John Ernest Lamp

John Ernest Lamp lived a life filled with accomplishments and success that benefited the public good. John was born on January 17, 1943 as one of six boys to Raymond and Marie (Cunningham) Lamp. In 1950 the family moved from Harrington, WA, the site of the Lamp wheat and cattle ranch, to Spokane. John later worked on the ranch during summers. John graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory School, WSU and then Willamette University College of Law. John served with distinction in the US Army, where he was assigned to the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He was deployed oversees and served in Vietnam before his honorable discharge. After his service in the US Army, he served in the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Washington. Initially, he was an Assistant Attorney General under Roger Reed, representing EWU and all Eastern WA community colleges, and then was promoted to Washington State Attorney General for Eastern Washington. Then, in 1981, John was nominated by Senator Slade Gorton and appointed by President Reagan to be the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington and served in this role for 10 years. In his government positions, he was known for his high ethical standards and an unwavering dedication to helping underserved and vulnerable populations, which earned him a reputation for prosecuting tough cases, such as right-wing paramilitary groups operating in Idaho. He was involved in many of the big legal issues of the day while in his offices, including convening a Grand Jury to investigate the Washington Public Power Supply System. Additionally, John hired Jim Murphy, Christine Gregoire, James McDevitt and others while he was in the Attorney General office, playing a pivotal role in launching their government and political careers. He was a pioneer in consumer protection and won the Dare to be Great case opposite F. Lee Bailey. After his time as US Attorney, he joined the prosecuting attorney’s office, dealing with consumer fraud on behalf of the elderly. While serving as an Assistant Attorney General in Washington State, John met and married Louise Leggett, who had two children, Rebecca and Jeff Leggett. John and Louise had two daughters, Amanda and Victoria. Before the children were born, John and Louise sailed a sailboat from New Zealand to Hawaii. John was also an active volunteer in the Patriot Guard Riders group that honors our fallen heroes from the military and first responders and joins the families for protection and support as they are laid to rest. John also volunteered with the Veterans’ Court project that sought treatment options for veterans accused of crimes rather than incarceration. John dearly loved his family and his country. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends who take comfort from his reunification with his beloved daughter Victoria. He is survived by his brothers Don and Chris Lamp, his daughter Amanda Lamp and his granddaughter Avery, his pride and joy. Along with his daughter Victoria, John is predeceased by his father, mother, and brothers Robert, Raymond, and Tom. His family would like to send the utmost gratitude to Heather Friend at Village Plan, Christina Duncan at the VA, and the caregivers at Horizon Hospice. With their compassionate support, he passed peacefully from this world into the next. John was a devout Catholic and deeply enjoyed going to Saint Joseph Parish. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, June 30 at 11:00 at Saint Joseph Parish in Otis Orchards. In lieu of flowers, please donate to 2nd Harvest, Catholic Charities or Union Gospel Mission in memory of John E. Lamp.
 

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