Craig M. Lamb

Craig M. Lamb passed away on Monday, October 26th at his home in Madison. Craig Lamb was born in Chicago, IL on November 7, 1948, the second son of Meyer ""Mike"" and Minnie (Smith) Lamb.   Craig attended the Janesville Public Schools and graduated in 1967 from Janesville Senior High School (the last class of Fighting Bluebirds!).   Craig worked in his father's store, Lamb's Clothing, in Janesville throughout his high school years before he attended the University of Wisconsin-Rock County and Butler University in Indianapolis from which he graduated in May 1971.   In 1977 he married Judy (Gesteland) and they welcomed their son Aaron in 1978. ""This is Craig. I'm about to beep!""   This salutation to his voice mail summarized his character and his irreverent spirit.  At every family and social event, Craig was Craig.    He could recall, at a moment's notice, an historical event, a funny story, or the exact lyrics to any rock n' roll tune.   Craig would find a way to link the lyrics of a favorite group - the Lovin' Spoonful, the Byrds, the Beatles - to the situation and bring in a light-hearted spirit. He reminded all of us to count our blessings and cherish those around us. In the past decade, Craig persevered through numerous physical challenges (some life-threatening) but they never broke his spirit.   He dedicated his recent years to maintaining his independence and to helping others, particularly the people he met in AA.   He was proud to complete 10 years in the program and often spoke of how AA enabled him to transform his life - first through helping him fight his own addiction and then through helping others do the same.                 Craig is survived by his wife Judy of Madison, his son Aaron (Margrethe) of Malden, MA and his brother Bruce of Janesville, WI.   Craig was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Minnie. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1st at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a reception immediately following.   Craig requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the charity of the giver's choice. The body gave out on October 26th but Craig's optimistic spirit survives in his family, extended family and many, many friends.   ""There are places I remember/All my life, though some have changed/Some forever not for better/ Some have gone and some remain . . . . In my life I loved them all.""   ""In My Life,"" John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Rubber Soul, 1965