Donald Charles Lyon

Donald Charles Lyon was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on November 29, 1937.   Don was a master storyteller and loved making people laugh with his exploits. 

After graduating from Lennox High School and spending two years at Amherst College, Don took a summer job with the Forest Service in Clark Fork, ID.  From that point on North Idaho would always be home to Don’s heart.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army from 1962-1964, Don returned to North Idaho to attend the University of Idaho and then Washington State University where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.

Upon graduation, Don was hired by the U.S. Forest Service and was assigned to Elk City, Idaho.  There he met the love of his life Darlene Harp and the couple were married in 1969.  His career with the Forest Service would take them all over the Northwest and Alaska.  Upon retirement Don and Darlene then returned to North Idaho and purchased their home in the Selle Valley.  Retirement didn’t last long when Don took a job with the Idaho State Lands Department where he worked in forest management until he fully retired.

Don and Darlene would fly their Cessna 172 frequently to see friends and family and even flew across the country together.  They also enjoyed going for motorcycle rides and sometimes they would bring along their little dog Benji.

Don’s deepest passion was his Lord.  Anyone who knew Don would see his gentle spirit and his love for Jesus.  He had a servant’s heart and always volunteered and served in various roles in each church he attended.  For the last 17 years he was a member of the Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Ellen, his sisters Patty and Ellen (Honey),  his brother David, his stepsister Jackie and his son Ted. 

A memorial service honoring Don’s life will be held at the Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene in Ponderay, ID. on Thursday June 25 at 3:00.