Mark Lambert

Mark Lambert was a real man’s man with a rather rough and tough exterior but on the inside, he was really just a big teddy bear. He was passionate about motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidson Sportsters, and he knew them inside and out. Mark was a dedicated father who believed in right from wrong and made sure his kids new the difference as well. To Mark, life was an adventure and he could accomplish anything he put his mind to. He worked hard throughout his life yet always made time for the things he truly loved. Mark embraced the Native American culture and belief system and told the story of his life through the nearly fifty tattoos he had chosen over the years. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories that will be such priceless treasures to all who knew and loved him.

The year 1959 was a year for growth and change in America as it was during this year that Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states, the St. Lawrence Seaway opened allowing ocean ships to reach the Midwest, and the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union was in full swing. It was during this same year that Frank and Pat (Gumtow) Lambert were pleased to announce the birth of their son, Mark, on December 9th. Mark weighed in at over nine pounds when he was born and he had rather big feet, although he later grew into them. He was the oldest of four children in his family including his sisters: Shirley, Nancy, and Diane. Mark’s father worked at General Motors while his mother was a homemaker who also worked part-time as a receptionist at the salon in Gilmore Brothers Department Store. It was as a young boy that Mark developed his rather adventurous side as he loved motorcycles, dirt bikes, and both hunting and fishing, too. Right after he received his hunting license, Mark saw a goose flying in the backyard, shot at it, and got it with his first shot. His mother then told him to lay his gun down and get the goose from the neighbor’s yard. Mark was raised in Richland and attended Gull Lake Schools, graduating from high school in 1979.

The year 1979 proved to be an eventful one for Mark. Not only did he graduate, but he also married Annette Irving in June. Together they were blessed with four boys, Michael, John, Justin, and Andrew. Mark supported his family at Hillcrest Orchard where he worked trimming trees, planting, hauling pickles, and whatever else needed to be done. Although his marriage ended in divorce after about ten years, Mark was forever grateful for the boys who were such an important part of his life.

Life turned a different corner for Mark when he met and later married Stella Carneiro in December of 1990. He and Stella were overjoyed with the birth of two boys, William and Thomas. It was around this same time that Mark began his own business that he called Maple Leaf Home Builders. Through his business, he specialized not only in new home construction, but also in remodeling projects. After five years of marriage, Mark and Stella decided to go their separate ways. He later began working in construction for others after owning his business for 10 years.

Over the years, Mark enjoyed pursuing his interests. He loved motorcycles, especially the Harley-Davidson Sportsters as he owned several through the years. Mark was mechanically minded and satiated his love for working on bikes when he re-built a 1973 Harley in his third floor apartment. He also enjoyed fishing, mainly on inland lakes, and he hunted just about everything. Mark loved gardening whether flowers or vegetables, and his roses turned into rose wine. He also canned many of the vegetables he harvested. Mark liked to cook and since he liked Cajun food, jambalaya was one of his specialties. When it came to music, he liked country music, most notably Hank Williams, Jr., and he also enjoyed classic rock.

Many of Mark’s interests appealed to his more adventurous side. He was in a tough man contest, knocking his opponent out in just one punch, and he raced both mountain bikes and dog sleds at Ft. Custer. Mark had horses and hunting dogs, and at one time he even had an alligator, a python, and a lizard – all of which he kept in his apartments! He had nearly 50 tattoos that were representative of nearly every aspect of his life including a skull that represented himself, a dogsled, a peace pipe, and something that represented all of his boys.

Mark's days became more challenging after he was in a motorcycle accident in October of 2005. He was no longer able to work and underwent several surgeries over the months and years that followed. After a long road to recovery, Mark was able to cut wood and ride horses. He was even able to ride his bike again against the doctors’ predictions. In August of 2008, Mark experienced another motorcycle accident, this time with even greater consequences. He suffered a head injury, punctured lungs, and had a brain stem injury that left him paralyzed although he was eventually able to move his arms a bit. Throughout the rest of his life, Mark was mainly in and out of care and rehabilitation facilities until he was finally able to move back in with his parents.

If life were a mosaic, Mark Lambert’s would be filled with an array of vibrant colors as diverse as the colors of the setting sun. He was described as a big, crazy teddy bear who although strict with his boys, was always there whenever they needed him. Mark was proud of the Native American blood that was part of his makeup and was never afraid to be an individual. A bit of a free-spirit, Mark made the most of the life he was given, even during the trying times. He was a special man to so many who will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Mark A. Lambert died June 12, 2010 at his home. Mark’s family includes his 6 sons: Michael, John (Mya), Justin, Andrew (Stacey), William and Thomas Lambert; 8 grandchildren; parents, Frank and Pat Lambert, 3 sisters: Shirley (Craig) Little, Nancy (Jack) Grizzle and Diane (Ross) Argue; mothers’ of the sons: Annette Lambert and Stella Lambert and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI, 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 followed by a reception at Fletcher Field. Please visit Mark’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation may to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or MI Choice Medicaid Waiver.