Don Charles Lyon

Don C. Lyon of Albany, Oregon passed away Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. Don was a long time resident of Albany, where he owned and operated OK Novelty Service and where he and his wife of 62 years, Bonnie, raised three children. Don was born and spent the early years of his life in Blackfoot, Idaho. He was the oldest of five children born to Clarence and Marie (Bailey) Lyon. His brothers Gordon and Wallace Lyon preceded him in death and his half-sister Donna Schuemyer and half-brother Eddie Lyon, both of Portland survive. During the Second World War, Don served with the U.S. Merchant Marines. He was also a member of the Elks, Masons, Shriners, American Legion and was an honorary member of the U.S. Marine Corp League. He supported many community activities and spent much of his time working with the Explorer Scouts as well as coaching LDS church basketball. He took his team to the Championships in Salt Lake City after winning State and Western Division Championships. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He fulfilled one of his many dreams when he owned and operated a ranch in Canada during the 1970's. He spent many hours enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. His greatest passion was family. His life was about experiencing life to the fullest and giving his family many loving memories. He shall be greatly missed by wife Bonnie of Albany; son Barry Lyon and wife Julie of Salem; son Doug Lyon and wife Gail of Albany; daughter Gayla Rossé and husband Kevin of Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada; granddaughters Shannon Graham and Kenneth, Emily Latimer and Eric, Aleisha Rossé and Neil Crowell, Erin Lyon, Kyla Lyon-Hubert and David; grandson Kalin Lyon Rossé and Shauna; and great-grandchildren Anthony Lyon Ross, Annie and Sadie Latimer, Gabriel Hubert, and Kostas Pitta-Rossé. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Lucinda. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Fisher Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and sent in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321.