Allyn Laurence Lyon Obituary (1934 - 2006)

“Served the Lord with Gladness” Allyn Laurence Lyon passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, after months of health complications. Laurence was born February 17, 1934 in Rotterdam, Holland, as his parents (T. Edgar Lyon, and Hermana F. Lyon) were presiding over the Netherlands Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He graduated from Granite High, and was sealed to his sweetheart, Donna Reeder, on March 27, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple, after serving an LDS mission to Holland. He earned his MA in Music Composition, and his BA from the U of U. After a two-year tour of active duty in the U.S. Army, he completed his PhD in Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music. An active member of ASCAP, Dr. Lyon composed over 200 published works for choir, strings, piano, and orchestra. From 1967-1997 he was a Professor of Music at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. He was an accomplished pianist, and President of Modern Music Methods, a publisher of string music for children. His lifetime devotion to the LDS Church includes serving in three bishoprics, Stake High Councils, High Priest Group Leader, and Scoutmaster. With his lovely wife Donna he served in four temples, including the special honor of being in the inaugural group at the Portland Temple. He served on the LDS Church Sunday School Board in 1964, and the General Music Committee from 1985-1993. From 1999-2000 he served a second full-time mission with Donna, to Osorno Chile, and SLC. He was dedicated in all his callings and service, especially Home Teaching and Temple service. Laurie will be remembered for the great love he had for his wife and devoted companion Donna. He worked hard to maintain good relationships with his five brothers and their wives and rejoiced in having a harmonious family. He was an avid record keeper, a loyal, kind friend, with a big, soft, charitable heart. He was disciplined and used his musical gifts to bless others in the way the Lord would want. He seemed to always be pressed for time, squeezing as much as possible into every minute. If he didn’t know how to do something, he’d find out how – always trying to better himself. He had a great sense of humor, a dry wit, and he loved a good mystery. Bro. Lyon is survived by his wife, Donna; their children, Blair (Kara) Lyon, Stacy Lyon (Michael) Yu, Cynthia Lyon (Aaron) Bushman, and Trent (Susan) Lyon, and thirteen grandchildren; plus his brothers – David W., John F., James K., Thomas E. (“Ted”), and Joseph Lynn Lyon. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 12:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood 11th Ward, 1830 E. 6400 So., in Murray. A viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary (4760 So. State), from 6-8 p.m. Monday November 13th and prior to the funeral, from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. at the church. Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gluten Intolerance Group, the LDS Church’s Perpetual Education Fund, or the Utah Symphony & Opera.