JAMES KEEGAN STANLEY LAMB

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JAMES KEEGAN STANLEY LAMB January 27, 1931 - October 30, 2018 It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loved one at Concordia Place, at the age of 87 years. Jim was predeceased by his parents, William and Laura Lamb; his sisters, Laurabelle Hampshire, Alice and her husband Don; brother Bill Lamb; and eldest son Earl. Also his nephew Niel Hampshire; and his uncle Frank Keegan of Terrytown NY, who served in the First World War and is buried in Arlington Cemetery. Survivors include his wife Maxine of 64 years; sons, Gerald and Jamie; and grandson Joel Keegan Lamb. Lovingly cherished sister-in-law Arlene Lamb and her family; niece Lori Gilbert and Len Maki and their daughter, Emma. Also nephew Donnie Gilbert and brother-in-law Allan Hampshire and families. Grandpa is also survived by our dear grandson Matt and Ashley and two great-grandchildren, Bailey Ann and Isaac James; also Andrew Steven and his mother Sheri. Dad was born in Fort Frances, ON and worked as a heavy equipment operator and dredge leverman in the 1950s. In 1954 he married Mom and moved to Atikokan, ON to work at Steep Rock. His career change would take him to Winnipeg, and the city of East Kildonan, repairing sewer and water mains. He brought the first draught backhoe from Wisconsin. Another change - to Thompson, MB and Inco and dredging another lake - this time for nickle. Years went by and his dream job - a six-year stint making islands for Shell Oil Rigs in the Beaufort Sea. During his employment in the Arctic, he demonstrated his prowess operating the tug, the Mary Lou Spencer while battling a terrible wind. That was the Beaufort Sea. From the Arctic to Central America and El Salvador, making a hydro electric dam project with Morrison Knudson of Boise, ID. Jim learned a bit of Spanish. He had to know it to order beer. He was thrilled when he arrived back on Canadian soil. Dad loved anything with wheels, wings, or a rudder. He was at home on the water, whether dredging, running a Tug Boat or just fishing in Ontario and northern Manitoba. He truly enjoyed woodworking and spending quality time with grandson Joel. His lifespan encompasses the Great Depression, Second World War and the Space Race. In 1969 at the age of 38 he watched another 38-year-old set foot on the moon, understanding now what free men undertake and achieve is truly shared by all mankind. We wish him blue skies and calm waters on his final journey. Our neighbours were there for us always and that meant Jim had free run with their pets. Scampy, Sassy, Nickolos and Gypsy were his buddies, then there was a cat named Rosie. Rosie spent lots of time at Grandpa's and the rest of us just loved him. Jim enjoyed pool and cards, also chess. His mornings started with coffee and the crossword puzzle. An honorary member of the East Kildonan Elmwood Seniors. One year he received wood carving tools and that opened up a whole new world. We are lucky as he made some lovely things for everyone. Treasures. He always had Robert Service in the suitcase. He loved good music - Spanish, some country - such as Willie's On The Road Again. His brethren Bill plays the accordion and thanks to Arlene Lamb for her good memory, his band was the Hometown Serenaders and he played on the radio CFOB Canadian Friends Over the Border on Saturday nights. While out in the woods this fall, James made sure he got some great photos and was able to show his Dad. How great was that? Thank you Wendy and Ian for so many things - always being there, special treats for Gramps, who loved your cookies and Kit Kat bars. It made Christmas more special for us after Jim moved to the personal care home. Thank you also to those who came and visited at Concordia, and to those who made it possible for Jim to be at home for two years - Dave, Elmer and all the home care workers. Thank you Monica, you were Jim's special lady. Thanks to all of the doctors and caregivers and to Dr. Darcy Johnson for his home visits. Jim and his longtime friends, Graham Cox and Pat McCordle all retired in 1989 from the Thompson project. They met in the 1950s. They are all gone now - but who knows maybe the Good Lord needs a Leverman. As per Jim's wishes, there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 2018