Dusty's passing

Catman · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2019 2:32 am Post subject:

I sure enjoyed the moments I was fortunate to have with Les Sr. I met him in 2002 at EQ and like Pat and others, watched his new boat being christened at the Swantown rendezvous. He'd seen so much, and done so many things in his lifetime that I'd routinely eavesdrop on conversations about the navy, politics, boats, engines, the world, and more. He was Sawdust back then, and I think Tyboo started calling him Dusty, which stuck. Once Les recalled an event I believe just after the Bay of Pigs--maybe '62--when patrolling off Cuba he spotted what looked like odd, moving debris. Turned out to be two young people in a decrepit raft, clinging to life. The brother and sister were attempting to reach America. Rescued by Les' men, the kids grew to thrive and became lifelong friends with Les, and as you might imagine, deeply grateful. He was tough, but had a big heart.
I was very fortunate to have known Les Lampman Sr., and I offer my condolences to his wife and family.

South of Heaven · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2019 11:58 pm Post subject:

Wow, a hundred years old! Lots of knowledge in that brain! RIP sir.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2019 9:00 pm Post subject:

I hope everyone has learned a little about Dusty from this thread. He was an honest American hero, and so modest that you would never know just talking to him. And he was an optimist! Buying a new boat at 84 in 2003? Lots of 84 year olds don't even buy green bananas! He was one of a kind, and will be missed greatly.

hardee · Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 11:17 pm Post subject:

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2019 8:21 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear about the loss of one of our own. Enjoyed his posts over the years and enjoyed the stories posted here in his honor.

RIP Dusty.

Da Nag · Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2019 1:55 am Post subject:

What a guy. I probably met Dusty a dozen times or so, most of those when EQ was rigging my 22 - but I swapped many an email and PM with him throughout the years. In his younger days, he lived in my adopted home town of Port Angeles - a place he clearly loved and enjoyed reminiscing about.

The words shared here give an approximation of the man, and it's probably safe to say no C-Brat who met him was left unimpressed. However, for me - the glowing descriptions, while pleasing, fall well short of the reality. Some folks just need to be experienced in the flesh.

In person, Dusty impacted me like few other men. He was gracious and kind, a twinkle in his eye, a man with a great sense of humor. And yet, he combined that friendly and perhaps softer side with an undeniable and obvious strength. You could tell at once he was a strong leader, and a leader of the best kind; one you WANTED to please. I'm sure he was capable of instilling great fear in those who served under him, but I also doubt that was routinely necessary.

I'm so glad to have known him. And, so glad many of you did as well.

Chivita · Posted: Sat Nov 02, 2019 5:32 pm Post subject:

My wife summed up our feelings years ago during a gathering when she said “Oh good, Dusty’s here”.

The first time we met Dusty, he treated my family like we were good friends, after that he treated us like we were old friends, remembering our names and asking about family members he’d met just once.

Dusty was the rarest of folks, he was both a great man and a humble person.

“There are good ships and wood ships and ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be”

flagold · Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2019 3:19 pm Post subject:

RIP Dusty. I was certainly glad to be aboard with you on the C-Brats and see many others felt that way as well. Salute!