Jonathan 'Joe' Stewart Lambert
January 3, 1954 - January 30, 2022
First and foremost, Joe was a father. Not only to his two children, but to anyone who needed him to be. Throughout his battle with pancreatic cancer he maintained his joyful spirit and positive outlook. Although the word “battle” assumes there is a winner and a loser; we can all agree to call this one a draw, as the cancer and pain passed with him.
Along with fatherhood, Joe’s great love in life was his wife, Lori. Nearly thirty-eight years of marriage is a feat by any standard and is a testament to the kindness, patience, compassion, and tenderness he showed her every day. They traveled the world together, remodeled far too many homes, raised two amazing, really, really ridiculously good-looking children, and built the life they always wanted.
Born in Hanover, New Hampshire, raised in Sacramento, California, and settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, Joe left his indelible mark wherever he lived. He earned a degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis, and was a lifelong student, always open to learning something new.
Joe is most widely known for his long and successful career in the restaurant business. He “retired” in 2014, after nearly two decades as a partner at Salt Lake Brewing Company. Never one to rest on his laurels, retirement meant starting his own consulting group, Gastronomics, Inc. with dear friends from his many years in the industry. He worked hard, doing what he loved until the very end.
He found joy in life through fly-fishing, “being entertained,” singing the wrong lyrics to his favorite songs, camping, travel, scuba diving, rugby, U of U football, dinner parties, skiing, bourbon, martinis, and making and sharing his world famous holiday “Nog.” Joe was the consummate host, and treasured the company of dear friends, who will never forget his all-enveloping hugs.
He is preceded in death by his father Dr. Lewis Lambert, mother Dorothy, and brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife Lori, daughter Alison (Dom), son Braden (Erin), brother Chip, sister Bonnie, faithful pup Waylon Jennings, and a large, loving, extended family.
“Poets talk about 'spots of time,' but it is really fishermen who experience eternity compressed into a moment. No one can tell what a spot of time is until suddenly the whole world is a fish and the fish is gone.” – Norman Maclean
In Loving Memory
I am heartbroken to learn of Joes passing. He was one of my favorite people. I sold to Joe at Shenanigans when I was just new in the business and he was always so kind and loving. Every time I saw him he would give me a big hug. I remember one day he was at a stoplight in his beige Sheninagans truck. I was behind him and jumped out and yelled boo! I didn't know his daughters were in the truck and I scared the daylights out of them. Sorry kids. I last saw Joe in the Oakland airport a few years ago. A huge smile and a big hug as always. I will miss that big lug.
We are extremely saddened to hear of Joe's Passing. I met Joe when he was 4 years old, and eventually became his sister-in-law. Even though I became an ex-sister-in-law, I never stopped loving that soft-hearted, kind, and happy man. His laugh will never be forgotten, and always made one feel so wonderful to be his friend. His wife, Lori, has been a God-send to him. She has so much strength and the same love of laugh and life that Joe had. He has left such a wonderful legacy in their two beautiful and intelligent children, and all the accomplishments he and Lori have completed. I am sure the 'social butterfly' in him has passed on through the family. This great kind and gentle soul will be forever missed. Steve and I send our deepest sympathies to the family.
Joe was a good man. At one point in our lives he trusted me and I failed, but we remained friends. I will never forget him.
Joe & Lori - names said so often together that it sounded like one person. A beautiful couple whose commitment to love, strength and generosity made everyone want to be their best friend (and many of us thought we were). They (along with their beautiful children) showed us by example the meaning of tenacity, courage, unfailing devotion and unity as Joe valiantly fought the battle of his life. Never let it be said that Joe ever gave up the fight to live and stay with his loved ones. In true Joe form he gave it his all and then some. His passing has created a ripple effect felt around the world. He will forever shine as a bright symbol of hope in our broken hearts. Never a person to sit back and rest Joe probably hasn’t missed a beat and he’s organizing some new project in heaven in between rounds of golf with my dad my sister and my brother. Forever and always our Joey you will be ❤️
We did have some times, didn't we !!! I will always miss you!
Lori, Karen and I were heartbroken to read about Joe's passing. He was a wonderful guy, full of life and passion about everything! I will always be greatful for Joe's hiring of our sons Cade and Bret at Shenanigans! They had a great experience working at the restaurant. Joe was dedicated to all his employees and his mentoring of Cade and Bret helped them to be the successful men that they are today! Our family is greatful to have had Joe in our lives!
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Joe. Joe and I knew each other for 63 years. A better person I have never known them Joe Lambert. Always in my thoughts. See you on the other side some day Joe.
Joe, You are loving, loveable and loved. I never thought this day would come to say goodbye. You meant the world to me and my family, I will always remember wonderful times and will miss the jar of Christmas eggnog. Lori and kids, You were so loved and Joe will always be with you. He will show himself in the strangest of way when you least expect it. Hugs and kisses. Sincerley, Rita Nance Many moons ago we worked together at Salt Lake Brewing Family. Great times!
Joe, you are the best example of how to live a well lived life. Meeting face-to-face on a rugby pitch some 47 years ago, little did I know that 30 years later I would intrust our son to you to teach him some away from home life experiences. In between then and after you were always the gracious host when I would stumble through SLC. If I didn’t know better I would say your early days behind the bar formed the basis for the Sam Malone character in the Cheers TV series. Always welcoming, a smile, quick question to start, and ear to listen. Lori, Allison, and Braden may you always be bathed in the warmth and love that Joe enveloped you. Joe, Thank you. You gave us all more than you asked of us. Love, Alan Greene Roseville, CA
Dear Joe, Hate to see you go. Fields and bars we shared, You always cared. ....and touched all.
"Oh My Long Time Friend" What a unfortunate closing to this life. I was flabbergasted when i heard the news just days ago. I'm not sure it's real Joe..!! I will always remember your first date with Lori at the Utah State Rugy game - poor girl - i can't believed you brought her - it's was like yesterday.. Everytime we got together there were only great times of, happiness, laughter, joy and love..!! We had a wonderful connection that will last forever in my heart and I'm so grateful to have meet such a man as you..!! Love you and miss you Joe..!! God Bless Lori and all the family.. The LePrey family
In Loving Memory
