Eugene Lyon

Dear Lyon family,
Your dad remains in my memory always. Just seeing his photo here immediately brings back so many experiences shared with him and Dot over the years. He was one fantastic person! Intelligient, generous, kind, a whimsical laugh and lovely sense of humour. A grand man indeed. Abrazos from Sevilla, Victoria Stapells

Gene shaped my life and my career in so many ways...through his impeccable scholarship, his generous mentorship and his warm humanity. I do my best to acknowledge his stellar work and impact on our field and the stellar example he was for us all. My thoughts are with the family.

I met Gene in the Archivo de Indias in early 1977 having only moved to Sevilla months earlier. Everything I learned from that point on in my over 30 years in archives and libraries all across Spain was thanks to him. He was, and will always be, a mentor for me: as an academic, of course, but much more important, as a truly Good person. The world needs people like Gene Lyon! I also have many happy memories of meals shared with Gene and Dot over the years and the day Gene was present for my son's first steps ever. I will miss them both but am so happy they are now reunited. Buen viaje Gene, Victoria Stapells

Dear Dr. Lyon,
It was a pleasure knowing you. Que en paz descanse
I enjoyed speaking in Spanish to you when you attended Activities at The Brennity in Vero Beach, we'll miss you.

Ironically, I was just thinking about Gene and our trip to Cuba because I found an early report he made about that trip and our first work in those archives. He shaped my career in his scholarship and in mentoring me in archival preservation. This is a terrible loss to us all...and to the profession.
My condolences to all of you who loved him as I did. Jane

Pat and I are so sorry to learn about Gene's passing. He and Dot were two of our favorite people, and I will treasure the memories made during the time they were in St. Augustine. It was my honor to work with him. Gene was a giant in my eyes having the rare combination of intelligence, humor, faith, humility, kindness, and, most importantly, an unabiding love and respect for Dot and his family. He made the world a better place in which to live. He will be missed.

The world has lost an icon. I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet this great man. We all know Dr. Lyon is now on his greatest adventure of all time. God Speed

It was an honor to meet Eugene. He gave a presentation at Mel Fishers Heritage society. It was a meet and greet! And were we all going over the maps in the chart room. I was star stuck. Thank you for your hard work, and knowledge of history,
and making many dreams come true.

I worked for the museum in the eighties and nineties. I did the minutes for the board of directors meetings and Mr Lyons was always there with a smile on his face. He was such a kind, sweet man. Fair winds and full sails Mr. Lyons.