Donald Lamb, 78

An empty chair at the Owl Café signals the end of an era. Don Lamb and his buddies held court there most mornings, solving the ills of the world and “telling lies.” Don’s heart stopped beating Monday the 28th, but he will live on in the many tales he told. 

Don was born to a railroader, George Lamb, and his bride, Barbara, on January 28, 1936. He grew up a country boy with the Rathdrum Prairie as his playground. He fell in love with a beautiful city girl, Janet Fredekind, and they married on October 13, 1957. This odd match lasted a lifetime, until Janet’s passing in March 2008. To the marriage were born three children: Kathleen, Kelly, and Koleen.

Don was in the Army and served as a Tanker. When he returned to Idaho he found his true calling in sales, retiring from Critzer Equipment in 1999. 

Don did not have a politically correct bone in his body, and some may have found him harsh in his opinions, but if you spent any time with him you would glimpse countless moments of tenderness. He was easily moved to tears by the joy of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. A sideways hug and a smooch, “Good Morning, Sis!” was his greeting to the women in his life, and a parting wave to the men, “So long, partner!”

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; and parents, George and Barbara. He is survived by his children: Kathleen (Mark) Vannett, of Hayden, Idaho; Kelly Lamb, of Kellogg, Idaho; and Koleen (Mike) Delaney, of Post Falls. He leaves a legacy of six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, who will grow up with endless stories of Grandpa Lamb. 

Viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m., Monday, May 5, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 6, also at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kootenai Humane Society, P.O. Box 1005, Hayden, Idaho 83835. Please visit Don’s online memorial and sign his guestbook atwww.yatesfuneralhomes.com