Ex-Huntington Beach Mayor Lambert Dies

Robert Lambert, a former mayor and longtime community volunteer, died Sunday. He was 70.

Lambert, who was born and raised in Huntington Beach, served on the City Council from 1958 to 1966. He was elected to a two-year term as mayor in 1962.

In addition to his service on the council, Lambert also served for 27 years as a volunteer fireman and was a charter member of the local Elks Lodge, said his son, Michael Lambert.

“His way of looking at community service was that he was there to serve the people and not to make money off of them,” Michael Lambert said. “He wanted to do the best job he could for the people who elected him. He really enjoyed serving and had a lot of fond memories.”

Lambert ran a family gas station at the corner of Beach Boulevard and Talbert Avenue for 20 years before going to work as service manager at Mandic Motors in 1965, where he worked until becoming ill in December.

Lambert is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane; sons Michael and Thomas, and grandson Ceylon.

A public visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Pierce Brothers Smiths Mortuary, 627 Main St. in Huntington Beach. A rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 20444 Magnolia St., in Huntington Beach. Burial will immediately follow at the Good Shepherd Cemetery, 8301 Talbert Ave.

Flowers may be sent to the mortuary, or donations can be made in Lambert’s name to the Hoag Hospital cardiology and respiratory facility.