David James Lyon
LYON, David James, 67, PERHAM and LAKELAND, FL, at Lakeland, FL, December 24, 2010. A memorial service and interment will be held at a date yet to be determined at Veterans Cemetery, Caribou.
PERHAM and LAKELAND, Fla. – David James Lyon left this life Dec. 24, 2010, after a valiant 2 1/2-year battle with cancer. He died as he lived, with unflagging courage and dignity. He was born March 15, 1943, in Caribou, to Claude and Helen Lyon.
He was educated in Caribou schools, graduating in 1961 as president of his class. He valued those schoolmates, many of whom are lifelong friends and will mourn his passing. A career educator, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1966, a Master’s of Education degree in 1973, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in the Superintendency in 1977. David’s experience in education was varied. He held positions in Guilford, Glenburn, SAD 25, SAD 45, SAD 32 and as executive director of ECO from 2000 to 2009. The majority of his 40-plus years in education were as superintendent of schools in SAD 45, which serves Perham, Washburn and Wade. His dedication to the students and staff of that district were extraordinary in that he twice left retirement to assist the district during adverse times. The board of directors honored his commitment by renaming the elementary school the David J. Lyon Washburn Elementary School in October 2009; an acknowledgement that was a treasured highlight of his professional life. He was a member of many professional organizations: secretary and treasurer of Maine Superintendents Association, 1992-2009; Maine Education Benefits Trust, 1992-2008; American Association of School Administrators/AASA Advisory Council; New England Superintendents Association; Aroostook County Superintendents Association; member of Veterans of Foreign Wars; member of Vietnam Veterans of America and others too numerous to name. David was a proud veteran serving with the 68th Infantry, later with Headquarters Company, 17th Combat Aviation group, from June 1969 to December 1970 in Vietnam. It was a time he remembered with both sadness and pride. At one time he held a private pilot’s license and never lost interest in that pursuit. He was an avid golfer who loved to golf with his Cypress Lakes buddies, firmly believing that the skill and camaraderie of the game was more important than the score. Always a Corvette enthusiast, he meticulously restored a Panama yellow ’58 Vette that he proudly drove as Grand Marshall of the 2009 Washburn August Fest Parade. For more than 30 years he attended the Corvette Show in Florida, establishing a winter ritual and reunion with like-minded friends. He owned a red ’85 Vette at the time of his death. David had many friends from every phase of his life and made a concerted effort to keep them in his life. If a man’s estate is measured by his friends than he leaves untold wealth. Rest in peace, Bubbie.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cynthia; a sister, Constance Ennis; and mother, Helen Quimby, both of Caribou. “Bubbie” is also survived by his stepson, Matthew Morris, whom he loved as his own; Matt’s wife, Alice; and a most beloved granddaughter, Charlotte Claire, all of Old Orchard Beach. Bub will also be missed by nieces, Tammy and Terri; and nephews, Chris and Jack. Also grieving his passing are his in-laws, Clair and Nadine O’Roak of Sherman; and extended members of the Lyon/ Johnson family. He was predeceased by his father, Claude, in 1958; brother-in-law, Gordon Ennis, in 1984; his stepfather, Elwood “Joe” Quimby, in 2007; and his younger brother, John, in 2008.
A memorial service and interment will be held at a date yet to be determined at Veterans Cemetery, Caribou. At David’s request, donations may be made to C.A.N.C.E.R., P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, ME.
