Thomas Lamb
October 13, 1920 — February 8, 2009
Life Sketch for Thomas Knowlton Lamb III Out in ol' Wyoming... a son was born to George and Helen Lamb. Friday, October 13th, 1920 was a day of celebration and has been for the last 88 years. Our Dad got his start in the old original log St. John's Hospital, but soon moved out to the Lamb homestead Grandpa George had grubbed out in 1914 down the Snake River Canyon. The first 2 years he lived in that one-room log cabin. The little family moved into town when John (Dad's new little brother) was to be born, and lived in what is now known as The Sweetwater Deli. During that winter Grandpa Lamb purchased a lot a few blocks east on the corner of Jean and Pearl and built a snug little 2-room cabin. This would be the place he was to call home for most of his life. The house has a history all its own - but we want you to know more about our Dad. We loved to hear Dad talk about growing up in Jackson. It didn't sound like he knew there was a depression going on. It was just life... playing marbles, swimming, hiking into Bailey Lake in the summer and picking huckleberries... . going to school, skiing, hunting with his Dad, skating on Benson's pond... He was so proud of the ski jump Grandpa Lamb built. Dad proudly owned and used the lst pair of ski boots in Jackson - given to him by the Engan brothers from Scandinavia. He was also one of 3 boys to become the first Eagle Scouts in Jackson Hole! Being a scout helped him all his life. Dad got a great Wyoming education in school and out - graduating in 1938; and for the lst time moved out of Jackson to Laramie to major in business at the University of Wyoming. The last semester of his senior year he answered the call of duty in his heart and joined the Navy in the spring of 1942 - three months short of graduation. His Wyoming wings were stretched as he trained in California, Florida and Oklahoma as a turret gunner. It was in Oklahoma City that he met a beautiful little southern belle - our Mom - and they were married three months later! During more training with squadron VB144 in Alameda, California a bout of appendicitis changed his course. His squadron left without him and he filled a vacancy in VB148 which shipped out to the South Pacific. While overseas their first child Mary was born in April of 1944! His mates saved their pennies in quart jars to buy two war bonds for Mary. He first set his eyes on his sweet little 9 month old daughter when he was shipped stateside. He finished his duty in South Carolina and Florida and was honorably discharged in Williamsburg, Virginia. They settled down in Oklahoma City where not one but (surprise!) two baby Lambs were born in 1947 - Tommy and Connie. Life was good, but Dad missed Wyoming. Grandpa Lamb needed him to join the partnership in Lamb Lumber. The family moved in the fall of 1948 to be greeted by the worst winter in history! A white Wyoming welcome! Since George and Helen Lamb had built their dream home on Palomino Acres they moved into that little house on the corner of Jean and Pearl, adding on to the house and family. Kerry was born in 1950 and Tracy in 1955. His little flock was complete. He loved our Mom and he loved us. We can all swim, ski, drive, shoot marbles and guns, we love music, poetry, traveling, working with wood and we all love to laugh - because of our Dad and Mom! He loved Jackson, the valley and its people. He made it a better place by serving in so many areas. He and Mom loved the Lord and were faithful to the First Baptist Church, both teaching classes - Dad the adults and Mom the little ones. As a Rotarian he helped build each of the elk horn arches. He served on the school board and as a city councilman. His winsome ways touched many lives through Howdy Partners and the Gideons. Being a lover of Jackson history he was a member of the Historical Society, as well as an avid student/teacher of log corner construction - all the while making a living at the lumber yard. But that changed in 1978 when all the little Lambs were out of the fold and some married. He sold the lumber yard and he and Mom formed a partnership doing appraisals. Mom always said "she held the dumb end of the tape measure", but Dad said, "he couldn't do it without her." Between appraisals they had time for many world tours including England, France, Canada, Mexico, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Australia, New Zealand and ... . South Dakota! As grand children entered his world, it gave a whole new dimension to Dad's life and he welcomed each one with joy! And did they ever have to measure up! Just ask them how he measured their heights on the dining room wall (with a chef's knife). Christmases with kids and grandkids around were so special to Dad. He loved quoting "The Night Before Christmas" and other poetry. Dad not only loved poetry, but you could say his life was one of the best poems ever written. That poem is imprinted on our lives and the lives of all who knew him. We can hear him now quoting poetry with his clear strong voice - "I was just passin' thru... " but in heaven I am here to stay. To welcome him there was a whole host - including his Dad and Mom and his oldest daughter Mary. Still here to honor him is his wife Cile of 65 years; son, Tom IV and Linda Lamb; daughter Connie and Denny Taylor; daughters Kerry and Tracy Lamb; son-in-law Bob Stewart; grandchildren: Stacy (Mike), Tom V (Tammie), Dennis (Joy), Jeanie (Kevin), Jay (Leah), Justin, Todd (Janelle), Rob, Aaron (Lindsay), Jami (Kim), Kendal (Gabe); plus 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.