In Memory of Ian Lambert

Ian Lambert

June 21, 1946 – April 23, 2025

We are sad to announce that Ian passed away in Whitefish Bay on April 23, 2025. Ian was an important member of our Clearwater community as a friend, volunteer, advisor, donor, and, most notably, a parent and grandparent of campers. Over his many years supporting camp, one of his most enduring accomplishments was serving as one of the pivotal partners in guiding Clearwater’s transition from private ownership to a nonprofit organization. He served on Clearwater’s board as Treasurer at its inception in February of 2008 and completed his term 6 years later in 2014 (back when we had a two-term limit).

Born in England in 1946, Ian lived a very full and happy life with a wide variety of interests like playing the piano and violin, rugby, soccer, gardening, singing, and mathematics. His adventurous spirit led him to tour the United States, where he met his wife of 50+ years, Kathy, in Winnetka, IL. Ian and Kathy raised two wonderful children, William and Elisabeth (Lis). Lis was a camper and then on staff for many years, and her daughter Hallie, is a current camper, and her other daughter, Elsie, went to camp too. While he had a long and successful career in corporate finance, his friends and family were his highest priority. Clearwater certainly benefited from Ian’s care and expertise as one of our greatest friends. We share our deepest condolences with Ian’s family.

You may read more about Ian in his obituary.

Remembering Ian, a note from Bill Otto, Clearwater’s Operations Director and Ian’s friend

It was with great sadness to receive an email from Lis Lambert on April 25^th that her father, Ian, had passed away on April 23^rd. A flood of so many memories came rushing to me, and it was another reminder of how important and special certain people are in our lives. Ian was one of those very special human beings who was truly one of the very good guys in life.

I had the privilege of working closely with Ian as he was so instrumental and committed to seeing Clearwater Camp become a non-for-profit. Clearwater is here today because of people like Ian, who were willing to take on the headaches and frustrations required to secure Clearwater for the future, and to carry out the wishes of Sunny to have camp remain a camp forever. Ian’s corporate finance background was ideal for him to become the first treasurer of Clearwater Camp Foundation in February of 2008, when Clearwater officially became a 501(c)(3). In the early transitional years of the Foundation, there were many differing views and opinions of how Clearwater should proceed as a non-profit, and it was so important to have Ian’s calm, controlled personality keep the tension in the room under control.

Ian was a person of honor, integrity, and conviction, and he was committed to standing up for what was right. He would protect something fiercely yet remain completely under control in his demeanor, and had incredible insight to see what was real in people. Ian had the delightful gift to often say to me (in his wonderful British accent), “Courage, Bill,” when we were dealing with some uncomfortable or trying situations. It was the perfect thing to say when a person needed confidence and took away their anxiety and fear.

Ian also had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, and his witty quips were priceless and appreciated. I remember bringing one of our canoe trips back to camp, one that Lis was leading, and Ian and Kathy were waiting by the boathouse to greet her on her return. Ian had attached an earring to one of his ears and Lis was shocked to see that her dad had pierced his ear while she was gone. Ian finally came clean to reveal that it was just a fake, but it sure gave us all a laugh. Ian’s baking skills also played into the Lambert tradition of having freshly-baked bread and cheese for lunch or an afternoon snack when at camp. There were other Lambert traditions that Ian shared, including lasagna on the Friday after Thanksgiving, followed by some serious ping pong.

Most important to Ian was his unwavering love for Kathy, Lis, and Will. He spoke so fondly of his family and their importance to him and was a true example of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. It was such an honor and pleasure to know Ian, and when I reflect on people who are gifts in life, Ian was one of those for me, and for that, I will always be grateful.

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Those Who Have Taken Their Last Portage: Clearwater Camp works to remember and honor those in our community who have passed away. We learn about this news through the Clearwater network of family and friends, who may let us know or make gifts in their memories. For these tributes, we use materials including their published obituaries and other remembrances from family and friends. Please contact us at info@clearwatercamp.org if there is a member of our community you would like remembered.