentor to me and I considered him to be my “big brother.” He watched after me and taught me a lot about education. I am deeply saddened to learn of his loss, and I am sorry I will not be able to visit with you or attend the service; however, I do want you to know how much he meant to me. I wish you both the best. – Mark Whitman
Dave Young says
Patricia and Todd,
I was very saddened to hear about your loss. Phil was one of the most professional, dignified, compassionate administrators that I have ever worked for or been associated with. He was very instrumental in me getting to have my first job as a Head Basketball Coach at Harrison. For this I and my family will always be thankful.
He was always accessible and genuinely listened. He didn’t try to hide what he was saying by avoiding the issue. I am sure he was that way at home as he always talked about his family and did so in a very loving, adoring tone.
God Bless You and I am sure he has blessed Phil.
Dave Young
Assistant AD, Scheduling
Assistant Basketball Coach
West Lafayette, Jr/Sr High School
AmeriCare Ambulance Service says
Mrs. Lambert,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our staff had the honor and privilege of transporting Mr. Lambert to his doctor visits. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
AmeriCare Ambulance Service
Dixie Ruggles says
Pat, Todd, and family, I am sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Phil as a fellow student of English and later as a counselor for him when he was principal at Southmont. He did me a big favor when he called me about the position at South. I enjoyed working for him and everyone else for many years. Pat, if you ever get to New Market, give me a call. We can talk about the industrial arts department antics. Again, my prayers will be with you as you grieve.
Linda Regnier says
Pat, Todd and Family,
I was saddened to hear of the death of Phil. He was the only administrator I had in 40 years of teaching that was inspirational, energetic, professional, upbeat, on top of all that was new, respected teachers, and I could go on and on. I know these last few years have been difficult for all of you. Phil was a giant in education and as a friend.
Sandra Wilson says
A Man Remembered
The measure of a man throughout his life,
His love of family, friends and wife.
Dedication to country and career,
Life lived fully, no excuse or fear.
A servantGÇÖs heart, a shepherdGÇÖs soul,
To walk with Jesus his daily goal.
A champion of man, an example to all,
A heart now quiet heard the MasterGÇÖs call.
You wonGÇÖt be forgotten dear brother and friend,
Until at His feet weGÇÖll gather again.
~~~Dedicated to Phil Lambert 2011-S Wilson
Beverly Hevron Kaiser says
On behalf of the Dale High School Class of 1957, I send our deepest sympathy to Pat and the rest of Phil’s family. Phil was a dear friend to each of us. We will always remember our 50th class reunion and what a great time Phil had. He touched all of us with his courage and his determination.
Michelle Slaughter says
Pat, I know there are very few words that will help make this time easier for you, but knowing he is no longer suffering should help in some small way. If there is anything you need, please let Warren and I know. We love you. Michelle
Dale Brewer Southmont Class of says
Dear Family of Mr. Lambert: We, the people of Southmont, are saddened to hear of Mr. Lambert’s passing. He was very instrumental in the formulating of our beginning at SHS…our hearts go out to you in this time of grief and sadness…please take this small note as a piece of solitude for the family at this time…may God be with you as you journey through this sorrowful time…in deepest devotion to all, Dale Brewer, Jeff & Kathy Dvidson, and all from the early years at SHS…
Greg Wilder says
Jim Kern and Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your brother.
Greg & Sharon Wilder,
Toyota
Sherry Henson says
Dear Family of Phil Lambert,
It was my privilege to work with Phil when he was an administrator in MSD Lawrence Township. When I first met Phil I was the union president and he was the asst. supt. He and I led the monthly township discussion meeting, a meeting that was often full of heated emotion. Phil and I became great friends and I learned to admire his many qualities. He was always a professional and kind of heart. He was willing to listen to those who may have disagreed with him and tried to work out agreements when he could. A year or so later I joined the administrative team and I will always remember how warmly he welcomed me to “the other side” as he called it.
When he retired he called me into his office to see if there was anything we might need in our building. Always thinking of others, he offered one last time to try to help us in any way he could. Phil was a wonderful person. I know his passing must be sad for his family and friends, but hopefully it will provide you some comfort to know the high esteem Phil was held by those of us who knew and worked with him. Most sincerely, Sherry Henson
Joanne Troutner says
Pat,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Phil. I’ll always remember the warm smile, love of learning, and desire to do whatever is best for students. It was a honor and privilege to work with Phil at TSC.
Thoughts and prayers,
Joanne
Libby Peterson Eisele says
I was hired by your husband at Penn High School in the Fall of 1975. He was a great professional role model for a young Media Specialist. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Libby Peterson Eisele
Southmont High School says
The administration, faculty and staff of Southmont High School send our deepest sympathy to the family of Philip Lambert.
Don Quimby says
Dear Pat and Todd,
Bev and I extend our heartfelt prayers to you. Phil was a tremendous person both professionally and personally. I considered it a special priviledge to have had the opportunity to work for and with him at Penn H.S….how he did things had a tremendous impact upon my life. He is one of the greatest human beings I have known. May God bless his soul and help you deal with his loss.
