Lester Carl Lamm
January 28, 1944 – September 20, 2016
Son of Mary and Eugene Lamm, fourth-generation Oregonian Lester Lamm saw life as an adventure not to be missed. Raised in Florence and Myrtle Point, Lester’s horizons broadened while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras from 1964 to 1966. Following the Peace Corps, he served two years in the U.S. Army. His service in the Peace Corps and Army motivated him to complete an undergraduate degree at Portland State University and then to travel the world. While at Portland State, Lester took part in anti-war protests. He was photographed at a 1970 protest after which, the photo regularly appeared in the Oregonian for decades.
Through his life, Lester journeyed to more than 60 countries. A year-long trip around the world in 1976 with his family brought them to Katmandu Nepal, which ignited a lifelong love of the country and its people. In 1981, following graduation from Western States Chiropractic College (now University of Western States), Lester and his family returned to Nepal where Lester opened a healthcare clinic and taught school in the Kathmandu Valley. In 1983, the family returned to Portland where Lester accepted a teaching position at Western States. He later became a vice president serving in a variety of administrative roles while he continued teaching students through his 28 years at the college. He retired in 2011. In 2014, while serving as university historian and professor emeritus, Lester authored Oregon Pioneer: The Journey of Chiropractic Education in the Pacific Northwest, The Story of the University of Western States.
Lester gave willingly from his heart with openness and joy. A gifted story teller, Lester enthusiastically shared his experiences of people and places around the world. A dedicated and skilled professor, he made a difference to his students’ success, many of whom became lifelong friends. A committed professional and physician, he worked steadfastly to advance chiropractic education. He loved travel, music, history, art, movies, and golf. He is survived by his wife, Laura Lamm; daughter, Shaunessi Lamm Ferguson; granddaughter, Carmen Thomsen; son, Forrest Lamm; mother, Mary Evans; brothers Dennis and Gus Lamm, and an extended family of beloved friends and professional colleagues all over the world. He lives forever in our memories and in our hearts.
A Remembrance Celebration will be held at the University of Western States January 28, 2017. To honor Lester’s memory, donations may be made to University of Western States (Lester Lamm Remembrance Fund), 2900 NE 132nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97230. Donate here.
