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MICHEL (MIKE) ANDRE LAMBERT Obituary pic

MICHEL (MIKE) ANDRE LAMBERT

Born: Nov 14, 1957

Date of Passing: Dec 03, 2020

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MICHEL (MIKE) ANDRE LAMBERT
November 14, 1957 - December 3, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Lambert on December 3, 2020, at the age of 63.
Mike, you are gone too soon, yet we know you will always be amongst us. Your family and friends will miss you dearly. We know that those who went before you have welcomed you with open arms to the next part of your journey.
Mike touched so many people's lives. He was instrumental in building the Winnipeg punk scene. He promoted hundreds of local shows, bringing in amazing talent and exposing generations of outcasts to a scene where they could truly feel at home.
Mike was one of the kindest, most welcoming individuals you could meet. He had a gentle soul, a warm smile and radiated positivity. He loved his dogs and meeting new people. Mike was a great listener and an amazing friend.
Mike, you were a true punk. You were real and authentic, and stood up for what you believed in. You lived your life being uniquely you and for that we are a bit envious. We are forever grateful to have experienced your love and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, do what Mike would do - help a friend or neighbour and bring more positivity into the world.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2020

Condolences & Memories (26 entries)

  • Mike, What a great life, glad to had been your friend, Jim Cebrowski - Posted by: Jim Cebrowski (Friend) on: May 19, 2025

  • So many memories. And such sadness of hearing of your passing. I cannot believe you’re gone. I always thought there would always be Mike. He’s always been there and always will. Such amazing times at the Albert. Late night early morning walks to and from Fort St. All the crazy gigs at Wellingtons and Le Rendezvous. Weekends which turned into weeks at Jollity Farm. And how Bub couldn’t climb the stairs but needed to. I am missing you. And I am sad as I have lost an amazing friend. And Winnipeg has lost an amazing man. - Posted by: Jackie (Old friend) on: Jan 06, 2024

  • Sorry to hear. As a promoter, Mike was a singular figure on the scene. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to see many of the bands who endured the bus ride to the Peg on the way to a bigger city. - Posted by: Simon (Acquaintance) on: Dec 31, 2023

  • Mike was a friend from back in the day when Records on Wheels at Madison Square was still a thing. I only knew him for a short time, but many laughs. I remember him taking the time to talk about the punk scene and his aspirations. At heart, he was kind and gentle. I am sorry that we lost touch once I moved from Winnipeg. I will never forget our walks and banter about dogs/leashes, music and life. - Posted by: Surjit Dhinsa (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2021

  • Mike was a cornerstone in the making of Winnipeg's far-reaching punk scene but I knew him through other circles. He was always so welcoming and cheerful. I remember a party at his house once where I offered him a beer because I saw his was empty. He confessed he just carried a beer bottle filled with water so he could socialize and make his guests feel comfortable. It's a silly little anecdote but that's the kind of guy he was -- always thinking of others. It's been decades but he's always been in my roster of cherished people. His loss will be felt far and wide. Sincere condolences to his family, everyone who loved him and even more so to those who never had the good fortune to know him. - Posted by: Liessi (Acquaintance) on: Dec 17, 2020

  • Didn’t know Mike directly, but I knew of him as he was instrumental in the 80’s underground punk scene here. I will never forget them days in Wellingtons, as I was in a terrible place in my life, family rejecting me, peers outcasting me, school was terrible, that mid-80’s scene saved my life, a place where we belonged & the horrible people didn’t belong. Was at the Albert some time back & walked down to Wellingtons black basement door, all boarded up & covered in posters & graffiti, like out of the 12 Monkeys movie! I touched the door & closed my eyes & could almost hear the magic that blasted through that door when it opened & know there was sanctuary down them stairs! Friendly faces, no ID required, & felt like someone that mattered....if only for that saturday night! Thank you so much for what you did Mike! RIP brother & I still carry that time in my heart, & it gets me through days even today. Will never forget - Posted by: Dave Quesnel (Same circles) on: Dec 11, 2020

  • He was the coolest uncle. Showed me some amazing bands and taught me to be yourself no matter what. You will be missed. Sorry we couldn't have a sesh one last time. Cheers Mike! - Posted by: Ian (Family) on: Dec 10, 2020

  • Love the dress Mike. Man, another great human, old friend, gone way too soon. Miss the 80s and all the fun you brought to it. Rock on - Posted by: Monica Berk (Friend) on: Dec 10, 2020

