Michael K Lambert
QTR ~ Quality Time Remaining
Obituary
Michael Lambert passed away peacefully on October 29 at Highland Hospital in Oakland. Mike had been on his way home from two weeks of perfect sunsets and adventures with his wife Marcia, daughter Jenny and close friends. He had a heart attack on the plane from Kauai. Despite the heroic efforts of an ER doctor on the plane, who got his heart beating again, and excellent care in the days that followed, Mike did not regain consciousness. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marcia Lambert and daughter Jenny Schwarz. His son Adam Schwarz passed away July 5, 2025.
Mike was born in Chicago and was adopted by Ray and Candice Lambert when he was three. They moved, with his older brother Kris, to Manhattan Beach, CA when he was 10. He lived in the Beach Cities for most of his life until retiring to Carson City in Nevada in 2022. He graduated from Mira Costa High School in 1972 and from USC 1976. He worked at Western Airlines right out of college as a Systems Inflight Analyst. For most of his career he worked in construction, property management and affordable housing. In 1988 he married Marcia and became father to Jenny and Adam. Always an athlete, Mike was a walk on to the USC Baseball team and continued to play softball for decades with The Salty Dogs and The Swamp Dogs in Manhattan Beach. An avid skier and golfer. An eternal fan. He loved the Dodgers, but he bled Cardinal and Gold - Fight on!
Mike lived his life to the fullest, often reciting "QTR" - it was all about quality time remaining. He traveled frequently - In the last couple of years alone visiting Ireland (the home land), Scotland, New Zealand, Honduras, France, Portugal, Mexico, The Grand Canyon, Maui and Kauai in addition to many trips to visit with friends and family all over the country. He was a loyal husband, father, colleague and friend. He could always be counted on to show up with a smile, on time, ready, dedicated and to the end.
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February 23, 2026
Dear Marsha and Jenny,
I am so, so sorry to hear about Mike.
His love of life, humor and generosity left an impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Sending love and prayers to you both.
I am so, so sorry to hear about Mike.
His love of life, humor and generosity left an impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Sending love and prayers to you both.
January 3, 2026
Marcia and Jenny,
I never saw this coming. My heart goes out to you as I can't imagine the pain of losing first Adam, and now Mike, in such a short time. Although I never met Adam, I spent great quality time with Mike growing up in Manhattan. More recently, I would always seek him out at our numerous MCHS reunions to enjoy his comradery, warmth and memories. He was a great guy and I will miss him very much.
I never saw this coming. My heart goes out to you as I can't imagine the pain of losing first Adam, and now Mike, in such a short time. Although I never met Adam, I spent great quality time with Mike growing up in Manhattan. More recently, I would always seek him out at our numerous MCHS reunions to enjoy his comradery, warmth and memories. He was a great guy and I will miss him very much.
November 9, 2025
Marcia & Jenny my heartfelt condolences to you both! My thoughts and positive energy coming your way! You are both in my prayers!!!🙏❤️
November 7, 2025
I got to know Mike when we were working on the high school reunions. He was so organized and grounded and very kind and thoughtful. Always in a great mood and really funny. He will be greatly missed.
November 3, 2025
Mark Allen and I are truly heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Mike, so it has been hard to write this post. His great attitude and unforgettable smile made every moment brighter, and his diehard love for USC was always front and center — win or lose, he cheered with heart. We shared so many incredible memories together: Super Bowls, Sunday morning walks, football games, garage parties, Friday night dinners and unforgettable trips to Mexico. Those moments will stay with me forever. We will hold his friendship close to our hearts. Our deepest condolences go out to both you Marcia and Jenny — I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and the joy Mike brought to so many lives. He was truly the life of the party!
November 3, 2025
Dear Marcia: Wayne and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a great guy and you two were a perfect couple. Wayne enjoyed visiting with Mike a couple of years back in Reno. We hope that all your good times, travels and memories will help to sustain you in this difficult time. With Love, Jan and Wayne
November 3, 2025
We felt comfortable with Mike from the first Christmas we met him. He was always warm, kind, and loving. And he knew how to make us laugh. Mike was a light.
We love you Marcia & Jenny.
We love you Marcia & Jenny.
November 3, 2025
Hi Marcia: We are so shocked and sorry to hear about your loss. Mike was a good man. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and Jenny. Take care and God Bless you.
November 3, 2025
I’ll forever remember Mike’s wonderful smile and his joy in life. He so loved you Marcia and was so happy to gain two lovely children—Jennie and Adam—when you married. You had so many adventures together and Mike left us much too soon, but he was a wonderful husband, father and friend to us all.
November 3, 2025
Marcia & Jenny our hearts are aching over the loss of Mike. Though we have not seen you all for some time, our memories of our fun trips together are etched forever in our hearts. Mike was the life of the party, always smiling and ready for a good time. His love of his family was immense. We will cherish our memories of ski trips, Mexico, New Orleans and all the times we shared with you and Mike. He will not be forgotten and forever missed. Our sincerest condolences to you and Jenny.
