Brent Woodruff Lambert

Brent Woodruff Lambert passed away on July 24, 2024. He peacefully departed this life the way he lived it, facing challenges and enduring them well. He was a beloved father to his family, a devoted friend, leader in his church, a skilled physician, a successful entrepreneur, and a generous philanthropist. Quick to laugh, smile, support, and encourage, Brent was a force for good to untold numbers of people throughout his exceptional life. He was known for his integrity, humor, prolific vocabulary, faithfulness, compassion, optimism, charisma, and hard work. Brent was a man who rose to the highest level of anything he focused his considerable abilities on. He will be greatly missed but leaves a legacy of love, charity, and kindness. 

Brent was born in San Francisco, CA on July 27, 1939, the first child of Ruth Clark Woodruff Lambert and W. Needham Lambert. Years later, the family welcomed his beloved brother Richard “Dick”, whose love, devotion, friendship, and service to Brent and his family has been a lifelong cherished blessing. Brent grew up in the Bay area, attending Town School for Boys, and Menlo-Atherton High School, forming close friendships that flourished throughout his life.

Brent attended Harvard College where he studied history and medical sciences and was a member of the Owl Club. In the spring before beginning his medical studies at Columbia University, Brent met Katherine “Kitty” Park Merrill of Cambridge, MA, through mutual friends, and by fall they were deeply in love. They were married the following year in their Cambridge chapel and later were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. Brent and Kitty introduced one another to new joys and experiences. Kitty embraced the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Brent came to share her family’s passions for sailing, the beauties of the Maine coastline, tennis, Bridge, and New England life. 

Over the course of medical school, Ophthalmology residency at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and two years of service in the Air Force (Biloxi, Mississippi), four children were welcomed into the family. Brent and Kitty settled in Hingham, MA, and provided a happy home that prioritized faith in God and Jesus Christ, service, education, recreation, and adventure. Brent was devoted to his children, offering unwavering love and support. His children and grandchildren always wanted to call him right away to report exciting news because his delight and enthusiasm would often exceed their own. 

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brent served as a Bishop and Stake President, but his favorite calling was teaching Gospel Doctrine. Once their children were grown, Brent and Kitty served as Mission Leaders in Cleveland, OH. They devoted themselves to the work with all their hearts and enjoyed serving side by side each day. Brent brought his abilities to teach, motivate, and nurture the missionaries. He used his creativity to develop new approaches and opportunities to introduce the gospel to the people of Ohio. 

Brent and Kitty moved to Naples, FL as empty nesters. Brent tried to savor the joys of retirement, but his energy, vision, and zest for entrepreneurism outweighed the joys of full-time relaxation. In 1997, he started Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America and developed over 70 surgical centers throughout his career. 

Numerous tragedies and setbacks occurred in Brent’s life, including losing an eye to cancer while practicing Ophthalmology. His faith, determination, and optimism enabled him to adapt and overcome these challenges. In 2004, Brent was devastated to lose Kitty to Leukemia but was comforted in the knowledge that one day they would be reunited.

Brent found love again when he met Christie Whitehead Péo, whose positivity, energy, and faithfulness rivaled his own. In 2005 Brent and Christie were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, and the Lambert clan was blessed to have four additional adult siblings and their families join the fold. Brent loved each one and their humor, energy, support, and love, brought much joy into Brent’s life. Throughout their marriage, they lived and gained wonderful friends in Chestnut Hill, MA, Naples, FL, Turkey Cove, ME, and Carmel, CA. In 2018 Brent and Christie moved to Salt Lake City, UT to be closer to family. As Brent’s health declined in his later years, Christie provided tender, patient, loving care and they were rarely apart. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed time with loved ones, contributing at church, attending musical performances, having adventures all over the world, and blessing others with their enthusiasm and generosity.

Brent is survived by his wife Christie Whitehead Lambert (m. 2005); children with his wife Katherine Merrill Lambert (m. 1962, d. 2004): Erika Finlayson (Sam), Luke Lambert (Rebecca), Kristin Westergard (Rob), and Rebecca Lambert (Jon Sonne), and Christie’s children: Jeffrey Péo (Delise), Jennifer Powell, Christian Péo (Mandi), and Shannon Sandberg (Sandy), as well as 34 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Richard Lambert (Mary) and numerous nephews, a niece, cousins, and their families. 

Brent’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service at 12 noon on August 8, 2024, in the Chapel at 110 Social Hall Avenue in Salt Lake City, UT. Interment will be at 3:30 pm at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd in Cottonwood Heights, UT, for those interested in joining remotely https://zoom.us/j/97041294713. There will be visitation hours at 110 Social Hall Avenue from 6-8 pm on August 7, and again on August 8 from 10:30-noon. Parking for the services will be at Eagle Gate Terrace, 145 Social Hall Avenue. Please use the second entrance on the right.

Brent was a lifelong benefactor for those seeking to further their education, particularly for those that lacked resources. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to byupathway.edu. This fund addresses student aid needs where they are greatest throughout the world.