Obituary of Vance Simons Lambert

Vance Simons Lambert passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones.A lifelong resident of Fort Worth, Vance attended Fort Worth Country Day, where he excelled in athletics until he suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 15 that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Never one to give up, Vance graduated on time with his class of ‘79 even after months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. He went on to earn a BA in Economics from Texas Christian University and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Texas Tech University.Although Vance was physically limited by his injury, his mind, spirit and curiosity never weakened. As a man of faith, Vance embodied the teachings of Christ and dedicated his life to giving back to others and to helping those in need. For more than two decades, Vance worked at SafeHaven of Tarrant County as a counselor and Program Coordinator of the Battering Intervention and Prevention Program for domestic abuse offenders.Vance lived a full and meaningful life. Though it proved a unique challenge at times, his love for travel took him far and wide. From sledding down the ski slopes of the Rocky Mountains to marvelling at the European art and architecture he studied in college, he treasured every opportunity to see the world. At home, Vance was an avid reader, financial researcher, and single malt scotch connoisseur, and he loved sharing his knowledge and insight (and occasional sip of Glenfiddich) with his family.Vance was a beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, and he was at his best in his treasured role as “Uncle Vance” to Zara, Peter and Will. When they were children, he zoomed them around the house on his electric chair, watched hours of children’s shows with them perched on his feet and enriched their imaginations with intricately woven tales that he crafted entirely on the spot. As they grew into adolescence and adulthood, he provided them with loving support, offered them gentle wisdom and instilled in them an indomitable spirit that was as mighty as it was selfless. His impact on them was immeasurable.The family expresses deep appreciation for the devoted care given by Pam McNeil, Laura Green, Pearline Moore and the many others that lovingly cared for Vance throughout the years. Vance was preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Ireta Lambert.Survivors: his sisters, Lizabeth Lambert Bowden and Hayley Lambert Conway and her husband Jon Mark Conway; his niece, Zara Simons Bowden; his nephews, Peter Lambert Bowden and William Vance Conway.