Robert Charles Lamburth, 81

Bob Lamburth, 81, world's best surveyor, husband, father, and grandfather, passed peacefully at home Oct. 16, 2024.

Bob was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Feb. 20, 1943.  He served in the Navy for three years during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Norfolk, Va., as an air crewman in Squadron VR(F)-31 which ferried planes and helicopters to the West Coast.  

After leaving the Navy he returned to St. Louis and married Peg Goodson in 1969. Bob and Peg moved to South Dakota where he learned to survey. After several years he went to Sequim, Wash., to log cedar with his brother, Tona. In 1977, Bob and Peg moved to Clark Fork, Idaho, where Bob worked as a party chief for Carl McMillen & Associates. In 1986, he acquired his first survey license in Idaho and then four additional licenses in Montana, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. In 1991 Bob started his own survey business which he ran until 2015.  His son, Matt, helped in the field until Bob expanded the business to include a survey crew.

Although surveying was his passion, other interests included making cigar box guitars, homemade brooms, and playing lots of music. Bob was a ferocious reader and could talk about anything from philosophy to fishing. He could spin a good yarn and was quite a prankster. He once snuck up on his crew in the woods, pretending to be a bear, which sent a crew member up a tree. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor.  

Bob is survived by his wife, Peg; son Matt (Jen Gorringe); granddaughter Eden; and grandson Riley. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lamburth and Jewel McPherson; his brother, Tona; and sister Nancy.

A local gathering to celebrate his life is planned for the spring of 2025.

Family and friends are invited to sign Robert’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.