Alvin Ray Lambert, 73, of Williston died at home surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. Alvin was born August 3, 1945 in Minot, ND, the sixth child and first born son of Margaret (Hall) and Alvin Lambert. His nickname, Butch, was given to him by his sister Peggy. Butch graduated from Maxbass High School and the State School of Science in Wahpeton. He enlisted in the Army, serving for two years in Germany as a typist. Upon his discharge, he travelled with friends and then began his surveying career with Webster, Foster, and Westin, now Kadrmas, Lee, and Jackson. He retired in 2012, and shortly thereafter was recruited by his wife to work as the food service delivery driver for Williston Public Schools. He remained employed with the Lunch Ladies as their number one man, until his illness forced him to retire.

Butch married Pamela Dosch on December 31, 1988 after an eight year courtship. Together they enjoyed vacationing with their children and attending their activities. Summer vacations often included trips to Clear Lake, Manitoba or riding Amtrak to Michigan and Wisconsin, and to Minnesota for hockey and baseball games. In recent years, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia along with camping trips to state parks and Fort Peck became favorite destinations.

Butch enjoyed riding his motorcycles, fishing, and his dachshunds - the love for which he shared with his children. His family lovingly referred to him as “Mr. Fix It’’ as he loved to fix (or just make improvements) to things around the house and in the school kitchens. When his first son was born, Butch arrived at the hospital with a tiny “Mr. Fix It” outfit for his baby boy. On his birthday this year, August 3, he completed his last project by teaching his wife and daughter how to clean the central air conditioner.

In his retirement he enjoyed bird watching, canning and pickling his garden produce, making delicious cheesecakes, chauffeuring his wife to her kayak adventures, and being Jay’s number one hockey fan.

Butch is survived by his loving wife, Pam; cherished children Margaret Paige, Steven Guy (Alyssa) and Jay Ian. Other loving family members include his sisters and many nieces and nephews.

We offer our deepest gratitude to Dr. Unnikrishnan and his team at Trinity Cancer Care Center in Minot and Kayla, Heidi, Melissa, and Nikki of the Leonard P Nelson Cancer Care Center in Williston. Maggie, Tonya, and Christine of CHI St. Alexius; and Carissa, Gladys, and Trina from Home Health and Hospice who offered comfort and care that guided and uplifted us as Butch journeyed to his heavenly home. A special thanks to our dear friend, Nancy, who comforted us with homemade sugar cookies and hugs each time we were in Minot.

Butch traveled a long and difficult road this past year and he did so with courage, patience, grace, humor, determination, and thankfulness. Every day, no matter how difficult, was a day to be celebrated. In his loving memory, we invite each of you to, every day, in some small way, celebrate Life.