William Maclay ("Clay") Lyon

William Maclay “Clay” Lyon
March 2, 1938 – March 15, 2026

William Maclay “Clay” Lyon, 88, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Clay was born on March 2, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Maclay Lyon and Winifred Beatty Lyon. He was soon joined by his younger sister, Ann. When Clay was 5, his family relocated to Albert Lea, Minnesota, where he spent his formative years and developed a lifelong love of sports. He attended Albert Lea High School, and emerged as a “lefty” pitcher who hit right-handed. He had his first no-hitter there and was later inducted into the high school’s Hall of Fame in four sports: football, basketball, baseball and tennis. He broke the school’s basketball scoring record as well.

Clay attended Luther College, where he further distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete. Wearing the number 35, he set a long-standing basketball all-time scoring record which he held for several years after graduating and earned two Little All-American honors in 1959 & 1960. He still ranks as #8 in Luther Basketball History for career field goal attempts. All of this earned him the nickname “Shooter” in college, which stuck with him his entire life. Clay was also a standout baseball pitcher for Luther, pitching a no hitter in 1959. His athletic achievements earned him induction into Luther College’s Hall of Fame—an honor that reflected not only his talent but his dedication and competitive spirit.

It was at Luther College that Clay met the love of his life, Karin Knutsen. The two married in 1961, just after graduation, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and a shared love of sports, raising two daughters, Pamela and Elizabeth.

Clay began his professional life as a physical education teacher in Minneapolis before transitioning into a successful career in sports merchandise sales. He worked for Gopher Athletic Supply in Minneapolis, where he and Karin raised their daughters until 1978. That year, the family moved to Palos Verdes, California, where Clay continued his career with Don Allison Athletics and later with Starter during its peak in the 1980s. He went on to help launch Coliseum Sports, serving as its first Head of Sales and leaving a lasting mark on the industry. It was his charisma, bigger than life personality and commanding presence that made him so successful in his sales career.

In 2008, Clay and Karin retired and moved to Goodyear, Arizona, settling in Pebble Creek, enjoying a golf course and creating countless cherished memories with their grandchildren—Isabella, Gabrielle, Finneas, and Dalton—who delighted in visiting their home, especially the pool that became a centerpiece of family gatherings.

In 2021, Clay and Karin moved to Inspira Arrowhead in Glendale, Arizona, where they found a warm community and continued to enjoy life together.

Clay will be remembered for his athletic excellence, his professional drive, his warmth, and his deep devotion to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose presence brought joy and strength to those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karin; his daughters, Pamela and Elizabeth; his sister, Ann, and his grandchildren Isabella, Gabrielle and Finneas.

Clay’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the example he set of a life well lived.