Obituary for Michael "Mike" Hambleton
Hambleton, Michael “Mike”
Devoted husband, father, son, brother & friend, passed away at the age of 56 on October 24, 2019. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 1, 1963 to Barrie & Jacqueline Hambleton. He was the middle of three children, including his older sister Elaine and his younger brother Brent.
Growing up in Winnipeg, Mike spent his time doing all the things a boy in Canada would do; skiing, playing football, and, hockey. Due to a heart condition, he was unable to participate in organized sports. Yet instead of accepting limitations, Mike worked harder than most to prove himself. He was the fastest runner, and the most coordinated person on any team.
His dad, Barrie passed away when Mike was 12. Mike stepped in to be the ‘man’ in the family. He wanted to make sure his mom was okay. He was proud to a fault. He still called his mom on the phone each Sunday to say hello and catch up with her.
The friends he made in his early years and teens, would become lifelong friends; along with a bunch that were known as the ‘Party Reptiles’. He was best known as ‘the Master of Disaster’ – a name he proved each and every chance he saw.
When Mike was just 20 years old, he and his buddies took a trip down to the US that would change his life. He and the Party Reptiles headed to Minnesota and he would meet his future wife that September weekend of 1984. Mike and Kris had an instant connection and would date long distance for another five years until they married on September 2, 1989. They had recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. During their marriage, they raised three beautiful girls and made some incredible memories.
In 2006, Mike became deathly ill and was given a 10% chance to survive. His body was overcome with ‘septic poison’ and he would spend 12 weeks in intensive care. He lost both of his legs, and had to undergo heart surgery to replace his aortic and mitral valves. He would once again battle back – not willing to accept limitations that came with being an amputee. Mike took the 10% he was given and ran, not only did he survive but he truly LIVED. He did more living in the 13 years he was given than most people achieve in a lifetime. He learned how to walk, how to drive, and, how to do almost everything he did before. He made a promise to Kris that they would walk on the beach again and as a result, they traveled every year after that, making wonderful memories as a couple and as a family.
Mike was a proud father. He was the ‘tough guy’ when it came to discipline, but would brag endlessly about his girls. He taught them to “take life and run”, but to also never expect life to give handouts.
Mike will be known for always being “All in” anytime anything was asked of him. He gave everything and expected none in return. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor (all the “Mike-isms”), and the ability to make friends everywhere he went. He always said, “We’re here for a good time, not a long time”. Carrying this attitude, he treated life as a celebration. Like the poker game he loved, he played the cards he was dealt and made the best hand he could. He never took anything for granted.
Mike was a dedicated employee of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for 30 years. He was a longtime member of the Rogers Lions Club and former member of the 1029 Ball Club. Mike enjoyed fishing, watching the Winnipeg Jets & MN Vikings, hockey, riding ATVs, snowmobiles, but, most of all spending time with those around him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Barrie Hambleton. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Kris; daughters, Kayla (fiancé Nathan Weishalla), Kendra & Kallie; mother & step-father, Jackie & Hal Dodds; siblings, Elaine (Louis) Tanguay & Brent Hambleton; mother-in-law, Ruth Bale; sister-in-law, Ann (Greg) Rasmussen; brother-in-law, Lance Bale; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at MARY QUEEN OF PEACE (21304 Church Ave.) on Saturday, Nov. 2nd at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior & celebration of life at Fox Hollow Golf course to follow. A celebration of Mike's life will also be held in Winnipeg at a later date.
Devoted husband, father, son, brother & friend, passed away at the age of 56 on October 24, 2019. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 1, 1963 to Barrie & Jacqueline Hambleton. He was the middle of three children, including his older sister Elaine and his younger brother Brent.
Growing up in Winnipeg, Mike spent his time doing all the things a boy in Canada would do; skiing, playing football, and, hockey. Due to a heart condition, he was unable to participate in organized sports. Yet instead of accepting limitations, Mike worked harder than most to prove himself. He was the fastest runner, and the most coordinated person on any team.
His dad, Barrie passed away when Mike was 12. Mike stepped in to be the ‘man’ in the family. He wanted to make sure his mom was okay. He was proud to a fault. He still called his mom on the phone each Sunday to say hello and catch up with her.
The friends he made in his early years and teens, would become lifelong friends; along with a bunch that were known as the ‘Party Reptiles’. He was best known as ‘the Master of Disaster’ – a name he proved each and every chance he saw.
When Mike was just 20 years old, he and his buddies took a trip down to the US that would change his life. He and the Party Reptiles headed to Minnesota and he would meet his future wife that September weekend of 1984. Mike and Kris had an instant connection and would date long distance for another five years until they married on September 2, 1989. They had recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. During their marriage, they raised three beautiful girls and made some incredible memories.
In 2006, Mike became deathly ill and was given a 10% chance to survive. His body was overcome with ‘septic poison’ and he would spend 12 weeks in intensive care. He lost both of his legs, and had to undergo heart surgery to replace his aortic and mitral valves. He would once again battle back – not willing to accept limitations that came with being an amputee. Mike took the 10% he was given and ran, not only did he survive but he truly LIVED. He did more living in the 13 years he was given than most people achieve in a lifetime. He learned how to walk, how to drive, and, how to do almost everything he did before. He made a promise to Kris that they would walk on the beach again and as a result, they traveled every year after that, making wonderful memories as a couple and as a family.
Mike was a proud father. He was the ‘tough guy’ when it came to discipline, but would brag endlessly about his girls. He taught them to “take life and run”, but to also never expect life to give handouts.
Mike will be known for always being “All in” anytime anything was asked of him. He gave everything and expected none in return. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor (all the “Mike-isms”), and the ability to make friends everywhere he went. He always said, “We’re here for a good time, not a long time”. Carrying this attitude, he treated life as a celebration. Like the poker game he loved, he played the cards he was dealt and made the best hand he could. He never took anything for granted.
Mike was a dedicated employee of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for 30 years. He was a longtime member of the Rogers Lions Club and former member of the 1029 Ball Club. Mike enjoyed fishing, watching the Winnipeg Jets & MN Vikings, hockey, riding ATVs, snowmobiles, but, most of all spending time with those around him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Barrie Hambleton. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Kris; daughters, Kayla (fiancé Nathan Weishalla), Kendra & Kallie; mother & step-father, Jackie & Hal Dodds; siblings, Elaine (Louis) Tanguay & Brent Hambleton; mother-in-law, Ruth Bale; sister-in-law, Ann (Greg) Rasmussen; brother-in-law, Lance Bale; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at MARY QUEEN OF PEACE (21304 Church Ave.) on Saturday, Nov. 2nd at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior & celebration of life at Fox Hollow Golf course to follow. A celebration of Mike's life will also be held in Winnipeg at a later date.