Joffre Roger Lambert
September 21, 1918 - December 27, 2008

It was no secret that Joffre Lambert cherished his family; whether in word or in deed, he was always showering them with his love. He was a dedicated employee who also found time to see the beauty in each day he was given. Joffre built a strong legacy of love and compassion which his family will forever cherish.

The 1910s were a monumental time period for the railroading industry in our nation as the New York Central Railroad built its current version of Grand Central Terminal and in 1916, the United States railway reached peak length. Albert and Mary (Iteen) Lambert, of Muskegon, Michigan were looking forward to their own monumental event as well; as Mary was due to give birth to their fourth child at any time. They were indeed blessed on September 21, 1918 with the birth of their healthy son, Joffre. Joffre was later joined by two additional children. Joffre learned at an early age that life is not without its struggles; many American families struggled to make ends meet during the late 1920s and 1930s as our nation was tightly held in the grip of the Great Depression and Joffres family was no exception. Tragedy struck early in their family as well with the death of Joffres father in 1927 followed by the death of his sister Cleo, when she was only seven years old. These difficult times gave Joffres mother the opportunity to more deeply instill in her children the importance and value of family. This was a value that Joffre clung to throughout his entire lifetime, and one that would become part of future generations as well.

As a young man, Joffre attended Muskegon High School where he played football & graduated in 1938. A short time later, Joffre heard that the Grand Trunk Railroad, a line linking Canada to Chicago across lower Michigan, was hiring so he set out to investigate. Joffre was excited to be hired as a yardman and conductor. The Grand Trunk Railroad gained fame among rail fans for being one of the last North American railroads to use steam locomotives in regular service, which lasted until 1960. Joffres life took a pleasant detour when he met and later married the love of his life, Jean Peterson in Muskegon, Michigan on June 25, 1943. Joffre and Jean were soul mates who both regarded family as their most important asset. The young couple were later blessed with the births of three children of their own: David, Thomas, and Roger.

Joffre worked hard at the railroad to support his family; he worked long hours outside; whether it was in the cold snow and sleet of winter, or the sizzling summer sun. He found great satisfaction in his employment, and his career there would span his entire working lifetime until he retired in 1979.

The way that Joffre most enjoyed spending his time, however, was with his family. He shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his three sons. Together, Joffre and Jean created numerous family memories with their children, and future generations as well, at their family cottage on Big Blue Lake, an inland lake located in Muskegon county which is famous for its fishing. Here, in addition to fishing with his boys, Joffre enjoyed taking them sailing as well. Joffre also enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatos & cooking, especially on the grill. Joffre embraced his role as a father in every way, instilling them with the same strong values that his own parents had given to him. When grandchildren arrived on the scene, Joffre was thrilled to pour his love into them, just as he had with his own children.

After both Joffre and Jean retired, they were able to fill their time with things they treasured, both as a couple and individually. They loved traveling together and during the cold winter months of January and February in Michigan, they sought the sun and warmer weather in Florida. When back in Michigan, they enjoyed traveling to the Upper Peninsula and of course, the summer months were spent at the cottage. Their grandchildren were always excited to spend time out at the cottage, especially with their delightful grandparents. Joffre was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2106, an international non-profit organization which unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.

Life became more difficult for Joffre when his beloved Jean died in 1991. During this time, Joffre looked to his family for strength, experiencing joy through the laughter and love that his children and grandchildren provided him. Jeans absence didnt stop Joffre from still doing the things that he loved to do, especially spending as much time with his family as he could. Their family still gathered at the cottage during the summers, making memories across the generations.

Whether was sharing in the camaraderie at the Pulaski Lodge or sailing with his sons under the warm summer sky, Joffre Lambert did it all with a compassionate and loving spirit. He was a dedicated employee, but even more than that, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His children and grandchildren were Joffres greatest source of pride and joy. Joffre spent a lifetime making memories that will be forever etched on the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be greatly missed.

Joffre R. Lambert died Saturday, December 27, 2008. Joffres family includes his sons, David (Eileen) Lambert of NY, Thomas (Rosemary) Lambert of Shelby, Roger (Sally) Lambert of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Eric, Michael, Thomas Jr., Samantha, Jenna, Kevin; sister, Gloria (Stan) Griffith of AZ; several nieces & nephews; special friend, Lorraine Camp of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Desire, Richard Lambert; sister, Armene Marquard. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI, in the chapel with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice.

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