  • I met Mike in the formative years of the Winnipeg punk scene and right away knew this man was special. He saw the good in almost everyone, and the beauty of each moment in life. His art of relating a story was unforgettable, with his wide eyes, smile from ear to ear, that characteristic head tilt and his voice increasing in tempo and pitch to the conclusion, which invariably had us all falling on the floor laughing. We produced a few punk shows together, Angelic Upstarts, Social Distortion, Subhumans to name some of the more memorable. The depth and breadth of his knowledge and ability to solve logistical problems getting shows together was incomparable. Phone the bands to arrange them to come? Mike had a series of secret codes for the phones that allowed us to call free all over North America. Need to publicize the show? Mike had an in that allowed him to generate hundreds of posters for free. Get the word out? Mike had a punk army that he would deploy. Like a seasoned general giving orders to his platoon, he would equip his army with posters and packing tape and assign a quadrant for them to securely tape posters to lampposts. Where to play? Mike had a list of halls available, knew many of the owners, and knew when we had worn out our welcome. Equipment? His smile and charm would have Long and Mcquade or Banquox trust him enough that we could get the gear on credit till we got money from the show. The day of the show, Mike was everywhere at once. Once he drove down to the border at Emerson to ensure the band got across smoothly. Although only 140 lbs soaking wet, he would haul amps and PAs out of the truck and onto the stage like a roadie twice his size. Ensuring that enough punks paid so we could pay the bands was always a challenge, "I'm on the guest list" was such a common line that one local punk author wrote a book with that title. Troublemakers in the audience? Mike had moves that would quickly turn the offender into a pretzel and they would be outside the doors in seconds. Mike, you were truly one of a kind. Rest well my friend. - Posted by: Jim Simm (Friend) on: Dec 09, 2020

  • Where would my musical career be without the Legend? He gave me the biggest and best opportunities a young punk could ever ask for. There was so much more to this man though. A lover of nature, animals, and all things beautiful, his amazing stories that kept me captivated me for so long will never be forgotten. Au revoir mon frere. - Posted by: Carey Siddorn (good friend) on: Dec 09, 2020

  • It was a lifetime ago of bars and shows and record stores, but I will always remember him as one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. RIP, Mike. - Posted by: Kath D (Friend) on: Dec 09, 2020

  • Another young punk that was welcomed in and banged many a drum in the basement of "the Fort". Thanks for promoting all the shows we played, and for tolerating the many times I asked "can we open for those guys?" - Posted by: Craig (Acquaintance) on: Dec 09, 2020

  • From my earliest days of joining in on the operations side of the Zoo, MIke was there, always in the office diligently working on the details or holding court. He gave me a lot of help teaching me the ropes in my DJ/event coordinator days and always encouraged everyone. What a gem of a man. - Posted by: Marty Gold (Co-worker) on: Dec 09, 2020

  • A sweet gentle soul with a brilliant mind. Rest in Peace. Our sincerest condolences to Mikes' family and friends. - Posted by: Trudy Noordman (friend and neighbour ) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • Old friends from back in the day. We will always remember those magical summers at Lake Riviera running wild and free. You were a special soul right from the start. We lost contact and always wondered how your life turned out. It looks like you did a lot of good and made a lot of friends who will miss you, which is no surprise to us. Rest in peace Mim. - Posted by: Gail & Glenda (Friends) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • You introduced me to so many new bands through Records on Wheels. My most vivid was you selling me New Order's first album. You said if you don't like it bring it back. I liked it. Also my Wife had a huge crush on you! RIP (Rest In Punk) Mike Winnipeg has lost an Icon. - Posted by: Iggyb (old punk) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • You were definitely unique. The only man I have know to having rented a large beer vat to live in (while on tour). Or your story about losing the python in your car for a month - I was always a bit nervous taking a ride in your Subaru, considering what could be lurking within. I’m going to miss you, Brother! We all will... - Posted by: Sean (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • You were an original Mike. Thanks for everything. Thanks for all the incredible shows you put together. Thanks for Fort Street. Thanks for letting me ride in your shiny black car which might have been a Ford Fairlaine. - Posted by: Twyla & Vince (Friends) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • Mike, I was shocked to hear of your passing. You were a true character. So many memories, so many shows. Rest In Peace old friend. - Posted by: Joe Myles (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • Mike, we ran into each other on occasions in South and North Point Douglas. We reminisced, got caught up and away we went each one our separate ways. You are one of the good humans pal and I will remember you very fondly. See you in the other side one day hopefully Mister...get the stereo set up.... - Posted by: Jeff Monk (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • A staple of the Winnipeg alternative music scene. You, sir will be missed by many. - Posted by: Tom Napady (Acquaintance) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • Damn, dude...gonna miss your infectious laughter, your positivity. In my mind we are all still 20, hanging out at Wheels, seeing each other at whatever shows. You will be missed. - Posted by: Rosey Goodman (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • I had many great moments ,chatting with you about music at “Records On Wheels” ! I will miss you Mike ! - Posted by: Stuart Glenn Mazur (Acquaintance ) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • Mike welcomed a weird kid into the 1980's punk scene with kindness and generosity. It was a total life changer and I'm still grateful. Mike was an authentically cool person and a great community builder. Gone too soon but not forgotten. Thank you Mike. - Posted by: Zach Walsh/ Jack Balles (Friend - Mentee) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • Your wings were ready but our hearts were not. Rest in peace Mike. - Posted by: Carmelle (Sister in law) on: Dec 08, 2020

  • What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man who definitely made a difference in the world. He has shown many what it’s like to truly live in community… Heart to heart! Rest in peace… Till we meet! - Posted by: Linda B. (Spiritual friend) on: Dec 08, 2020

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