Michael Tracy Lyon
October 25, 1969 - September 02, 2015
"Go Big, or Go Home"
Michael Tracy Lyon Sr passed away on the morning of September 2, 2015 at his home in Everett, Washington following a valiant two year battle with colorectal cancer. He was 45 years old, his strength and courage during his illness inspired us all.
Mike was born October 25, 1969 in Portland, Oregon, to Frank and Lela (Sitsler) Lyon. He attended Everett schools and resided in Everett, Washington for all of his adult life.
His greatest joy was his son, Michael Jr. He married Jackie (Dempsey) February 29, 2012. Mike is survived by his son, Michael, wife, Jackie, and step-children, Richard, Zachary and Gwen. He was the baby of the family to brothers Joe (Jeri) of Florrisant, CO, Robert of Marysville, WA, sisters Donna (JJ) of Lake Stevens, WA, and Kathy (Kevin) of Snohomish, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved as much as much as they loved him. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Lela and Frank.
He worked hard and played harder, and did so with incredible confidence and a crazy sense of adventure. He had a way of influencing people to follow along, and they never regretted it. He rode snowmobiles, dirtbikes, quads, and his Harley. He enjoyed traveling in the winter, camping in the summer and spending time with family and his dogs, Bob and Jack. He had a knack for anything mechanical or electronic, and enjoyed collecting, showing and fixing gadgets and computers. He was interested in US and military history, including firearms. His free time was spent playing online computer games with long-time friends all over the world.
Mike's career was in the automotive industry. His first job was with Skip’s Towing - he was considered family to Skip and Mary, and maintained that friendship until he passed. Mike went on to spend 25 years at American Lease, Pierre Ford, Harris Ford, and Harris Mitsubishi/Isuzu Trucks. He had many wonderful relationships and memories from there, and considered the Pierres and his coworkers, managers, and technicians family. He was incredibly proud of the Ford brand and could diagnose problems just by listening to noises the cars made. He met Henry Ford III at a work conference, and was thrilled to be asked to personally show him around the dealership when Mr. Ford came to the Northwest for a visit.
Whether you were friend, family, or coworker, you sensed and felt Mike’s seriousness, strength and intelligence, and one couldn't help but smile when he laughed his belly laugh. He was all in, all the time. “Go big, or go homeâ€, he’d say! He shared everything and gave all, all of the time.
Special thanks to each and all of his doctors, surgeons, nurses and caregivers, especially: Dr. Kris Guenterberg, MD, Dr. Meldy Taswin, MD, Dr. James Congdon, DO. Also special mention of gratitude to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, Group Health Home Health Services, Everett Fire Department, and the Pierre family.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A celebration of the life and memory of Mike Lyon:
October 23, 2015 Shawn O'Donnell's (banquet room) 122-128th St SE, Everett, WA 98208 Friday, October 23, 2015, 630PM - 9PM
Light appetizers and soda, coffee, and tea will be provided. Alcohol will be available for purchase at a fully stocked bar exclusively for our use.
Dress: Come as you are. Mike would be in jeans and a Harley tee This is an informal, drop-in, casual night for memories and celebrating Mike's birthday!
DONATIONS
If you'd like to donate to a cause on Mike's behalf, please choose your favorite. The foundation at a local college or medical facility to help those who can't pay would probably be a good place to start. We were gifted from foundation funds donated by others for services not covered by insurance.
Memorial
The Courage of Life
The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of the final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy.
John F. Kennedy
Love Lives On
Those we love remain with us,
for Love itself lives on.
Cherished memories never fade;
because one loved is gone.
Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
for as long as there's a memory
they live on in our heart.
Think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched,
for nothing loved is ever lost,
and he was loved so much.
Author Unknown