Robert Lamb

On April 28, 2021, Robert "Bob" E. Lamb peacefully joined his soulmate, Donna in heaven. Bob was born September 2, 1938 in Kalamazoo and was lovingly raised by his father Clayton and his wife Marilyn Lamb whom he affectionately called Mare. After graduating from Portage Central High School in 1957, Bob joined the Marine Corps where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. He was transferred to Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii where he played football for the Corps. Playing football fostered his lifelong passion for physical fitness. Bob later attended the University of Hawaii. In 1961 a mutual friend introduced Bob to his soulmate Donna. With much confidence, he proposed after 30 days. Bob and Donna were married on November 22, 1961 and in 1965 their daughter Susan was born. Bob and Donna were happily married for 56 years until Donna's passing in 2017. After Bob's honorable discharge from the Marines in 1960, he returned to Kalamazoo where he began working at Eckrich. He continued his education at Western Michigan University graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 1970. In 1965 Bob began his career at Durametallic Corporation in the International Marketing Department where he was given the opportunity to travel the world to establish the European and Middle Eastern markets. In 1978, Bob was promoted to General Manager of the Calgary, Alberta office. In early 1981, he transferred to the London, Ontario office where he was the interim General Manager. In August of 1981, he transferred to Southern California as the General Manager of the Long Beach, California office. After a successful career, Bob retired in 1999. Bob stayed very busy during retirement. He enjoyed antiquing with his wife Donna. He also became a talented woodworker and made beautiful furniture. It wasn't uncommon for a neighbor to drive by his garage workshop and ask him to make an admired piece of furniture for them. In Bob's later retirement his woodworking veered towards carving replica ducks and birds. Bob won many Blue Ribbons for this exceptional work. Bob also pursued his passion for physical fitness by working out at the YMCA four days a week. Bob spent many hours each week working in the yard. His neighbors affectionately referred to him as 'Amazing Bob' since the yard was always pristine. The neighbors often joked as the leaves fell each autumn that the Lamb yard would be the only leafless house on the block. In 2005, Bob and Donna returned to the Kalamazoo area to be closer to their granddaughters. This move enabled Bob to meet with his Durametallic friends for a weekly breakfast. It also allowed Bob to have monthly luncheons with former classmates and to attend live WMU football games. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna and her parents, Mary and Nelson Kennene, whom he affectionately called mom and dad. He was also preceded in death by his father Clayton, and step-mom Marilyn Lamb; Bob's nephew Jonathan Hacker; four Brothers-in-Law: Richard Hacker, Tom Kennene, Roy Laskowksi and Galen Smith. Bob is survived by his daughter Susan (Thomas) Sulka of Portage; two grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Madison, four grand animals and his cat, Buttons. He is survived by three sisters: Paula Smith of Ludington, Dixie Triezenberg and Dawn Lamb both of Paw Paw. And survived by three Sisters-in-Law: Barbara Laskowski of Ramona, California, Marian Hacker of Northbrook, Illinois and MaryAnn Kennene of Sebring, Florida. Bob is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering for Bob and subsequent burial with his beloved Donna will take place on June 19, 2021 at 11:00am at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South, 3941 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo 49008 with a luncheon to immediately follow the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. Please visit Bob's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com