November 2, 2025
I was honored to work with Mike and the crew on the last MCHS reunion. I kept picturing his big smile from back in the day and enjoyed his sense of humor. His support of our resolve to keep the reunion as affordable as possible to allow everybody to attend who wanted to was steadfast. I am shocked and saddened at his sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Marcia and your family.
November 2, 2025
Brothers in baseball, Riviera Village pals, Super Bowl party enthusiasts, USC football games with my Dad and garage buddies, where Mikey would make sure he pulled me into the garage as I walked down the street, put the little speaker on the stool, open a beer or two and played name that band on long summer afternoons. I love you buddy. We would always end up agreeing that we were the luckiest guys in the South Bay with Marcia and Nancy at our sides. Special Man.
November 2, 2025
Patti and I will always have a place for both of you in our hearts. Mike always had a way of making us feel loved and appreciated. His smile and boisterous laugh are burned in our good memories together. We are so happy you both have been in our lives. You and Jenny and Adam and Mike are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 2, 2025
Dear Marcia. We are so saddened to hear about Mikes passing. He was one special man and always so happy and fun to be around. He will be missed by many.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Barb and Matt
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Barb and Matt
November 2, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing! He certainly did live his life to the fullest and will be missed by all that met him. Sending love, hugs and prayers for your family. Todd and Kathy Hewitt
November 2, 2025
Dear Marcia, our deepest condolences to you and Jenny
We are greatly touched and very saddened by Mike’s passing.
We will miss his big smile, and outgoing personality. He was a life of the party and made people laugh very easily. Even though we didn’t know him for too long, just three years but he was considered a good friend, and he will be greatly missed. Our hearts going out to you and the family
We are greatly touched and very saddened by Mike’s passing.
We will miss his big smile, and outgoing personality. He was a life of the party and made people laugh very easily. Even though we didn’t know him for too long, just three years but he was considered a good friend, and he will be greatly missed. Our hearts going out to you and the family
November 2, 2025
Blessing on the mighty life of Mike. His smile and ability to include all in his circle was so welcomed. His love of USC was tempered with respect this year as they played my struggling Purdue Boilermakers. He was so kind to me…..we will always hold his enthusiasm for his family and his friends as paramount to the legacy of this delightful man. We are so sorry his loss and our love to Marcia and Jenny. May our Loving Lord bring you Peace and Strength
November 2, 2025
So sorry for your sudden loss. Mike was always someone who completed the party. He will certainly be missed. I will keep him, and you in my thoughts and prayers. Paul
November 2, 2025
Oh Marcia, Mike’s easy smile showed the world his happy heart in all the beautiful pictures of your life together. His loss is heart breaking, dear one, but you are soooo loved and Mike is safe in the embrace of our loving God in Heaven. Lifting you up in prayer for healing, and ready to help any way I can. Big healing hugs for you. ✝️❤️🙏
November 2, 2025
I’m very sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to the entire Lambert family. I played baseball with Mike for many years and always appreciated his talent and demeanor. He was my third baseman and I appreciated all his contributions to our many class reunions. He will be missed.
November 2, 2025
Mike, we will miss your smile, your kindness, and how much a part of your family you made us feel when we were around. A big hug wherever you are....
November 2, 2025
Grateful for all the memories of trips, garage parties, and poolside laughs we shared. Your humor, twinkling eyes, and beautiful smile lit up every room. Forever in our hearts.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
November 2, 2025
Marsha my condolences to you and the family. I was heartbroken to hear the news. I first met Mike at HT's at the fire pit where we enjoyed each others company and smoked a cigar or two over cocktails with friends. Mike always had that beautiful smile, and welcomed all into his life.
Mike will be missed by me.
Sheldon
Mike will be missed by me.
Sheldon
November 2, 2025
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Michael’s sudden passing. Our hearts go out to his beautiful wife, Marcia. We will always remember him for his beaming smile and his love of life and people. He was always very kind and compassionate and just a fun person to be around. He always had a very jovial personality. He could definitely grill a mean steak! He will truly be missed by all of us. He was a beacon of light and happiness and we feel so honored to have known him.
November 2, 2025
Mike you were an amazing friend. Always had a smile for everyone. That smile and your great sense of humor will truly be missed by all. I will love you forever. So much on my mind that I would like to share but my heart is heavy with loosing you. Thank you for being there when needed, I will never forget your tearful hugs when I lost my nice just a few weeks ago. It meant so much to share your compassion with me. Your heart was always in the right place. BJ and I are so blessed that we were able to share so many adventures and discoveries with you and Marcia. Rest in peace my friend.
November 2, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss, I don’t know what to say, I enjoyed seeing him every time he came by the coffee shop, such an amazing person such a happy guy, my condolences to you and the family
November 2, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and family. Mike was a fun, compassionate, and always smiling at family reunions. May God enjoy those smiles now. Condolences 💐
November 2, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss Marcia. Both Roger and Kelly told me that you were on your way home. It sounds like you have great memories that will help you adjust. It’s been years since I saw you but I still remember your Love trip back to Oklahoma with Aunt Alice. That was an adventure! Sorry to hear about Adam. Love, Sandra
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