AUGUSTA – Neil R. Lambert, 80, of Second Avenue, died Oct. 1, 2006, with his family at his side, at Central Maine Medical Center, intensive care unit, Lewiston. Neil was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Houlton, the 10th of 13 children born to Principal Milton B. and Mildred Allen Lambert. Neil’s father was the principal of Houlton High School for years and that school was eventually renamed for him. Neil graduated in the Class of 1943 at that same school. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and graduated from the University of Chicago, as a radioman and worked his way up to a radioman first class. Neil participated in the landing invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He was later recalled to duty, in the Korean War and Cuban Missile Crisis. Neil retired from the military with six honorable discharges and 23 years service to our country, which he loved dearly. On June 25, 1952, Neil was married to Arlene Farrar, also of Houlton. They raised one son, Larry, of Augusta. He was employed at the New England Telephone Co. for 35 years. He relocated to Augusta to complete those years. Neil loved to volunteer, helping anyone to make their lives more livable. Many retired years were spent in the “Talking Books for the blind and visually handicapped program.” He jumped at the chance to volunteer to help others. Neil was a past patron of the Order of Eastern Star, member of the Masons and past president of the Belgrade Lakeside Promenaders of Belgrade. Neil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Arlene; one son, Larry of Augusta; three brothers, Keith of Fort Kent, Don of Farmingdale and Bryce of Brunswick; one sister, Joyce Saunders of Houlton; a special granddaughter, Stacia and her mother, Sandra Pelletier Lambert, of Augusta; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Neil’s family was his focus of his life. Neil was predeceased by six brothers, Winston, Blaine, Deane, Milton Jr., Duane and Clair; and two sisters, Crete Lambert Gentle and Jean Lambert Jackins. A gathering of family and friends will take place 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, where a service celebrating his life will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. Burial, with military honors, will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial donations may be made to Trauma Services Department, Central Maine Medical Center, care of the development office, 300 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home website at www.plummerfh.com
NEIL R. LAMBERT
