Robert James Lamb 3/14/44 – 7/19/26

Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 14, 1944, to Helen and John Lamb, the fourth of their five children. He attended Christ the King Catholic School before graduating from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1962. He went on to attend Ferris State University and Eastern Michigan University before being drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1966.

While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Bob attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT E-5) and was subsequently deployed to Vietnam on January 30, 1968, where he served as a Combat Engineer. On May 24, 1968, the vehicle carrying Bob and his squad struck a land mine. All nine soldiers were injured, and Bob was awarded the Purple Heart for the wounds he sustained. He was honorably discharged from the Army in November 1968 and completed his education at Central Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

On April 2, 1977, Bob married Patricia Bartling, and together they built a loving family with their three children. Bob was extremely proud of their academic accomplishments: Lindsay earned a master’s degree in education, Kelly earned a PhD in Epidemiology, and Robert John (“RJ”) earned a law degree. Bob devoted 31 years of service to the State of Michigan as an Auditor before retiring in 2002. Throughout his life, Bob was an avid sports fan (except for basketball) and was a die-hard fan of the Red Wings, Tigers and, of course, the Lions. Bob loved hockey and golf the most and played both up until a few months before his death.

Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Patricia; his three children: Lindsay (Jason) Pociask, Kelly (Brian) Hirko, and RJ (Elaine) Lamb; and eight cherished grandchildren: Kylan, Keedan, and Aila Pociask; Liam, Irene, and Alice Hirko; and Estelle and Rylen Lamb. He is also survived by his brother, Tom. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Lamb, his brother, John, and sisters, Judie and Maureen.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Parish of Traverse City on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 11:00am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to K9s For Warriors.