Harry Arthur Lyon

Death Notice - Harry Arthur Lyon

Died Dec. 24, 2011 funeral services will be forthcoming. He was born on Aug. 26, 1917.

The Lusk Herald
January 11., 2012
Harry Arthur Lyon

My Dad, Harry Arthur Lyon, passed away gently among family and friends on the afternoon of Dec. 24, 2011, at his home in Denver, Colo.

He was 94 years of age. Born on Aug. 26, 1917, in Jefferson county Idaho, he spent his early years living and working in the Boise-Twin Falls area, graduating from Boise H.S. He would tell me stories about how hard time were in those days. About how he had lied about his age to join the National Guard so that he could get a dollar a week for participating in weekend training. He would give the money to his mother to help buy food.

He worked in a shoe shop for a number of years where he learned not only how to make, but also how to recognize a quality pair of shoes. After H.S. he moved to Denver and went to work for Hilb & Co. where he traveled around a tri-state area selling a line of their shoes to various retailers in those states; Wyoming being one of them. During this time he met and eventually married Regina "Gina" Waters in 1938.

They continued to live and work in Denver until WWII broke out. In 1943 he joined the Army Air Corp, to train as a pilot for B-24 bombers. His quick skill at flying led him to become an instructor in Fort Worth, Texas until his discharge in 1946. He and Regina relocated back to Denver and his old job selling shoes for Hilb's.

During those late 40's he decided he wanted his own retail clothing business, preferably in Wyo. So around 1950 they moved to Buffalo, with Dad continuing to travel for Hilb & Co. with Regina traveling along much of the time. It was then time to start a family, so during the years 1953 and 1954 they adopted three children, John, Sharon, and Mike. That's me. Within the next year or so Dad found a "Golden Rule" store for sale n the small town of Lusk, Wyo. It was just what he was looking for. So in 1955 the family moved to Lusk and he started Lyon's Department Store, which he built into a very successful clothing and dry good business until he retired. In 1984 Regina passed away and in 1986 he relocated back to Denver and married Ruthie Waters.

They spent many happy years together traveling and enjoying the symphony and theatre until her death in 1996. He continued to live in Denver, traveling and playing golf, which he loved, and snow skiing. He was a very good skier, a sport he didn't start until he was 50 and continued until he was 87. He skied many of the fine resorts in Wyo. & Colo. but his favorite was Winter Park because after you turn 70, you "ski for free."

My Dad was a man of many fine qualities. He was a loving husband, Father, and Grandfather. A sharp business man. A capable aircraft pilot, a love he continued during his years in Lusk. Had a firm belief in our Lord. Always knew how to see the best in others. He made a lasting impression on nearly everyone who met him. He had a love for life, a rich sense of humor, a quick mind and sharp wit. And when he looked at you he always seemed to have a wonderful little glint in his eye. I will miss him dearly.

Harry was predeceased in death by two wives , Gina and Ruthie, a daughter Mary Sharon, and two granddaughters, Angie and Kelly.

There will be a memorial celebration of his life on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Niobrara Country Club, starting at 2 p.m. All are welcome. Please come and share your memories of him with everyone.

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