Russell "Rusty" Lyon Jr.

1930 - 2016

Russell "Rusty" Lyon Jr.

Russell "Rusty" Lyon Jr. joined his beloved wife Rosie who predeceased him in April of 2008 and his son Roy Dennis Lyon who predeceased him in 1992. Rusty passed away peacefully at his home on October 18, 2016, after a long and incredibly courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Rusty was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 6, 1930. Rusty moved to Scottsdale with his parents and brother in 1947. While the intent was to continue on to California, Rusty's parents chose to make their home in Arizona. That decision was fortuitous.

Rusty spent his life pioneering real estate development in Arizona and left an indelible mark that will long endure and not be forgotten. Rusty was blessed with an incomparable genius when it came to business, development and dealing with people. His genius, however, was surpassed only by his humility. Rusty sought neither publicity nor fame although he absolutely deserved both and could never have received enough. Notwithstanding Rusty's understated nature, his myriad accomplishments speak for themselves and are well known. Rusty was the progenitor of the growth of commercial development in Arizona. Rusty started the well-known Westcor Companies which developed most of the regional shopping centers in Maricopa County. Rusty's insight and vision included his ability to choose excellent partners to work with him at Westcor. Rusty's abilities were diverse and limitless. He branched out into the hospitality industry where he envisioned, designed and built projects including his favorite Boulders Resort. Rusty's vast real estate development acumen will remain legendary. Beyond that, Rusty was a true renaissance man. He was a jet pilot at the time of the Korean War. Subsequently he piloted his own jet aircraft and helicopter. Rusty was an artist, and was known for his close collaborations with designers on all of his projects. Rusty was also very proficient at tennis, golf and skiing.

Rusty is survived by his two sons, of whom he was extremely proud, Scott (daughter-in-law Paula) and Mark (son-in-law Daniel), as well as his five grandchildren, namely, Tiffany, Amber, Paulette, Sierra and Jessica, and two great grandchildren with another on the way. Rusty is also survived by his brother, Dennis (sister-in-law Janis) and his sister's-in-law, Emma Lou Philabaum and Marie Kinnally and their families. Furthermore, Rusty is survived by thousands and thousands of people who were privileged to know him. Rusty will be remembered and revered by all who knew him as the kind, generous, caring and loyal person that he was. His smile and sense of humor were unforgettable. For all of those who knew, admired and loved him, Rusty was not merely an iconic, larger than life person, he was absolutely unique. A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Rusty on November 2, 2016, commencing at 2:00 p.m. at The Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be
made in honor of Russell Lyon, Jr. to Banner Alzheimer's Foundation, 2901 N. Central Ave, Ste 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary.