KANSAS CITY, MO — The Kansas City community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Mac Lamken, the beloved owner and creative force behind Diametric Brewing Company, whose life was tragically cut short in a recent accident. The devastating news has left a deep sense of shock and sorrow among family, friends, and the city’s close-knit craft beer community, as they remember a man whose warmth, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit touched countless lives.
Mac was more than a brewery owner — he was a visionary, a friend, and a builder of community. Known for his infectious laughter and magnetic energy, he poured his heart into everything he did, creating not only great beer but also a welcoming space where people could connect, celebrate, and feel at home.
Those who knew Mac best describe him as someone who truly loved people. Whether behind the bar sharing stories with regulars or brainstorming new brews with his team, he had a gift for bringing joy to every interaction. “He didn’t just serve beer,” one longtime customer said. “He served friendship, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. That’s what made Diametric special — it was built around Mac’s heart.”
Under his leadership, Diametric Brewing became a cornerstone of the Kansas City craft scene, known for its creativity, quality, and sense of fun. Mac’s innovative spirit helped shape the brewery’s identity, combining his love for experimentation with his belief that beer should bring people together. His passion for local collaboration and community events earned Diametric a loyal following that extended well beyond its taproom walls.
Friends and colleagues remember Mac not only for his entrepreneurial drive but for his compassion and humility. He was the first to lend a helping hand to fellow brewers, to support local causes, and to celebrate the achievements of others. “He wanted everyone around him to succeed,” said one fellow brewery owner. “That’s the kind of leader he was — genuine, generous, and full of life.”
In the days since his passing, an outpouring of tributes has filled social media under the hashtags #MacLamken and #DiametricBrewing, with messages from brewers, patrons, and friends sharing memories of laughter, mentorship, and late nights spent dreaming up the next great beer. Many posts reflect a common sentiment: that Mac wasn’t just building a business — he was building a family.
A memorial gathering is being planned at Diametric Brewing, where loved ones will come together to honor his life, share stories, and raise a glass in his memory. The brewery plans to release a special beer in Mac’s honor — a celebration of his passion, his creativity, and his unwavering love for the Kansas City community.
Though his passing leaves a silence where his voice and energy once filled every room, Mac Lamken’s legacy endures in the laughter of his friends, the strength of his brewery, and the community he helped foster. His vision — to create connection through craft and kindness — will continue to inspire for years to come.
Rest in peace, Mac Lamken. Kansas City raises a glass to you — for your friendship, your vision, and the light you brought to so many lives. 🍻
#MacLamken #DiametricBrewing
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