Allan Zambie

A lifelong Clevelander, Allan J. Zambie was the son of immigrant parents, his father from Lebanon and his mother from Poland. He graduated from Shaw High School, Denison University and CWRU Law School, class of 1960. He worked in private practice until The Higbee Company and Herb Strawbridge came looking for a staff attorney. He joined the local department store company and always considered himself extremely fortunate to work on very creative projects with very creative people. On behalf of HigbeeÕs he bought parcels of land in Canton which was developed into Belden Village; he purchased land along the Cuyahoga River which ultimately became The Flats which was the entertainment place to be in the late 70Õs. The then new and innovative New York style restaurant SammyÕs hand delivered their rent check to him each month. He was the companyÕs VP, Secretary and General Counsel until the company was sold in 1988. He then joined Lamson and Sessions in the same capacity. Although a successful corporate attorney with The Higbee Company and later with Lamson and Sessions, ZambieÕs real love was working with ClevelandÕs various arts organizations, first as a volunteer and then from his position as an officer and trustee of the John P. Murphy Foundation. He so enjoyed his work there he continued going to the office after losing both legs to peripheral artery disease. He could often be seen on the Shaker Rapid using his walker to go to his office in the Terminal Tower. He enjoyed all of the arts but particularly theatre and music. His interest in theatre started as a student activity at Shaw High School called Tarquin, a group that put on a musical every year. As an adult he was involved with the Cleveland Play House for over 40 years both attending performances and working with the MenÕs Committee and Board of Trustees. He attended and enjoyed performances of many theatrical groups all over Cleveland. Given unlimited time and resources he would have attended every theatrical event of every stripe. He was always disappointed he never got to a Bang and Clatter performance. His interest in music started as a piano student and he played often for his own enjoyment. He joined the board of The Cleveland Music School Settlement and never left it serving in all capacities including President, a joyful affiliation that also lasted more than 40 years. He was very proud of his early support of ApolloÕs Fire. He liked opera, loved dance and enjoyed art even if he didnÕt understand it. Architecture and restoration were a perfect fit for service win the Cleveland Restoration Society. As a newly minted lawyer he worked on the mayoral campaign of Carl Stokes. The experience broadened his knowledge of ClevelandÕs neighborhoods. His corporate and cultural knowledge led him to be in the Leadership Cleveland Class of 1978 and furthered his love of the city and its institutions. He loved the lively City Club debates and went to as many forums as possible as well as serving on their Foundation board. ZambieÕs athletic side was all heart. He was an energetic tennis/paddle player who played with more enthusiasm than talent. He played in several 7:00am games but preferred late afternoon games because of the game recaps at the bar. Later in life he decided to take up golf since he thought he might have a better chance if the ball didnÕt move. When his legs gave out he gladly moved to playing bridge where there was no ball involvement at all. Despite a myriad of health problems, including the loss of both legs, he was an incredibly optimistic person. He was thoughtful, kind, patient and very loyal. He continued friendships begun in kindergarten. He delighted in his family Ð his wife of 36 years, Nancy, daughter, Ann and sons Brian and Jeff wife: Eiza Ching. They, and his many efforts on behalf of the institutions that make Cleveland a great place to live, are his legacy. It can be truly said he left Cleveland a better place. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Cleveland Music School Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106, The City Club Foundation, 850 Euclid Ave., The City Club Bldg., 2nd Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114 or The Cleveland Play House, 8500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106. Funeral Services will be held in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44106, Friday, June 11th at 2PM. BROWN-FORWARD SERVICE 216 752-1200


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