We are inviting all friends of Front Range to send in comments, stories, and photos in honor of Mike Lantz. We will post as much as possible here. You can send in the written comments by email (see our Contact Us page). Please send photos by regular mail. We'll scan them and put them on the page here. Send photos to Bob Amos/Front Range, P.O. Box 232, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
 
 

From Loren Gilbert, written to Ron Lynam:

I have had a day now to absorb the memorial service for Mike and I want to tell you how much Mike and you and the two Bobs have meant to me over the years that I have been listening to your wonderful music. I first heard you play at the pie social at the Baptist church in Denver about 1990. I was amazed by your sound but even more by your friendship with each other and how that radiated out to us in the audience and included us all. Yesterday when Bob spoke of all of you as a band of brothers I realized that that was exactly how you had made me feel all of these years, that is, that I was, in a way, a fifth brother. I suspect that I am but one of thousands of 'fifth brothers' around the world who have been profoundly influenced by who you are and what you do.

Mike had an especially strong impact on me. His obvious love of life, his voice, his particular musical style, and his affection for Hawaiian shirts struck a deep and personal chord with me, one that will resonate in me forever. To put a face on these words, I was the man wearing an Hawaiian shirt who came to the three of you and spoke a few words to you in the reception room just after the service.

I have been fortunate in that I had the opportunity to speak a few words with Mike and shake his hand at some of your concerts that I attended. Every time I spoke with him, every time I saw him, my love for him grew. I was even inspired to build myself a mandolin due to the enormous power of his soul. I feel Mike's absence deeply but I cannot even imagine how those of you who were so close to Mike feel now. I can only offer my deepest condolences to all of you let you know that all of you are in my heart and prayers.

I believe that Mike has just gone on to set up the stage for the reunion show ahead of your arrival. When the show starts I will be there too. You will see me there in the audience. I will be the guy near the front who is wearing the Hawaiian shirt.
 
 

from Linda Carr

Mike was a very special musician and artist and person!  He always had a pleasant word for us fans and he was so friendly and agreeable! I know he was doing his job and living his life and didn't think he was all that remarkable, but he was sure a special person to everyone around him! Thanks so very much for expressing that and for having this memorial for him on the web site.
It means a lot to me, and I imagine to all the other fans who will miss Mike very much.
 
 

From Rick Lang:

I first became acquainted with Mike Lantz, and the Front Range Boys, shortly after my good friend Bob Dick joined the band back in 1991. I vividly remember Bob D. sharing his excitement with me at the time, that he felt there was something truly special about the group. It didn't take me long to find out how right he was! Seeing Front Range on stage for the first time was a real treat for sure. They were not like any other Bluegrass band I'd ever seen or heard before, there was something uniquely different about them, something wonderful, and I became an instant fan. There was an obvious chemistry between Mike, Bob A. Ron & Bob D. that was genuine, natural and truly entertaining. They weren't putting on an act, they were just being themselves, enjoying each other's company, and the music they were playing together. Their relationship with each other at some point transformed from being band members, to becoming brothers. They were family!

Over the course of the last 14 years or so, I was fortunate to get to know Mike on a more personal level through the several Bluegrass concerts my wife Wendy and I put on in our area, that featured Front Range. We'll never forget the excitement the boys brought to our stage, the enthusiastic crowd response all throughout the shows, and, of course, the encores! Their fans just couldn't get enough of them, it was truly a sight to behold, quite magical. Mike's angelic (sometimes soaring) tenor singing and "bluesy" mandolin playing was always a treat to hear, but even more importantly, we were drawn to the warmth and charm of his personality. On several occasions Mike, Ron, and Bob Amos would stay at our home after a show. I treasure those times, as we got to just kick back, relax and enjoy each other's company for a few hours. I think those were the times I really got to know Mike the best, so considerate & caring,and at the same time so very funny and entertaining.

As I've gotten older, I've come to understand and appreciate that real friends are treasures in our lives, blessings from God. Mike touched our lives, and we will forever hold a very special place in our hearts for him. My younger (and much wiser) brother Dennis told me once that when our time in this life is over, and we stand before God, He will ask us what we did with the talents He gave us, what we did with our lives to make the world a better place. I'm sure that all who knew Mike will agree that he used his talents to enrich the lives of others, and while he was here with us, he indeed did make the world a better place, and we are all the better for it. Mike left us some wonderful memories that will live on, and be part of us forever.

Mike's loss will surely leave a void that no one else will ever be able to fill. I will miss that infectious smile and the gentle sound of Mike's voice; I will miss Mike's quiet demeanor and the warmth of his personality; I will miss Mike's unique sense of humor that brought smiles and laughter to those around him, both on and off the stage. I will miss Mike's edgy mandolin playing, and smooth tenor singing, that struck deep into the heart and soul. Thanks to the rich catalog of wonderful recordings Front Range left us, we will all be able to hear and enjoy Mike's wonderful singing and playing for a long, long time to come.

Mike, I take comfort in knowing that we will meet again someday, and that is something I will really look forward to!
In friendship, Rick Lang
 
 

from Warren Cleary:

I feel a special closeness to Mike. I don't know why. We both love and play bluegrass mandolin. I am a born again believer. When I heard the news of Mikes Illness, I was in the Hospital myself having just suffered a major stroke, having lost my left side.  Upon the news of his passing I wanted to do something to honor him.  My problem is I can no longer play, so a local concert is out of  the question. But considering, unlike Mike, that I was given a second chance, my tribute to him will be to play again, I will not give up. My goal will be to learn as many of Mike's tunes and as much of his style as I can. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God bless you Mike!