Scott Allen Lyon

Scott Allen Lyon

Scott Lyon, son of Duane and Shirley Lyon, was born December 8, 1967 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After moves to Lufkin, TX and Stone Mt., GA, Scott began elementary school in Bowie, MD. Scott had a strong love of school and was blessed with caring and capable teachers.

In the Spring of 1977 Scott and his family moved to Anchorage, Alaska. The next 3 years were jammed with new experiences, including, snow skiing, hockey, camping, snowmobiling, backpacking, hunting and scouting. Downhill skiing was his all time favorite Alaska activity—and he and his sister Christine relished it.

In 1980 Scott and family moved to Redding, CA. Neither Scott nor his sister Christine wanted to leave Alaska but they soon adapted and met new friends in their schools and the Youth Fellowship at the First United Methodist Church. Following Parsons Middle School, Scott entered Enterprise High School. Again, blessed with good teachers Scott particularly enjoyed Chemistry, Physics, History and Journalism and pursued tennis as an extracurricular activity. During his high school years, he partnered with his father to restore a 65 Mustang. Scott graduated from high school in 1986.

Following 2 years at Shasta Community College, Scott transferred to Sonoma State University and graduated in January 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He majored in History with an undeclared minor in Environmental Studies.

Following graduation Scott worked as a Naturalist and then Lead Naturalist at the Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES) from 1993 to August 1996. During the summers he worked as a Trail Crew Supervisor. When he wasn't working you would likely find him mountain biking.

While working at WES he met and later married Lisa (Li) Bernstein in 1999 and together they had two children, Gideon (born in 2003) and Clara (born in 2006). As a family they enjoyed road trips and camping with friends on the Pacific Coast. Scott actively participated in Temple Beth Israel in support of their decision to raise their children in their mother's Jewish religion. Unfortunately Scott's marriage to Li ended in divorce in 2017.

Scott loved working at WES but he realized he needed a job with benefits…… so he decided to change to classroom teaching. Scott completed the California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program at Simpson University and then became a teacher in August 1996 for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades—teaching science, history, journalism, language arts and physical education at Anderson Middle School. He thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with students as well as faculty and staff. However, he suffered a major medical problem and had to take a medical disability retirement in 2012.

In 2018 Scott was encouraged to apply for the role of Lead Teacher/Vice Principal at Whiskeytown Environmental School—and he jumped at the opportunity. He was overjoyed to be back in his old stomping grounds and enjoyed his new role in administration. Following the Carr Wildfire Scott played a key role in helping set up and operate the Fall semester at the Lassen Pines Camp at Viola, CA. In 2019 Scott returned to the classroom at Monarch Learning Center Charter School, Redding, CA—teaching a combined 5th and 6th grade class.

Though teaching was a vital part of what defined Scott, it was his love of his son Gideon and daughter Clara that was most important to Scott. He was constantly checking on current school assignments and music lessons to determine how he could help. He provided encouragement, motivation and incentives where ever possible.

In recent months Scott's health took a turn for the worse. He was hospitalized twice—the second time for a heart attack. June 25, 2020 he suffered a third and fatal heart attack.

Kathy Sublett, former teacher and co-worker at Anderson Middle School, stated: "I'll remember Scott for his sense of humor, love of life, love of the outdoors—but mostly for love of family."

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed for redevelopment of Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES). Tax deductible donations can be made by check (note "Donation in memory of Scott Lyon") to: Whiskeytown Environmental School Community, P.O. Box 3, Whiskeytown, CA 96095. See <WESForever.org> for more information.