Obituary of Ronald Harvey Lyons

Ronald Harvey Lyons, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 31, 2022, in Niagara Falls, ON after a long-fought battle with serious medical issues. His battle with medical issues showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile, a joke or a funny story. Ron was a fighter, a two-time organ transplant recipient, and an advocate for organ donation.

Ron was born in Newmarket, ON and grew up in Sutton on Lake Simcoe where he met the love of his life, Lynn. He studied history at York University and went on to become a teacher with the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs from 1973 to 1983 teaching in Lac Seul, and on Georgina Island (Waaseyaagmiing) and Christian Island (Chimnissing). He then made the move to the Simcoe Board of Education in Midland, ON teaching at Huron Park P.S. followed by Midland Secondary School where he ran the special education and resource department until his retirement in 2004. It was there that he coached curling for both the boys and girls teams introducing many students to his love of the sport. Following his retirement, Ron and Lynn then moved to China to teach and Ron fell in love with the country and its people spending many years there.

Ron was an avid traveller who visited 46 countries with his loving wife Lynn. He was an active and hard-working member of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine Club for over 40 years as well as a proud Rotarian giving countless hours in the communities, he lived in. Ron loved to give back to his community and enjoyed being a Shrine Clown donating his time to bring smiles to children and adults alike.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Lynn, and daughters Kelly (Dayman Perry) Lyons-Perry, and Darcie (dec. Mat Hutton) Lyons-Hutton. Proud grandfather of Tristan, Connor, and Mathilda. He also leaves behind his mother Georgia (dec. Harvey) Lyons, beloved brother and sister-in-laws (Wayne, Doug, Cathie, Jim, and Joan) who were like siblings to him and his greatest friends John and Jeanette. Pre-deceased by his father Harvey, and his younger brother Harvey Lyons. His jokes and sense of humour will be greatly missed by all of us.

Ron will be interred at Fairview Cemetery (4501 Stanley Ave Niagara Falls) which will take place Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations in Ron’s name to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or to the Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN) Transplant Unit are appreciated by the family.

Ron’s family would like to thank the numerous doctors, nurses, paramedics, and health professionals over the years that attended to his care especially the staff at UHN Toronto General Transplant Unit and to Dr. Bob McMillan and his staff. Ron’s family would also like to thank the organ donor for giving us the gift of time with Ron to be able to make memories his family and friends will always cherish.