Early Memories: When I was a young girl I used to think my Uncle Mike was so cool. My sister Bridie and I would refer to as the Knight Rider because he reminded us of David Hasselhoff from the 1982 TV series. He always drove a slick car with his leather bomber jacket. We decided to hang on to that jacket which has become one of my husband’s favorite gifts from Uncle Mike.
A Softer Side: I remember a softer side to my Uncle. When I was a little girl, he used to dress up as Santa Claus for Christmas. He'd come down to the basement where he lived at Beckett Ridge and give all the kids presents. I bought the Santa visit it hook, line, and sinker.
Summers at Beckett: From my early childhood and through my high school years, my family would come up to Cincinnati for the summers. I remember one summer in particular (I think it was the summer before 4th grade). Gabby, Bridie (my sisters), and I stayed with my Uncle at his home in Beckett Ridge. We had so much fun at the pool that summer, along with the Earnest boys. Uncle Mike treated us to many things, including diving lessons, staying up at his house watching movies, and I think he even bought us our 1st swatch watches. Uncle Mike was a very giving person and went out of his way to make his family feel taken care of and comfortable.
His Homes: My Uncle had a knack for making his homes comfortable, cozy & welcoming. There was always food in the fridge, clean towels in the bathrooms, roaring fire with cozy blankets, and of course an endless supply of diet Pepsi. I remember one time in particular (1994) when my Aunt Betty passed away, and my Dad wanted his daughters to be with him for support at his sister's funeral. We stayed with my Uncle Mike that week, and he welcomed us warmly. That was one of my favorite trips with my family. My fondest recollection of that trip was when the Lambert clan celebrated Aunt Betty’s life at The Gaslight after the funeral. We danced in the middle of the bar and celebrated life like it should be celebrated.
322 Park: In November of 2007 my family and I moved up to Cincinnati: myself, Will, Jeremiah & Fenway (the dog). My Uncle allowed us to move into his garage apt in the back of 322 Park Ave in Newport, KY for about a month. He never asked for anything in return. He and Carolyn would bring us dinner, let us use the laundry and would let our crazy dog Fenway run around and raise hell with Sadie in his backyard. If you knew my uncle then you knew he loved this house with all his heart. 322 Park Avenue was a place for many Labor Day parties, summer barbeques, and a stunning garden that he endlessly enjoyed landscaping and weeding throughout spring and summer.
Uncle Mike these are just a few memories that I wanted to share to say…. We will always love and remember you!
Cecily Claytor
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