Neil E. Lambert

Neil Edward Lambert of Grand Rivers, Kentucky passed away unexpectedly on July 21st, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. He was 51 years old. Born on June 2nd, 1973 to Glen and Linda Lambert, younger brother to Julia Byrd and father to Kyle Lambert and grandfather to Wrenlee Lambert. Neil was raised in Chicago before spending large parts of his adulthood in Mingo County West Virginia, Sauk City, Wisconsin, Galena Illinois, and, finally, Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Neil was a man of many talents and enthusiasms. Whether it was hunting, fishing, golfing, cooking, tattoo artistry, bags, welding, mechanic work and many other things too numerous to mention, Neil brought a passion and dedication to anything he set his mind to. He was endlessly curious about other people, and could make a friend out of a total stranger in just a few minutes. He did just that throughout the course of his life, leaving a plethora of friends across Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and West Virginia devastated by his loss.

Neil possessed an uncommon generosity, and went above and beyond in lending a hand to those that needed it. In the last years of his life, he found solace, strength and community in his addiction recovery process. He was a remarkable example to others, willing to advocate for and stand beside people at the lowest moments of their lives. Because he had been there before, and knew what you had to do to start the arduous climb back up. His loss will be felt deeply by them all.

Neil is survived by his son Kyle Lambert (Breauna Majewski), granddaughter Wrenlee Lambert, parents Glen and Linda Lambert, sister Julia Byrd, brother-in-law Tim Byrd, who regarded Neil more as a brother and dear friend, nephews, Matthew Byrd, Andrew Byrd, and Samuel Byrd, and niece, Christine Byrd, all of whom he showered with love and affection. He is also survived by former spouse, Teresa Cibello and many special cousins, aunts and uncles that were so very dear to him. Lastly the Olive Avenue crew, who will miss his presence at their legendary bags tournaments.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Per and Irma Hensley and James and Cledith Lambert, his beloved aunts and uncles, Carol Moore, Gloria Berendt, Kennith and Sharon Collier, James “Jimbob” Lambert, Vida Stollings, Hursel Adkins, Doris Lambert and other beloved family and friends.

Visitation for Neil will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 3-9 p.m., service at 7 p.m. at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home 6250 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60646. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to a charity of your choice in Neil's name.

Information 773-774-0366 or colonialfuneral.com

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