Obituary
It is with an immense sadness we share that Hank Lamb, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away on April 20th, 2022 in Lethbridge, AB. He loved to laugh.
Hank had a distinct warmth that drew people to him. His kind eyes, brick house stature, waist-length ponytail made him hard to miss, though he never aimed for attention. His generous ear for listening made him the best kind of company. Hank could be found bellied up to a table (always standing), Budweiser in hand, right ankle crossed over the other, leaning his forearms on the high-top, taking in the show, enjoying the company of his friends or having a quiet, content moment on his own. Hank was very loved.
Hank was born on July 1, 1954 in Calgary and grew up in Lethbridge. He spent 32 years working as an engineer with CP Rail, beginning his career on the spare board; his favourite run was to Shaunavon. Shortly after came the North Pool where he would often book a little rest to join his cohorts for a cold one at the Shamrock or to catch some music at the King Eddy. Hank finished his railroading days on the East End.
Hank had a big heart and ear for music. He loved music of all kinds, and while raising his children, he filled the house with the sounds of the Stones, Beatles, Tom Petty, Steve Earle, Bonnie Raitt, CCR and the Tragically Hip since as long back as we can remember. Whether it was vinyl, a tape deck or CD player, Hank’s tastes were always updated in the newest format. Delta blues, jazz, rock, country; Hank didn’t discriminate. He passed his love for music on to his children, inevitable by sheer osmosis of the reverberations felt throughout the house from the volume he played music at. The house vibrated with the sound of Stratocasters and it was the best; it meant Hank was home. He especially enjoyed Canadian artists and found great joy in taking in the local talent in Lethbridge, AB, of which he felt we were fortunate to have. Catching Greg Gomola and Paul Kype play at the Slice Bar and Grill were among his favourites.
Hank held a very special place in his heart for his friends; those he ran with growing up, those who he had the pleasure of working with at CP Rail and those he’d met while enjoying a prickly pear or clear mind. We know he truly appreciated getting to know you all and spending time in your company, and he would speak highly of each of you. Jay, Rob, Bear and Greg were among his dearest.
In his retirement, Hank took to walking the paths of Henderson Lake, trying his hand at photography, travelling the Mid-West US and west coast of Canada and living the life of leisure, often spending time with his loved ones. A content bachelor through and through, he enjoyed making his way to his favourite local haunts for lunch and a daily dose of socializing and company among his penchant for peace and solitude.
We are so thankful to all of his friends, colleagues and those who loved him like we did. You were truly family to him. It is inconceivable to accurately portray Hank’s life in this way. He was a father, a papa, an uncle, a brother-in-law, a fixer, a generous giver and dear friend to many. He lived a life that he loved. We will lovingly remember his calm, relaxed energy, easy demeanour, warmth and sense of humour. Hank will forever be in our hearts, our memories and we are thankful to have had the good fortune of making his acquaintance. He was a good man and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Hank is predeceased by his parents, George and Bella Lamb, and many good friends. He is survived by his loving daughter, Shonna Lamb, his sons, Scott and Kyle, his grandboys, and many good friends.
At Hank’s request there will be no formal service. We invite friends and loved ones to join us on May 12th from 6:30p – 8:30p at the Galt Museum Viewing Gallery overlooking the High Level Bridge in Hank’s honour. Drop in for a visit, share a memory, have a laugh, hoist a glass with us. This is a casual affair; Hank wasn’t a suit guy. So, wear your Hank-appropriate attire, or if you want to make his daughter smile, CP coveralls. Extra points if they smell like diesel. For those wanting to carry on afterwards, the good folks at the Onion Bar and Grill will have Budweiser’s on ice and prickly pears on hand.
Cremation has been entrusted to Evergreen Cremation Services. The family will be privately laying Hank to rest with both of his parents, with interment taking place at a later date.
Please send condolences, warm words, memories and stories to: handbrakehank@gmail.com for his family to enjoy and hear about Hank from those who knew him in ways we didn’t. Condolences can also be sent via: www.evergreenfh.ca.
If you would like to make a gift in his honour, we invite you to donate in honour of keeping the spirit of the infamous King Eddy (home of the blues) alive. Donations can be made to the Studio Bell: National Music Centre in Calgary, where they are doing the good work of preserving Canadian Music History (donations@nmc.ca).
To send flowers to Henry “Hank” Lamb’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Henry Hank Lamb July 1 1954 April 20 2022 (age 67)..
Death notice for the town of: Lethbridge, Province: Alberta
I miss you dad. More than words can ever say. I would give anything for one more hug, a hug that smelled of head and shoulders and diesel.
I love you dad. I miss you dad. I hope you found peace. I really really miss you.