Necrology
Because Hamilton Remembers
William Winfield Lambdin '73
Aug. 11, 1951-Jan. 2, 2021
His colleagues remember broadcast journalist William Winfield Lambdin ’73 as a reporter who asked tough questions and who worked tirelessly on their behalf as their union president.
To his family, he was a devoted son and brother on whom they relied for support of all kinds. “For decades, Bill selflessly provided care and support for his parents and was always a compassionate, knowledgeable, and honest sounding board for his siblings,” a published obituary said.
His friends speak of his humor, his love of music, trivia, and travel, and their bonds with him that go back decades.
Lambdin, of the Albany, N.Y., area, died on Jan. 2, 2021, at age 69.
The son of Elizabeth Jane VanFossen and William Lambdin, Jr. ’48, he was born in Frederick, Md., on Aug. 11, 1951, and grew up in the Gloversville, N.Y., area. Lambdin spent most of his adult life in the Albany suburb of Guilderland.
After graduating as valedictorian of his class at the old Broadalbin High School, near Gloversville, Lambdin enrolled at Hamilton, where he majored in music. He began his professional broadcast career not far from campus, at WUTR in Utica, N.Y., moving from there to WRCB in Chattanooga, Tenn.
His career took him back to New York State, where he worked for 34 years as a reporter for what is now WNYT in Albany. According to the obituary, he did his last report in August 2014, having covered more stories than any other reporter in the station’s history and making an impact on the community.
He was a longtime union president for Local 21 of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-Communication Workers of America, with “29 stellar years of service to the union,” his obituary said.
Lambdin’s penchant for travel took him throughout the world, and he loved cruises, especially playing trivia on board. He traveled to attend concerts, too, including to Dublin to see The Who. He crossed the U.S. to watch his beloved Baltimore Orioles play. He never missed an episode of Jeopardy!.
Survivors include his father, brother Thomas Lambdin ’83, and a sister.
Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.
Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu
The Joel Bristol Associates
Hamilton has a long-standing history of benefiting from estate and life payment gifts. Thoughtful alumni, parents, and friends who remember Hamilton in their estate plans, including retirement plan beneficiary designations, or complete planned gifts are recognized and honored as Joel Bristol Associates.
