Long time Alaskan resident Mr. Pete L. S. Lambert , 81, died peacefully in his sleep at home Friday June 12 his wife Wilma of 61 years by his side.

Mr. Lambert, known best by all who knew him as “Pete,” was born May 29, 1928 in Wheatland, Wyo. He worked various jobs in his youth including service as a Fremont County Sheriff Deputy chasing cattle rustlers at the age of 17. An excellent horseman he later became a professional rodeo rider in the late ‘40s. Serving in the Wyoming Army National Guard he served as an armorer in a tank battalion. Cpl. Lambert qualified as expert in rifle and pistol.

An avid fisherman and hunter, one of Pete’s life long dreams to homestead in Alaska was fulfilled when, in February of 1967, Pete left Rawlins, Wyo., and drove to Alaska. He was joined in June of the same year by wife Wilma and seven of their children. Raymond remained in Elkhart, Kan. In May 1968, the family increased by one when Cecil Laverne Lambert was born, eighth child and second son, completing the “Lambert Clan.” Pete worked in upholstery repair and refurbishment, first at Rasmussen’s Furniture and later maintained his own business known as Pete’s Upholstery in Rawlins. Pete was employed by J.C. Penny’s for 18 years in Anchorage at the time of his retirement June 30, 1993. He enjoyed building and fixing things in his spare time for the enjoyment of his family and friends.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents George Franklin and Margaret Eleanor Lambert, daughter Virginia Rose McCoy, granddaughter Martha Elizabeth Lambert, and three brothers: David, Leo and George Jr.

Pete is survived by his wife Wilma and children: Wilber Raymond (Pete’s youngest brother when at the age of 15 months was given to Pete and Wilma to raise with their family as a result of Margaret Eleanor’s death the day after Ray was born), William Leonard (and Wilma D) of O‘Fallon, Mo., Elva Jean Shingledecker of Norman, Okla., Margaret Kay (and Jim) Egbert, Ruth Ellen Hartwell, Twila Belle (and Jeff) Schmidt, Donadene Rae (and Ken) Duel and Cecil Laverne (and Carone) of Alaska; 30 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; brothers; Joe, Charles and Paul Lambert and six sisters; Johnny Palmer, Belle Hansen, Pauline Westberg, Venita Richa, Lois Lambert, and Delores Little.

Funeral services were Wednesday at Matanuska Assembly of God where Pete was a member, at 12801 W Arctic Ave., Palmer with arrangements by Kehl’s Mortuary of Palmer. Interment was at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Matanuska Assembly of God Building Fund.