Orville “Rusty” Dewey Lambert, Jr., age 78, passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2023, after a short illness. Rusty grew up on his family’s farm and orchards in Suisun Valley, California. He and his brother, Lewis, came to Colorado Springs in 1978 to open Independent Records and Tapes. Since then, they have had stores in Denver, Pueblo, Fountain and several locations in Colorado Springs for the past 45 years.
Born on May 23, 1945, to Orville Dewey Lambert, Sr., and Mary Ceba (Gianoli) Lambert at Bunny Hospital in Fairfield, California and delivered by Dr. Bunny himself. Orville attended Grace Episcopal Church in Fairfield, California, where he was an acolyte. He attended Armillo High School and took a leadership role in his church and youth groups. He was a member of 4H: raised cattle, as well as other activities. He was a member of Key Club at Armillo High and President of the Student Body in his Senior year. He was also active in track and field competitions: champion 880 yards, cross country and was on the basketball team – Junior Varsity and Varsity. Before moving to Colorado, Rusty and his brother, Lewie, owned records stores in California and neighboring states (Eucalyptus Records).
Orville is survived by his brother, Lewis R. Lambert; his sister-in-law, Carol (Cross) Lambert; his nephew, Shad Olen Lambert; Shad’s wife, Kristin (Lunstrum) Lambert; nephew, Nathan Wesley Lambert; niece, Jessica Brice (Lambert) Peplinski; as well as great nephew, Archer Gold Peplinski.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 7 at 2:00 pm at Shrine of Remembrance, “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Orville’s name to Vacaville Museum, 213 Buck Avenue, Vacaville, California 95688 or Grainer Music, 4460 Barnes Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 to the attention of Charlotte – Board of Directors of District 11 Schools (for students needing assistance in purchasing instruments for band instruction). Orville was also fond of the Nature Conservancy and similar organizations.