Kenneth 'Ken' Earl Lambert

Kenneth “Ken” Earl Lambert, known for being creative, energetic, and a warrior, left this world on May 10, 2021 at noon. He lived a very full 69 years. 

Ken was born in Hanover, New Hampshire to Dr. Lewis H. Lambert (deceased) and Dorothy Loomis Lambert (deceased) and resided in Park City, Utah.

He leaves behind his two sons, Jonathon C.K. Lambert and David L.K. Lambert, and his three siblings: Lewis “Chip” H. Lambert Jr. (Pam), Bonnie M. Lambert, and Jonathan “Joe” S. Lambert (Lori), as well as his beloved cat, Sifu Gato. 

Ken’s magnetic energy attracted close friends from around the world. First were his classmates from Encina High School in Sacramento, California and later those from the University of Denver, Colorado (B.A., Psychology). While earning a M.B.A degree in International Management (Marketing) from Thunderbird School of Global Management and traversing the globe for work, he maintained and gained numerous cherished friendships. 

For nearly forty years Ken built and implemented groundbreaking cross-cultural communication campaigns. He worked for Young and Rubicam Inc. and founded KL & P Asia, which was acquired by DMB&B, one of the world’s largest marketing agencies. There he became the president of the Latin American and Asian divisions. Later, he returned to Thunderbird, where he was the EVP/chief marketing officer while teaching as an adjunct professor of global marketing and founding Xulu Marketing.

Ken’s truest passion was in martial arts. He obtained the title of grand master in the Kajukenbo system and also trained and belted in other systems, winning many awards throughout his lifetime. A career highlight was winning a world championship in Hawaii in 2005. He was 54 at the time and fought men much younger than himself. His respected Sifu and friend was senior Grand Master Al Dacascos.

Music was one of Ken’s many “gifts.” Throughout his life and especially after retirement, Ken played all genres of music. He was a drummer for many bands and skillfully played the piano.    

Mary Kolehmainen, his wife and the mother of his sons, was Ken’s light, love, and grounding force. When Mary passed away in 2005, much of Ken’s zest for life diminished. His love for his sons and his good friends continued to be an important beacon of strength. He will be missed by so many at home and around the world. 

Fight on, Ken.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Outward Bound scholarship fund on his behalf by clicking the “donate” link above.