Valley resident Walter “Walt” Hammond Lamb, 90, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2017. He was born on June 9, 1927 in Canon City, Colorado to Charles and Helen Lamb. Walt grew up in Saguache, Colorado. He graduated from Saguache High School and following high school he served in the United States Navy from 1944-1946. After his service he returned and enrolled in Western State College in Gunnison. He married Lois Marie Stanley on November 17, 1950 and moved to the Valley as a driver/ salesman for Standard Oil Company. He received his B.A. in Education at Adams State College in Alamosa and his Master’s Degree from Western State. In his younger professional years, Walt taught industrial arts and 5th and 6th grade classes before he became the Sargent Elementary School Principal from 1966 to 1987. He and his wife Lois also had several prosperous businesses in the Valley; ranging from the A & W Root Beer Stand in Monte Vista, a popular restaurant called “The Pancake Inn" and a Flower shop "Casa de Flores" both in Del Norte.

Walt enjoyed golfing, skiing, spending time at Hermit Lakes and was an active member of the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church. He and Lois were among the first investors of the Wolf Creek Ski Area and was also on the original fund raising committee for the new Rio Grande Hospital and he helped to form the Mineral/Rio Grande Health District and served as Board Director from 1998 to 2012 as well as a Rio Grande Hospital Board Member from 2000 to 2010. Walt was a past president of Rotary and a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge in Del Norte.

He is survived by his wife Lois Lamb of Monte Vista, his children, Michael Eugene Lamb (Cindy Butler Lamb) of Boone, North Carolina, Kay Ellen Lamb O'Connell (Kevin Edward O'Connell) of Pine, Colorado, his grandchildren, Devon Brooke Lamb, Jordan Michael Lamb and Lauren Danielle Ferchau (Derek William Ferchau) as well as two great grandchildren, Derek Alfred Ferchau and Zac Walter Ferchau.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ruth Read.

Cremation was selected with arrangements by Rogers Family Mortuary. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Contributions in honor of Walter may be made to the Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte. To leave online condolences for Walt’s family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com