Obituary: AWC remembers Richard Lamb

Arizona Western College (AWC) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Richard Lamb, a dedicated District Governing Board member, who died on July 21, 2024 at the age of 80.

“Richard Lamb was a quintessential Matador,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “Few have given so much to our college, our community, and our educational landscape. Mr. Lamb’s deep love for Arizona Western College was known far and wide, and he leaves an incomparable legacy as a district governing board member of nearly ten years. He tirelessly advocated for access to education and college opportunities within the Parker and greater La Paz County region. I consider myself fortunate to have received his unprecedented support and friendship.”

Born and raised in Moroni, Utah, Lamb’s journey in education began early. He graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1962 and attended Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. He was the first in his family to attend college. From 1963 to 1965, Lamb served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Southern states of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Upon returning, he enrolled at Brigham Young University, earning a BS degree in 1968 and a Master’s degree in 1976.

Lamb’s career in education began at Salome High School in 1968. He later moved to Parker in 1979, where he taught business classes at Parker High School until 2012. He was instrumental in integrating technology into the curriculum and developing the current Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Lamb also taught classes for AWC and helped establish the concurrent enrollment program between Parker High and AWC.

In 2014, following his retirement, Lamb was appointed to the AWC District Governing Board, filling a vacancy left by Board Member Janet Ezhas. During his tenure, Lamb contributed significantly to the development of the college’s strategic plan. Reflecting on his achievements, Lamb once said, “The positive effect I’ve had in the lives of students, parents, and community members. I’m recognized and thanked all the time.”

In 2021, Lamb was inducted into the AWC Hall of Fame. He enthusiastically concluded his remarks at the ceremony with, “It’s a great day to be a Matador!” Lamb’s unwavering dedication to education and his community has left an indelible mark on AWC. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services to honor and remember Mr. Lamb have not been announced. To share a memory about Mr. Lamb, you can email it to to have it posted within the Parker Learning Center.