LYONS, Brian, 60, Houlton, July 6, 2016.
Services were held 11:30 a.m., July 12 at the Dunn Funeral Home. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
HOULTON — Brian Lyons, 60, died Wednesday, July 6, 2016. His life was a full one. Brian was born May 12, 1956, in New York City, the fifth of six children of Margaret E. and Paul A. Lyons. His diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome and Emotional Disturbance (now Autism) did not stop his mostly sober personality from breaking into winning grins and laughing smiles.
Brian brought out the best in people, starting with his family. His mother was his greatest source of love and happiness. She gave her life to caring for his emotional and physical needs, and sought after, with Brian’s father, any outside educational or medical help necessary. While growing up Brian was never happier than when he was “rough-housing” with his brothers. His sisters were second mothers, addressing his physical needs and encouraging his independence. Everyone enjoyed Brian and shared in his love for music, singing along or listening to records. Another one of Brian’s favorite past-times was dribbling his ball rapidly and skillfully, Harlem Globe Trotter’s style. In his teen years, he developed a love for watching sports on TV. At 29 years old, Brian moved to a facility in Houlton, then to a group home where he made a good adjustment bonding to staff and other clients who became ‘adopted family members’. So close and loving a world they have given him. The most significant person in his “home-away-from-home” has been Bruce Scott, having spent most of those 31 years with him in the role of a father, a brother and teacher. An amazing caring bond developed, one that was the basis of Brian’s feelings of security and a ‘springboard’ for all his continued learning. Brian blessed us all with his life, spirit and smiles. The family would like to thank additional staff of special importance to Brian of High Street Group Home and Roger Randall School in Houlton, who cared for Brian and were a part of his life. They were pivotal in forming in Brian the belief that “the world isn’t such a scary place after all.” With them, he ventured out into the world to watch ball games, attend family parties and participate in group ‘field trips’ often. So many years and so many people to recognize that it isn’t even possible.
Brian is predeceased by his parents, his oldest sister Margaret Jane “Peggy” (Lyons) Parker and his youngest brother, Thomas Sean Lyons. He is survived by his brother William “Bill” Lyons, his sister Ruth A. (Lyons) Hurd and her husband, Arlan, his brother Paul J. Lyons and his wife, Holly; nephews, Ryan and David, Sean, Kyle and John; nieces Jessica, Kristian, Erica and Jennifer.
Friends called at the Dunn Funeral Home, Tuesday, July 12, 2016 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service 12:30 p.m. with Rev. David Raymond officiating. A reception was held following the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in the St. Bruno Cemetery in Van Buren Wednesday, July 13, 10:00 a.m. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com.