Q.
Dale Miller says
Pat,
Jean and I are sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family. It has been a long time since those commuter days to ISU but, I still remember the fun we had and friendship. I will always be greatful to Phil for helping me get the janitor’s job at Southmont. He was a real quality type guy. God bless you all.
Jean and Dale Miller
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Carol says
Pat – How fortunate you were to be married to such a wonderful man! When he talked about you, his eyes would twinkle. Phil was one of those people who could always make you smile and feel good about the day. I know right now your heart is very heavy but I hope soon the many happy memories you have of Phil and the 51 years you had together will make you smile. ~ Love ~ Carol
Charles Hubbard says
To The Lambert Family,
In memory of a great Brother In Law and a special friend. Life is not made of dreams that you dream, but by the choices that you make. These will chart the course of life you take, which ultimately leads to all your dreams. Phil chose not to be bitter about what life dealt him and chose to positively impact others. First as husband and father, then as a teacher and later a principal. He positively impacted the lives of thousands of students and teachers. He then went on to become Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum, which most likely to this day is still impacting lives. The following poem says it better than I can – Phil, I will miss you but will never forget you.
Rest In Peace
“Rest in peace,” how much this says,
Be free of pain no more to weep.
Find joy that never ends, possess
New life thar here you could not keep.
“Rest in peace,” and though we grieve,
Reaching for your hand in vain,
Our faith is such that we believe
That all of us shall meet again.
“Rest in peace,” the drums are still,
The smoke has cleared, the battle’s done.
Ans now forever yours to keep
The golden prize that you have won.
Against the sunrise on the hill,
Your colors wave upon the breeze,
With shield of honor, lance of truth,
You overcame with such as these.
No dirge of sorrow shall we play,
For one who goes to meet the Lord.
Could but we all be Heaven’s guests,
As you receive your just reward.
Dear blessed sleep that merely marks
The ending of a holy quest,
Your gentle touch remains upon
The hearts of those who loved you best.
– Grace E. Easley
Harold and Barbara Huffman says
Pat. sorry to hear about Phil..
You have out sympathy
Class mate Harold Huffman and Barbara
Cassandra Melissa and Vanessa Kern says
The Love of Our Uncle Phil.
The Love of our Uncle Phil was filled with tenderness and care.
He always welcomed us with open arms and we were so glad to be there.
He always played the role of “the life of the party” and knew how to have fun.
The best time was spending time with his family at their pool underneath the sun.
Our Uncle Phil was a wise man, a great husband to his wife, and a great father to his son. You could tell how great of a grandfather he was by the smile on his face every time they were together. Our uncle was a great man…a man that will be greatly missed. He was a treasure to all of our hearts. He will be forever loved. We love you uncle Phil. One day we will meet again and expand upon all the great memories we’ve enjoyed throughout these years.
Love your nieces,
Cassandra, Melissa, and Vanessa
Kathy WillettDavidson says
Dear Mrs. Lambert and family
I am so sorry for your loss.
I graduated from Southmont in 1973. Mr Lambert had been Principal at New Market before we all moved to Southmont. We, New Market students, as well as Southmont have some very special memories of Mr. Lambert. I know he made our big move to South a much easier and successful transition. Thank you for sharing him with us…and the many many students to follow.
With sympathy
Kathy Willett-Davidson
Rod and Teresa Noel says
Phil was our good neighbor for several years in West Lafayette. We were shocked to hear of his untimely passing. We want to express our condolences and prayers to Pat and Todd. It was always good to see friendly faces next door and know that whenever we might need some help, Phil was always there.
Peggy Gailey says
Dear Pat and Family,
So sorry to learn of Phil’s death. What a genuine gentleman! I had the pleasure of working with Phil on the Community Relations Committee for 8 years. He always had a smile, an open ear, and gave us his full attention as we asked many questions. When I began teaching at McKenzie, it was a real treat to see your husband at ’Bernie’s Place’, the school restaurant. Even after Phil retired and had his first stroke, he would stop by my classroom with Barry Norman in tow, and we would catch up. Susan Marsala is a dear friend and has kept me posted on Phil. So sorry to miss the service. Phil was such a wonderful Lawrence Township Booster and his presence, profession behavior, and talents will be long remembered. So sorry you have to hurt.
Sincerely, Peggy Gailey
Carol Galyan Campbell says
Pat and Todd,
I am so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. I somehow missed the township bereavement notice. You are one special teaching family! Vince was so fortunately to be able to experience you (Todd) as a teacher and it had to have come from two such wonderful parents! May God Bless your family to get you through the tough times ahead.
Carol Galyan & Vince Campbell
Kyle Copas says
Pat and Todd,
I just heard of Phil’s passing. I’m sorry for your loss, and my heartfelt condolences go out to both of you and all your family. I had occasion to think of him and you a couple weeks ago as I ran through my own private roster of devout Packer fans. As the messages here can attest, you can take comfort in knowing that the positive impact Phil had on so many lives mean he will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Kyle Copas