Charles “Chuck” Lamb, a resident of Bristol Mills since 1997, passed away on Dec. 23 at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 53 years, Christine, as well as all three of his children, and three of his five grandchildren.
Chuck was born on June 3, 1937 in Lower Merion, Penn., a Philadelphia suburb on the Main Line. He attended Lower Merion High School, excelling in lacrosse.
In 1959, Chuck graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and embarked upon military service as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Hawaii as an officer on board the U.S.S. Kawishiwi, he met Christine, the daughter of a Navy captain. They were married in 1960 and had their first child, Katie, while still in Hawaii. Two more children, Susan and Bob, were to follow in the next five years.
Chuck left active duty in 1962 and became a member of the Naval Reserve, where he would retire with the rank of lieutenant commander. He moved with his family to New York City and joined the executive training program of First National City Bank (now Citigroup). He went on to enjoy a successful career of nearly 30 years with the bank, including a 10-year period from 1974-84 when he and his family were stationed abroad in Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; and Manila, Philippines.
Chuck and Christine moved to Bristol Mills in 1997, but their love of this area began many years earlier when the family would spend several weeks each summer at the old Hall homestead on Damariscotta Lake. When it came time to retire, Chuck knew that this was where he wanted to be. He plunged into his new life with all the gusto he always brought to new opportunities. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Penobscot School and for the Pemaquid Watershed Association. He and Christine made many dear and lasting friendships over the course of their life in Bristol Mills.
In addition to his community work, Chuck kept up with a dizzying array of hobbies and interests. He was an expert photographer and kept a professional studio and darkroom in his home. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast, making annual extended road trips in the summer to visit friends and family. Of particular note was an epic trip to all 48 contiguous states in 2000, where he managed to locate and visit a total of 26 towns named Bristol!
In addition to Christine and his three children, Chuck leaves behind five granddaughters: Rachel, Sasha, Anna, Steffi and Sophia.
A service will be held at a later date.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
