Raymond Richard Lyon

LYON, Raymond Richard - A man of stature, grace and charm, was born on March 10, 1929. Raised in Escondido, California, he spent his summers in Idyllwild and Del Mar, loved baseball and opera. As a child he would listen to baseball on the radio and follow every play on paper. During his youth he developed his lifelong love of the ocean. He moved north to (join his older brother Melvin) to attend Cal for two years. After two years in Korea he returned to finish his undergrad at UCLA and Business school at Stanford where he met his wife of 50 years, and fellow Stanford alumnus, Margaret (Nin) Lyon. After a brief try at his father's retail business, he purchased a seat on the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange, and set out on his own in several entrepreneurial areas as a small business investor and real estate developer. He was involved in the landmark California Supreme Court Case, Lyon vs State of California, involving private property rights along non-tidal waterways. Ray and Nin settled near Stanford (in Atherton) and raised four children, accumulating pets and family memories. He presided over a nightly dinner table where he regaled us with his self-deprecating humor and insidious puns. His love of music transcended his attendance of the SF Opera, to performing as a guard in a local performance of Verdi's Il Travotore. He traveled to Europe, Japan, China, Vietnam and India, as well as on family trips to Canada, Mexico, Kauai, Del Mar and Yosemite. His favorite local places were Stanford's libraries, bookstore and the Memorial Chapel and Kepler's bookstore. He was a voracious reader (and highlighter) and wonderful writer that was often pressed into service for birthday cards and yearly newsletters. Ray died at Stanford Hospital on October 18, 2005 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his loving lifelong friend and wife, Nin; his devoted children Grant Lyon, Trish Lyon Allen, Todd Lyon and Suki Lyon Eyre; his cherished grandchildren Austin and Brent Allen, Nick, Miah, Carter and Jared Lyon, Ned and Evan Eyre; as well as sons-in-law, Peter Allen and Ted Eyre, and daughter-in-law Mimi Lyon. He is survived by his brothers Melvin and Ed, preceded in death by his brother John. We will love him forever. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at Stanford Memorial Church on Tuesday, October 25 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford or to the charity of your choice.