DENIS (TANK) AMABLE LAMBERT

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DENIS (TANK) AMABLE LAMBERT October 21, 1930 - March 12, 2013 After a lengthy illness, Denis passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Emily, in 2002, and brother, Roger, in 2004. He leaves to mourn his three sons, Andre, Maurice (Wendy) and Gerald (Carmen), grandchildren, Abigail, Elizabeth, Joshua and Jordyn, as well as brothers, Ray and Marcel (Annette), sister-in-law, Lil, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Tank was born and grew up in St. Boniface, Manitoba. After graduating from St. Boniface College he embarked on an illustrious athletic career which included numerous hockey teams all over North America - Pine Falls Paper Kings, Glace Bay Miners, Milwaukee Chiefs, Kenora Thistles and the Flying Frenchmen of 1949 to 1950. He was also invited to the Detroit Red Wings training camp. He excelled at football, playing for the St. Paul's Crusaders and the Winnipeg Junior Rods. He also enjoyed professional wrestling on the Manitoba circuit and worked out at the Madison Club. Denis was a strong baseball player in his youth, playing with the St. Boniface Native Sons and also umpired many games in Kenora. While playing semi-professional hockey with the Kenora Thistles he established a career in automotive part sales, starting with Gilles and Warren. It was in Kenora where he met and married Emily in 1955 and his three amazing sons were born. In 1967 he accepted a position with A.P. Auto Parts in Winnipeg and shortly afterwards purchased Doran Agencies with his good friend Dave Deally. He worked at Doran until his retirement in 2007. In his leisure time, Denis spent many hours volunteering for the Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association during his post playing hockey years. Denis' favourite activities were weekend barbecues with family and friends, walking Sparky and Spunky, calling bingo (while Emily played) and debating government, taxes and sports. He had an opinion! If one word described Denis it was SOLID. Denis could always be counted on in sports, business and with family and friends. He was feared in sports, respected in business and loved by his wife and family. He was the family rock and will be missed always. A private family service will be held at a later date. In honour of Denis being a 30 plus year cancer survivor, donations in his memory may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.ejcoutu.com The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2013