Robert Lamb Memorial Fundraiser
On August 9, 2021, the world lost one its finest -- an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, co-worker, and one of our dearest friends. Rob is survived by his wife Valerie and their two children, Robert (6) and Evelyn (2) -- as well as many family and friends.
Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Rob immediately gravitated towards his infectious personality and witty but calm and loving demeanor. Rob had a unique way of connecting with people in all walks of life. Everyone that knew him had their own bond that was special in its own way. He made everyone inside and outside of his circle feel welcome -- whether it was his warm heart, his generosity, his compassion, his fine taste in beer, cars, or simply with his gentile soul and words of wisdom. He always put everyone else before himself. Rob loved his family, his three sisters, and appreciated every friendship and relationship that he had... whether it was a day old, a week old or 25 years old.
As heartbreaking as this is on so many different levels, what hits me the hardest is leaving behind Val and the kids. We were all lucky enough to be part of Rob's wonderful life, but Val was his life. Their love story began when we were just freshmen in high school. For 20+ years, we all sat back and admired their unconditional love and selflessness for one another. At the same time, it brought a sense of hope and happiness for all that got to witness it. It's rare to find something in life that can be described as perfect, but Rob and Val were just that. The perfect couple...that became the perfect parents. Watching Rob become a father was one of my greatest joys, and I know he took so much pride in it. I'm so thankful that Val was able to capture the photos, videos, and moments over the years so that the kids can look back and see how incredibly devoted he was as their father. I know Robert and Evelyn will cherish those moments forever.
Our time with Rob was cut way too short, but I know he's watching over us. In the meantime, I would like to ask that you continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. I would also like to kindly ask you to consider making a donation to Rob's Memorial Fund. I wanted to do this for two reasons:
1. In Rob's honor. I know he was very philanthropic and always there to help others in need. I also know that he'd do this for any of his friends if the situation were reversed. I want him to know that he has the best friends and family in the world, and he's always in our thoughts.
2. Val and the kids. Rob leaves behind one of the best human beings in the world and two young, beautiful children. I know Val's strength and courage will bring the family together, but as she tries to pick up the pieces and move forward, I don't want money and finances to add to the stress. Whether it's enough to help with medical/funeral expenses, counseling, books for the kids, or even a family vacation, any donation will go a long ways.
While there are no words that can bring Rob back, it's our actions, our stories, our memories that will carry on Rob's legacy. As a small token of appreciation to Rob -- the father, best friend and family man that he was -- and Val & the kids, I'd kindly like to ask you to consider making a donation to help out the family in a time of need. I know Rob's passing had an impact on so many people, but Val, Robert and Evelyn's world were turned completely upside down two weeks ago today. They lost their best friend, husband, and father. Anything we can do to show our support will be extremely appreciated.
Last but not least, I'm also going to ask that we try to keep this a secret from Val. Knowing the kind-hearted, sweet, caring person that she is, she wouldn't ask for the help herself nor would she want the attention that comes with it. Please know that this isn't being done at Val's request. She has no idea as of now. At some point in the near future, I'd like to be able to deliver some positive news and present a check for the funds raised in Rob's honor.
All money raised here will go directly to Val. In addition to my donation here, I also plan on writing a check to Val personally. I'll match the highest donation of up to $1,500. In the event that you're able to make a sizeable donation, I'd ask that you reach out to me so that we can coordinate a way of getting it to Val directly (understanding that GFM takes a %, I'd rather this go directly to her and the kids). You're welcome to email, text, or call if you have any questions.
If you've yet to watch it, Val made a wonderful tribute to Rob through the pictures and videos she's taken throughout the 20 years of their relationship. The link can be found here:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/M7LXDZJWR76WKK42
Rob - you're with us always and forever. We love you.
As Val put it so elegantly:
You will never be prepared or ready for a moment so heartbreaking as losing the love of your life. Your heart will cry inside but nothing will come out. You will be numb and find that a moment as impossible as this could not be real. My love, my best friend, my man that gets me in a way no one ever will, my heart, amazing father of our kids, keeper of the house, adventurer, obscure, but cool, smart, handsome husband passed away last night. I go through so many moments in my mind wishing to live them all again. Like us drinking coffee together yesterday morning on the patio laughing at the kids…I think about our kids and the love they have for him and it makes me hurt a pain I can’t even describe. Tears well up as it starts to surface. My life feels frozen. It feels like I can’t move from this devastation. And I know there may come a time when I will feel less of this…but right now I just want to hold my babies, close my eyes and wake up to a new day where yesterday never happened. There will never ever be another Rob. He was like no other. The most unique, kind-hearted, smart, honest, genuine, no bs, caring, funny, loving man. He brought to my life the deepest love. And I know he brought so much to so many people’s lives. He was so special in that way. His connections were always genuine. He’s someone you never forget. I just want to hug him and hold him and give him a kiss from here to eternity. I keep telling myself this isn’t real, that this can’t be real…my heart is smashed and I don’t know where to go from here. I don’t. When I sit here and think about all the people who loved him, my heart breaks in so many ways all over again; for my children for losing their father, for my mother-in-law for losing her son, for his sisters for losing their brother, Peter for losing his step son, my parents losing their son-in-law, my siblings losing their brother-in-law, our nieces and nephews losing their Uncle, cousins, aunts and uncles, Gram and Gene, best friends, great friends, lifelong friends and absolutely for myself for losing my husband who was more than just a husband to me….and for Rob…the weight I feel is unbearable…it crumbles me. I know our kids and my amazing family and friends will help to get us through, our love story just wasn’t over yet. You are in our hearts every day forever and always hun. We love you beyond the moon, beyond the stars, beyond the galaxies 143