Fred S. Lamb; Ojai Tennis Tournament Director

Fred Lamb, former longtime director of the Ojai Tennis Tournament and a tennis coach and history teacher at Thacher School, died Sunday at a local convalescent hospital. He was 75.

Lamb had lived in the Ojai Valley almost continuously since the age of 13, when he enrolled at Thacher School. He became a teacher there in 1954 and was a 40-year director of the venerable tennis tournament that celebrates its centenary in 1999.

“I’m never tired of the vista and the broad sweep of the valley below,” he told The Times in 1989 from his school office with its commanding view of the Ojai Valley’s orange groves and oak trees.

Frederick Stymetz Lamb II was born Dec. 29, 1922, in Berkeley.

As a child he traveled through Europe with his mother and father, a historical novelist and a screenwriter.

In September 1936, Lamb enrolled at Thacher School, where he excelled in languages and tennis.

“Fred Lamb is an example of a boy who impresses a stranger as being a friendly, good-natured chap, willing to oblige at all times,” said the entry about him in the private school’s yearbook. “His generous spirit and unselfishness characterize his actions continuously.”

Lamb began his association with the Ojai Tennis Tournament as a player in 1938. He competed five times, including a losing effort against Jack Tidball, then the nation’s fourth-ranked player.

After graduating from Thacher in 1940, Lamb worked at Yale University for two years and spent the next 3 1/2 years in the Army. He worked at the Signal Corps Intelligence station in New Guinea, intercepting messages and interrogating prisoners.

After the war he returned to Yale, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, then received a master’s in medieval history at UCLA.

Lamb was known as a teacher who brought history to life, using his 15,000-album collection and extensive library until his retirement in 1991.

After classes ended he coached tennis where, dubbed “The Winningest Coach,” he led Thacher to 22 consecutive league championships and seven California Interscholastic Federation titles. Simultaneously, he directed the respected amateur tennis tournament--typically seen wearing his trademark pointed red hat--worked in innumerable volunteer capacities and steadfastly enforced the tournament’s rules.

The process became somewhat comical when Lamb would mete out punishment to players, sometimes while serving as both tournament director and referee.

“They would ask for an appeal and I would turn around, tip my hat and say, ‘Is there a problem?’ ” Lamb told The Times in 1989, the same year he was inducted into Ventura County’s Hall of Fame.

He continued playing tennis until about 10 years ago and served on the board of directors for the Ojai Festivals Ltd. and the Ojai Film Society.

In retirement, he traveled throughout Europe and taught a film history course until Parkinson’s disease began taking its toll. His last few months were spent regaling friends with the exploits of a fascinating life.

Survivors include an aunt, Catherine Maxson, and cousin, Tay Howell, both of Lexington, Ky.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 19 at the outdoor chapel on the grounds of Thacher School.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ojai festivals or The Thacher School.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.