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Joseph Lyon Obituary
5/13/1939 ~ 9/19/2021
Salt Lake City, Utah
Authored by Joseph Lynn Lyon M.D.
I was born of goodly parents on Saturday night, May 13th, 1939 10 minutes after my brother, making me the last of the six sons of Thomas Edgar and Hermana Forsberg Lyon. I grew up in rural East Mill Creek before suburbia encroached, as my city born parents learned to farm. I had a personal association with many weeds, plus apple, cherry and apricot trees, raspberries, peas, corn, strawberries, cows, pigs, chickens and a large St. Bernard dog, and thrived on fresh cow's milk, home grown chicken eggs, and the fruit and vegetables we grew.
I had two of the most wonderful parents in the world who provided me with a foundation of love and support that has blessed my life ever since. I have also had a close and loving relationship all these years with my five older brothers who have each enriched my life.
I attended Sherman Elementary School, Olympus Junior High School and graduated from Olympus High School in 1957.
I served six months in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, Fort Chaffee and Fort Carson, and then began the University of Utah.
I served in the New Zealand North mission in 1959-1961 and spent two years in that beautiful, and rainy place growing to love the Polynesian people.
During the winter quarter 1962 I met Juneil Fetzer in an LDS Institute class, I was attracted to her sweet smile and beautiful eyes. We were married on July 31, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple, and have been lovers, companions, and friends ever since. We had six children, Natalee, Joseph, Stephen, Maryanne, Rachael, and Janet and marvel at how different they each are, but love each of them.
Because I wanted them to know how to do difficult things, I started each one of them backpacking into the Uintah's at age five. We had wonderful times together as my children learn many things such as the magic of Jolly Rancher candy to go another 200 yards during the difficult parts of the hike.
I was admitted to medical school at the University of Utah and graduated in 1967. I spent two of the summers during medical school working as a researcher and extern for Dr. Russell M. Nelson, and it was his example that inspired me to try to become surgeon, but after a year of surgery residency in San Diego I transferred to Epidemiology/Public Health Program at Harvard.
We returned to Utah from Boston in October 1970 and have been here ever since, something that neither Juneil or I planned or wished, but the Lord was quite clear about His plans for us. I first worked for the Neighborhood Health Center.
In February 1974 I joined the faculty of University of Utah School of Medicine and became a tenured professor, the hallmark of the parasite on society. I have taught epidemiology for 40 years. I documented many of health differences between Mormons and non-Mormons and the harmful effects of radiation from above ground nuclear testing on the citizens of Utah.
The LDS church has been the central focus of much of my life. I became a Gospel Doctrine teacher for the first time in 1965, and being blessed with that calling many more times, the last in 2009. I served in many callings such as High Council, Branch President, and enjoyed serving at our stake farm and supporting my wife in her Stake Young Women's camp calling.
When I retired from the University of Utah I served as a Church Service missionary with the good folks of the Church's Neonatal Resuscitation program. We served in the Salt Lake Temple and Bountiful Temple from March 2005 – January 2019. At the time of death, I was serving as a Church Service Missionary/Team Lead for the Records of Member's Project.
My wife and I enjoyed traveling to New Zealand and renewing friendships with those I met on my mission.
I have been blessed by the Good Lord in more ways than I can count, and have now begun another great adventure. I look forward to being reunited with my parents and brothers, who have gone before.
I am survived by my wife of 57 years Juneil; our six children Natalee Lyon, Joe (Rachel Crook), Stephen (Jan Martini), Maryanne, Rachael (Chris Wheelwright), and Janet (Stephen); our 22 many wonderful grandchildren; and my dear brothers Jamie (Dorothy) and twin Ted (Cheryl). Preceded in death by his parents T. Edgar and Hermana; his brothers David, John, and Laurie; and granddaughter Isabelle Elison.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ Humanitarian Aid Fund:
https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/church/humanitarian-services/humanitarian-aid-fund?cde2=475-home&lang=eng
Services:
Friday, September 24, 2021 at Larkin Sunset Lawn – 2350 East 1300 South, SLC, UT 84108
Viewing 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Yalecrest 1st Ward – 1035 South 1800 East, SLC, UT
Viewing: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m.
Interment to follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park
3401 South Highland Dr., Millcreek, UT 84106
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lyon
Sponsored by Larkin Sunset Lawn - Salt Lake City.
Gwen Maw
July 28, 2022
Dear Lynn - Since you introduced me to Jorge Luis Borges, I wanted to talk to you about his book Ficciones, which I just ordered. Sadly, my search for you ended with this obit. You were a kind, good-natured, brilliant man. I enjoyed those few years working with you in the basement of the College of Medicine.
