DALLAS, TX.- The Dallas Museum of Art greatly mourns the passing of William “Bill” M. Lamont, Jr., Chairman of the DMA’s Board of Trustees and a longtime friend and supporter of the Museum. A beloved friend and inspiring leader, Mr. Lamont was known for his steady leadership, wise counsel, and love for the institution, along with his quick wit and charm. His deep and personal commitment to the work and mission of the DMA has shaped the Museum into the strong institution it is today.

Mr. Lamont’s contributions to the Museum of time, expertise, and support over the years were many. He has served on the Board of Trustees since 2013 and was elected Chairman in 2018. Since 2004, when Mr. Lamont first joined the Board’s Budget and Finance Committee, the Museum greatly benefited from his extraordinary expertise and dedication. Most recently, Mr. Lamont’s constant and calm direction during the Museum’s closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related financial challenges ensured the institution’s stability and survival through this challenging period. Mr. Lamont will also be fondly remembered for his good cheer, kindness, and friendship. He never hesitated to express his encouragement and appreciation of the DMA’s accomplishments and successes.

Mr. Lamont and his wife, Mary Noël Lamont, were dedicated supporters of many of the Museum’s initiatives. Married since 1974, Mr. and Mrs. Lamont joined the Museum as members in 1988 and supported major programs and exhibitions, including Art Ball and Silver Supper, the Ellsworth Kelly in Dallas exhibition catalogue, and the presentation of Mexico 1900-1950:Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, and the Avant-Garde, as well as the construction of the Inge-Lise Eckmann Lane Paintings Conservation Center. In 2005 one of the Museum’s quadrant galleries was named the Mary Noel and Bill Lamont Gallery in recognition of the couple’s philanthropy. Mrs. Lamont has also served as a DMA trustee and member of the Collections Committee and, along with her family, endowed the Lupe Murchison Curator of Contemporary Art position in 1995.

“Bill was a special friend and a superb leader to all of us at the DMA,” said Dr. Agustín Arteaga, the DMA’s Eugene McDermott Director. “He was known for his wide-ranging interests in all facets of the Museum’s operations, and he was always eager to learn more and provide insight and guidance where he could. His influence on me was tremendous. Most recently, Bill played a significant and immeasurable role in guiding us through difficult times and charting our course for the future as a truly 21st-century Museum. I am thankful I had the opportunity to know and learn from Bill, and I offer my condolences to his wife, Mary Noël, and to his sons, Max and Miles, and their families. We will miss his keen insights, brilliant mind, kind and steady influence, and sly humor. His loss will be felt deeply.”

“Bill loved our museum as he loved our city. The future of the Dallas Museum of Art is brighter because of his stalwart leadership and dedication as our Chairman and longtime trustee,” said Catherine Marcus Rose, President of the DMA’s Board of Trustees. “He was my partner and our friend. The Board of Trustees and Museum leadership are deeply grateful for his innumerable contributions and his steadfast and enthusiastic support of our mission."