Cameron W. Lambe obituary
Dr. Cameron W. Lambe, former Western Michigan University faculty member, died Aug. 11 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was 87.
A professor emeritus of education and professional development, Lambe came to WMU in 1962 as assistant registrar. He joined the faculty of what was then the Department of Teacher Education two years later and retired in 1981 after 19 years of service to the University.
Lambe served in a variety of administrative roles as well as taught education courses, wrote numerous scholarly articles and advised students. He was coordinator of support services starting in 1977, acting department head in 1970-71 and 1973-74, and teacher certification officer and coordinator of student teachers in 1964.
During his tenure at the University, Lambe earned a proclamation from the Michigan Legislature that recognized his distinguished career in education, received the WMU Alumni Association Teaching Excellence Award in 1976, received the President's Award for outstanding contributions to the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors in 1981, and was recognized for showing outstanding leadership during WMU's Partners in Progress capital campaign.
Lambe was on special assignment in Nigeria in 1967 helping to establish the records office at Ibadan Technical College, which WMU was helping to develop under contract with the U.S. Agency for International Development. He also played a vital role in conducting the 1966 feasibility study that led to the founding of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and he helped to establish many other community colleges in Michigan.
A World War II veteran who served with both the U.S. and Canadian armies, Lambe went on to earn bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from Wayne State University. Before coming to WMU, he taught elementary and high school in Detroit from 1952 to 1956 and was assistant registrar at Wayne State from 1956 to 1962.
In retirement, he traveled and wrote books about his adventures in the army, at work and in Nigeria.
Remembrances
Memorial gifts may be made to the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Disability Network Southwest Michigan or Rose Arbor Hospice. Visit langelands.com to make a memorial guestbook entry.
Visitation and services
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St., Oshtemo, Mich.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 18 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 7028 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo. Private interment will follow at the Central Portage Cemetery.