Obituary: Kent Earl Lambert, 85, Hood River

Kent Earl Lambert reached the end of his wonderful life on April 9, 2024, at the age of 85. His passing was at home, sudden, and unexpected.

Born on November 16, 1938, Kent was raised in Vancouver, Washington, and graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1957. His love of the outdoors, mechanics, and engineering began at a very young age. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics and completed his Master of Business Administration degree at Northwestern University in Chicago in 1965. Kent married Judy (Lage) Lambert in 1963. His professional career began with management positions in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Boise, and Vancouver. In 1970, Kent and Judy, and their two young sons moved to Hood River so that Kent could partner with Judy’s father and brother in leading the family business. For more than four decades at the helm of Lage Orchards, Kent propelled the family farm through significant expansions in the orchard’s business model and operations.

Kent was deeply committed to the Hood River community as an active member of the Crag Rats, through his service on the local advisory committee for Northwest Farm Credit, and as a volunteer fireman with the Pine Grove Fire Department. Kent was also heavily involved in the local arts and culture scene. Just as one example, he was a founding member of the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta, playing his violin as concertmaster for around 30 years. Over the past 15 years, Kent was especially active in the regional community of classic British car collectors and was renowned for his knowledge and expertise in all things pertaining to the expert restoration of the Austin-Healy.

Kent was predeceased by his wife, Judy, in 2010. He is survived by his sons, Terry and Brad; his grandchildren, Kyle and Kate; his stepbrother, Ted; his half-siblings, Lori and Mike; as well as two sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kent will always be remembered for his pursuit of precision and his palpable and infectious energy for life. He was a deeply beloved father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. His incredible memory and legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who loved him.

More detailed information is available on the Anderson’s Tribute Center website. A celebration of Kent Lambert’s life will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Mt. Hood Winery, located at 2882 Van Horn Drive in Hood River.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hood River Crag Rats, the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, or the Pine Grove Rural Fire Department.

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.