Joseph Robert LAMBERT

History of Joseph Robert Lambert

By Theron's wife, Verl J. Lambert, written Nov. 2003

(I called him Father, and Winnie Mother)

Recently in reading a brief account of my father-in-law, Robert's life, written by him, I was struck by how little of his character and personality shows. He was a good and peaceful man, and I will try in my simple way to help him seem real to his descendants.

Very briefly, as a background (this part is not mentioned in his story) Robert was almost 12 years old before the next brother that lived, Harold, was born; so this limited the workers on the farm where his father earned his living. So Robert dutifully stayed at home to help earn the family living, not marrying until age 27. He wanted to be educated, but was unable to get away to earn money, only as noted. In his diary, he despaired about marriage to his sweetheart, Winnie, because of lack of a job.

In early 1913, Winnie's father, who was the Postmaster at Roosevelt, Utah, was suffering (I believe it was from a bad heart), and the only treatment then was to go to a lower climate like California to regain strength. The plan was for the Mackays to go to California and for Winnie to get married to Robert, who would work as Postmaster. Together Robert and Winnie would care for her younger siblings. So Robert gave up his schooling at Utah Business College in Salt Lake City to be married.

Over the next many years he was sometimes Postmaster, depending upon the political party that was in power - the days before Civil Service. He worked at whatever he could and started a little grocery store in connection with the Post Office. In 1932, Theron, Maurice, and Wayne [Robert's sons] were sent to Provo for schooling. Some years Wayne was with his folks. These were the Great Depression years and Robert, being a very compassionate man, couldn't bear to see people go hungry. He gave them food [from the store without pay], and as a consequence, he lost everything: home, car, and business.

In the summer of 1937, they moved to Provo, Utah, and shared a small apartment with Theron and Maurice near the BYU campus, which the boys attended. That summer a man that owed them money was able to make the down payment on a house for them at about 5th East and 5th North in Provo. Winnie spent long days, every day away, caring for her mother who had a heart problem. (Her mother died, June 1940). Father could not find work, so was discouraged and, I guess, depressed, but I never heard him complain or blame or be angry. He took his lot quietly, patiently, hopefully, and with control,doing what he could to help everyone.

I know this, because we moved in with them for the year as soon as we were married, sharing in the expenses and needs of all. A young couple lived in the basement and paid rent.

Robert was a quiet man, talking little, unless it was of the Gospel. He liked to read, especially the Scriptures and newspaper - even if company was there (this was annoying to Winnie).

That Spring, Theron and Maurice had some painting jobs and trained Robert as they worked. He continued this work until retirement, moving to Salt Lake City to get more work. He sold the Provo house and moved to 28 Van Buren Avenue in about 1942. He died of a stroke in 1956; Winnie was a widow for 25 years.

Robert had the perfect temperament for his favorite game of chess, and all the family participated in it but me. Quite often we played board games together as a family, especially at Christmas time. We all enjoyed them. Mother especially liked, "Hearts" and "I Doubt It." Her face would look so innocent and her eyes were wicked. She was fun.

Father was kind, loving and understanding. Many times he spoke quietly to Theron in my behalf, reminding him that his wife came first. He held me in respect and treated me as a daughter, showing love and concern for me and his grandchildren. Many times he fasted and prayed and gave us blessings, especially when Dale was in need of it. He was concerned with his extended family and those in need. Once, without concern for himself, he went and gave a blessing to my cousin, Ida, who had diphtheria.

Robert was deeply religious and obeyed the precepts and commandments to the best of his ability. His honesty sometimes offended people; if you asked, he'd tell you he didn't like it - red nail polish, short skirts, uncomely behavior, etc. Yet he tried to understand a situation and consider the consequences. For example, they were visiting us in California, and it was summer and lovely. [My son] Allen was a paper boy and that Sunday the paper company was entertaining all of the carriers and their families at the County Fair at Delmar. It was a special treat once a year for us, but it was Sunday. Father agreed that we go after morning Sunday School, saying something like this: "There are special circumstances that happen on occasion that make happy memories and draw families together, and if possible, should be enjoyed." He went on to tell us of someone he knew that kept such strict rules that his children rebelled - he lost his family from the Church. Opportunities should be evaluated and discussed with all to prevent rebellion.

Robert was always a courteous gentleman. He would walk on the outside of the sidewalk when walking with a lady, and would always doff his hat when he encountered a lady. He would open doors and pull out chairs for any lady in his company.

Appearance:

His hair had been dark, but was turning gray when I met him, and soon turned white. His eyes were blue. He kept his figure trim and neat, always shaven and hair cut. (I cut his hair when we lived close, or Winnie did). His clothes were always clean and pressed and his shoes polished. He was neat around the house, also.

He always did his Duty - Church was his Duty. In the early years of his marriage, that took a great deal of time; weekends were often filled with High Council appointments. He would leave Saturday on horseback, and not return until late Sunday night or Monday morning. I believe that they had a car the last of the 1920's, but not in Provo or Salt Lake City until Wayne returned from his mission about 1948 or 9. Winnie would have to take over the Post Office or store while he was gone. Then there were additional meetings during the week. Winnie fully supported him in all his callings.

He always gave her credit and loved her dearly, but did not display affection outwardly to anyone. He was not easy to become acquainted with because he was so quiet and reserved; but living with Mother and him taught me many things. I loved and respected them; I learned many things from them. They were both very committed to their marriage and the Church, and loved their sons devotedly. I believe that Father would have been a good scientist or researcher if he had lived at a different time, but with Winnie's support he did the best he could. Once, Winnie told me that he wasn't a very good storekeeper; he'd rather read the scriptures in the back room than wait on customers. Some might say it wasn't his time or place here on earth, but his kind of man is always needed by many.

His three sons became great because of the influence of their parents, and the grandchildren are super. He filled a big place in his time.

We lived with them for a year 1938-1939, and then moved to Payson for three years. There, Allen was born and Robert helped in his blessing, most likely the only one he was present for. We visited often in Provo. In 1942, we moved to New Jersey, then Boston, then California. Maurice and Phylis lived in California and Washington all of their lives and had five children. Wayne and Dolores lived their lives with their two children in the Bay area of California. This made absences hard, but visits were made at least once a year, and Robert wrote very nice letters of concern, news, and love. He had a hard time connecting with children, he didn't know how to talk to them, but tried hard to communicate.

Some of this may not be accurate as I am writing of experiences of 65 years ago, and I have no one to talk it over with. I've read his journal of 1902-03 while at the Brigham Young University, and another one 1912-13-14. In them he reveals his feelings more. They are in my possession; Wayne, his son, also has some.

To his descendants:

MAKE THE LAMBERT NAME AS HONORABLE AS ROBERT DID.

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