Cheriel Jensen (Moench)
September 25, 2021
Lynn and I were almost the same age. (my birthday was May 1, 1939. Our parents were special friends. I always wished I could sit down with Lynn and talk about his research findings, but I am very sorry I never made the chance, living at such a distance. I thought I had 18 more years to do this.
Thom Harrison
September 25, 2021
Linda and I had the distinct pleasure of working with Lynn and Juneil at the Salt Lake Temple. Lynn was always supportive, Kind and able to tell a good story with the best of them. When we were first married we lived in the Yalecrest ward and had many interactions with the Lyon's. He was a man of action, faith, always willing to provide course correction with a smile and an encouraging word. Lynn was willing to serve in every position with joy and without complaint. I remember him with fondness and joy.
Bruce Ellis
September 24, 2021
Juneil and family, I served with Lynn in the Salt Lake Temple as both a Veil Worker and Ordinance worker for 10 years. I always looked forward to seeing him. He was always jolly and concerned about the well being of all he served with and the patrons of the temple. I could tell there were days he wasn't feeling particularly well, but he was always happy, jolly and more concerned about others than himself. Juneil, you were the one he was most concerned about. You were his everything and still are.
Tony Kimball
September 24, 2021
Juneil:
Finding Lynn's obituary in the SL papers yesterday brought back a lot of great memories. The years we spent together here in Cambridge were great. I hadn't remembered he and I were just six weeks apart in age. I certainly do remember the mad rush after Sunday School opening exercises to get into Lynn's Church history class before the room had filled. My life has been intertwined with the Lyon family. I took every Institute class T. Edgar taught at the University of Utah. Jamie was the first Bishop of the University Ward here. Laurie and I were stand partners in the Viola section of the University of Utah symphony, and Jamie's daughter, Sarah Jackson, is currently in my ward. I assume you know my sister, Carolyn, died a couple of years ago. She always considered you to be one of her closest friends. So, on many fronts the Lyon family has blessed my life. I hope the reality of how many lives Lynn has touched and enriched will ease your sorrow.
TK
Louis Moench
September 24, 2021
The Lyon Family left their mark on this community. Joe was probably most well-known for investigating the mark left by a large family as well--of Nevada nuclear explosions in the `40´s and `50´s that raised the cancer count in the community much higher. He was not normally outspoken, but on that issue he spoke out. And before that, at the sports columnist desk for the Olympus High newspaper he typed out the exploits of Ted and team on the field. And before that, when we were kids bonded by the togetherness of our parents in an enduring study group his raconteuring was the focus of our fascination. And after that as a fellow staff physician at the Neighborhood Health Center and faculty doc at the U. College of Medicine he enlivened us with teaching moments, presenting medical enigmas that baffled us, then unbaffling us in a reassuring way to say "Here´s what to know" rather than a critical "Why don´t you know?" What we want the Lyons left to know is, a great man was in our midst, and will be in yours forever.
Marc Wade
September 23, 2021
I was saddened to hear that my good friend Lynn Lyon had passed. Lynn was kind, friendly, accepting, generous, and intelligent. Lynn taught me many things by deed and example, he was able to see the good and the value in other people. No matter what topic was being discussed, Lynn always had some interesting or useful facts to add. I have many fond memories of interactions with Lynn. One of my favorite memories of Lynn relates to our shared interest in historical artifacts. Lynn often stated that a thing should not require a story or an explanation to have value or maintain the interest of a person. The wisdom of this advice has helped me more than Lynn could have known. I will miss Lynn. The Lyon family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Gail Halladay
September 22, 2021
Dear Juniel, we are so sorry to hear of Lynn´s passing. What a great man in so many ways. Our heart breaks for you and your family. We feel honored that we could serve with you both in the Salt Lake Temple and get to know and love you. May God´s blessings and His peace be with you, sweet friend.
Marian Herrin
September 22, 2021
Dear Juniel and family. I send my feelings of peace and comfort to you all. God bless you as you remember Lynn with joy.
John Spangler
September 22, 2021
Lynn will be long remembered and deeply missed by his many friends in the collecting community. His passion for details, accuracy and enthusiastic sharing of his vast knowledge earned the respect and friendship of many.
Nancy Bradbury
September 22, 2021
Juneil and family of Lynn Lyon, Joe and I send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your great husband and father. He was a wonderful uncle and I have fond memories of going to your home at Christmas and other occasions. He will be missed by many. We love you all and pray that you may have peace and comfort during this time.
Ellen Mitchell
September 22, 2021
Dear Lyon Family, I am so terribly sorry for this tremendous loss to you, and really to the world. Such a gifted, talented, loving, and caring light has left us all feeling dimmer. I send comfort and love to you all in this time of sorrow.
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