Lambert Labay, owner of Austin's iconic Nau's Enfield Drug Store, dies at 83

Lambert Labay, owner of Austin's famed Nau's Enfield Drug Store, died Sept. 13 at the age of 83.

Family and friends remember Mr. Labay as an inviting presence who welcomed regulars and newcomers to his iconic drugstore downtown on the corner of West Lynn and West Twelfth Streets. The beckoning smell of breakfast tacos and Spanish omelets in the store's cafe would often come with a warm greeting, a wave, and a smile from Mr. Labay at the pharmacy counter.

Some regulars even called themselves "Nauskateers" out of their fondness for Mr. Labay and the store. He knew his customers so well that when he saw the cars of regulars pull up, he would start checking if their prescriptions were ready.

"He was completely dedicated to his profession ... his passion was his customers and what kept him going," said his daughter Laura Labay. "He was just in his element; he loved taking care of people, was a great resource and was incredibly knowledgable in his profession."

Mr. Labay had an incredible recollection of his patrons needs and would often remind them of their refills before they asked. Generations of families could often be found relaxing in the store and enjoying keeping Mr. Labay in business.

Lambert Labay's early life

He was born on Jan. 2, 1940, to Ludmilla Kaspar and Stephen Labay Sr. in Victoria, Texas. After graduating high school, he joined the Corps at Texas A&M University before moving to Austin to attend the University of Texas. He graduated in 1963 with a bachelor's in pharmacy and began working at Nau's Enfield Drugstore for its original owners, Eleanor and Hilton Nau.

As a young pharmacist, Mr. Labay encountered a different type of chemistry when he met the future love of his life, Kathleen Dildy, while on one of his shifts. They married in 1968 and bought the drugstore together in the spring of 1972.

"We have a photograph where my mom and dad are sitting at the counter, and they looked so cute," Laura Labay said. "She was four months pregnant in the spring of '71 before they bought the store and they're just sharing a cup of coffee."

Mr. Labay was not only a proud and respected business owner but also a loving father to his two children Russell and Laura. While he was a busy man, Laura will always remember him as a compassionate and caring father.

"He always made time for his family, every Sunday, we would try to get everyone together."

End of an era

Mr. Labay partially retired in 2016 due to health conditions. Laura would continue to help run the store until it closed in 2022. A combination of corporate competitors, challenges maintaining the vintage soda fountain, and other factors made it difficult to keep the independent pharmacy in business.

Laura remembers her father being saddened and disheartened by the family's tough decision to close, but he continued his days with a bright outlook, knowing he still had his family.

Weeks before he got severely sick, Mr. Labay joked with the family and care team in a short-term rehabilitation facility that he would remain an excellent patient to work with. Later, he was admitted into a hospital, his death an unexpected event for his family while they prepared to bring him home.

Lambert Labay is survived by his wife Kathleen Labay, his children Laura and Russell Labay, his sibling Pauline Leopold and his cat Annie.

His service will be held at St. Austin's Church, 2026 Guadalupe St., on Oct. 14 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North I-35.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin's Nau's Enfield Drug Store owner Lambert Labay dies at 83