Catchy music sounded throughout Covel Common’s Grand
Horizon Room, reminding family and friends of the late Hedrick Hall
Resident Director Gerald Lamb that his memorial service Monday
night was more than a tribute to his death, it was “A
Celebration of Life.”
The service proved itself to be aptly titled as it embraced
Lamb’s entire life, the people he had touched, the changes he
had induced through his zeal for living, and the poignant memories
he had left behind for those close to him to cherish.
“I know he would say (to us) “˜be happy, enjoy
life,’ laughing, like he did,” said Tere Valenzuela,
resident director of Hitch Suites.
The memorial service included Polynesian dancing, singing from
the Envision Vocals of UCLA and Hedrick Hall staff, poems from
Lamb’s resident assistants, and reflections from friends.
“We grieve the loss of Gerald, but treasure the gifts and
love he gave us,” said Director of Residential Life Suzanne
Seplow.
Lamb, who friends nicknamed “G-Love,” was remembered
by many of the speakers for his smile, his positive spirit, his
contagious laugh, and his commitment to students.
“Whenever we ate at BJs, he wouldn’t share his
food. He savored every bite, just as he savored life,”
said Valenzuela.
Family members from Indiana also gave reflections of Lamb, and
their own experiences of being at UCLA for the past few days.
“After seeing the truth, the celebration of Gerald here, I
can understand why we couldn’t get Gerald back to Indiana,
and that’s good. You loved Gerald as much as we did,”
said Lamb’s brother.
“We’re going to take back to Indiana the love you
gave to us. I don’t know how we’re going to take it all
back with us because it’s so much,” said Lamb’s
sister.
While many shed tears throughout the program, family and friends
also laughed, remembering the enthusiasm and joyfulness that Lamb
showed at UCLA.
“May we live just as though you were here. May this
celebration have no end,” said UCLA Ombudsman, Emeritus Don
Hartsock.
Lamb’s body was found last week in Tijuana, Mexico.
ORL staff reported Lamb missing after he did not show up for
work on Friday, Jan. 3. Lamb was 35.