Chris Lambert of South Jordan, UT, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
Chris held deeply to the Latter-day Saints faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The community of faith holds its own well — and Chris was held.
Chris Keith Lambert-Mr. Big Bucks, Chief Snuggle Puppy, Keeper of the Couch Dungeon, President of the Baby Club, The Original Oogie, Founder of Destinations, Inc., Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Friend, and Follower of Jesus-traveled the globe, saw everything there was to see, and departed May 3, 2026 on his next big adventure!
Born November 17, 1948 to Richard Alma Lambert and Mary Smith Cox Lambert, Chris was the youngest of their five children and, to be honest, was a bit of a handful. We're sure the reunion with his parents, his sister Linda, and his brother Kent and sister-in-law Vicki has been a celebration. Undoubtedly, being a wrestler in high school and college, he's planning some kind of ambush of his brothers Mike (Linda) and Rick (Jil) for whenever they decide to show up. Take down-2 points!
Chris was one of the "Frozen Chosen" as a missionary in Western Canada (1968-1970) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and was a powerful teacher and defender of the faith his entire life. That initial embrace with Jesus on the other side must have been the highlight of Chris's existence! And guaranteed he's seeking out Brother Joseph for a face-to-face with the prophet of the Restoration.
The real magic of Chris's life began in the shoe department of ZCMI when the little sister of his coworker Steve appeared-Gloria Ann Johnson, a vision with her dark hair and enchanting green eyes. "What thighs…I mean, what size (shoe)?!" According to him, despite her pleas to run off to Vegas, he told her he "cantaloupe." So they were married in the Salt Lake Temple June 3, 1971.
Chris and Gloria, though both the babies of their families, were what might be termed a yin and yang pairing. Chris-scrappy, extroverted, bit of a temper. Gloria-thoughtful, introverted, "chill." Kids 1,3, and 5 share their mom's more pleasant temperament. Kids 2,4,and 6 are more intense like their dad.
Oh, you want to know the birth order now, don't you?! Jodie (Aaron Senior), Michelle (Nick Barlow), Rick (Tristyn Tyson), Kip (Missy Tanner), Robyn (Chase Dansie), and Cortnee (Chad McCleary).
Chris was an excellent Dad. He played with his kids, read them stories, made up songs, put them in the couch dungeon, boisterously coached and attended their sporting events and cheered at their concerts, took them on trips, pushed them to work hard and to never ever give up. As they gathered around his bed during the last week of his life, they reminisced, laughed, and were overcome with gratitude to be blessed with such amazing parents and to have had such an idyllic childhood!
Even more fun for Chris than having kids has been having 30 grandkids and two great-grandkids. He and Gloria are the proud grandparents of Abe, Lily, Ammon, and Charlotte Senior; Eva, Ginny, Rush, and Sam Barlow; Taylor (Erik Amundson), Cannon (soon to wed Amber Springer), Bailey (Kruz Merrill), and Dylan Lambert; Madison (Jacob Haynes), Lanie, Josh, Dane, Tessa, and Sophie Lambert; Annilee, Christian, Alabelle, Mary, Rockford, Parker, and Declan Dansie; and Ashlyn, Bree, Josette, Robinson, and Callahan McCleary; and their little Viking great-grandbabies Sven and Lars Amundson.
Affectionately and aptly nicknamed Mr. Big Bucks by his wife and kids, Chris was a fantastic provider! He went into the travel business with his dad who started Beehive Travel where they worked together for many years. Chris then created his own travel company, Destinations, Inc., which his sons now own and operate. Travel is in the family blood, with the 4th generation continuing the tradition! Seeing the world with fantastic clients was a joy to Chris.
We know you're wondering, so here is his cause of death: complications from diabetes and Parkinson's disease with a dash of back, hip, and esophageal trouble. But in true Chris Lambert fashion, as his conditions progressed, he did his best to maintain his positive, never-give-up attitude.
The scriptures say, "By their fruits, ye shall know them." The greatest testament to the life of Chris Lambert is the close-knit family he and Gloria created. How many families do you know where not only do all the siblings get along, but many of them also work together and choose to live right next to each other in lots that connect to their parents' home?! All of it made possible by the atonement of Jesus Christ who showed us the way to live and gave us the ability to repent, forgive, and LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
We look forward to our reunion with Chris in the eternities.
Please join us for the following:
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Viewing: 6-8pm
LDS Church Building
1409 W Shields Lane (9800 So.)
South Jordan, UT 84095
Friday, May 8, 2026
Viewing: 9:30-10:30am
Celebration of Life: 11am
LDS Church Building
1409 W Shields Lane (9800 So.)
South Jordan, UT 84095
Graveside Service: Following the Funeral
Memorial Mountain View Cemetery
3115 Bengal Blvd
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Family Luncheon: Following the Graveside Service
LDS Church Building
10124 South 1300 West
South Jordan, UT 84095
For those unable to attend, the Celebration of Life will be streamed live and remain available for viewing at: https://jenkins-soffe.com/obituaries/chris-lambert
