William Patrick Lyons
February 27, 1932 ~ February 21, 2016
William Bill Patrick Lyons didnt die doing what he lovedthat would have been somewhere on the back nine at Bangor Muni with Kelly, George and Philbut he did die doing that thing that everyone loved about him - being a stubborn Irishman. He reluctantly, but peacefully, departed this world on February 21, 2016 around midnight. He was 83. Born on February 27, 1932 in Dublin, Ireland, the son of James Joseph and Margaret Rose (Garland) Lyons, he immigrated to the United States in 1960 leaving behind his mother and eight surviving brothers and sisters. He smoked. He drank. He swore. He was Catholic. Naturally, he fell for an American Baptist who did none of the afore mentioned things. They would go on to have three children and settle in the Bangor area. His profession was typography. His occupation bore many names: printer, compositor, typesetter, journeyman and his expertise was as fluid as the quick-changing technology. He was a skilled linotype operator (the contraption Thomas Edison, its said, referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World). He ended his career in his wee eponymous typography shop on South Main Street in Brewer after retiring from the Bangor Daily News. His passion was golf and he was good. Very good. He encouraged many to take up the game and his talents as a player were bested only by his talent as a mentor. There wasnt a word he couldnt spell nor a musical instrument he couldnt figure out. He was tough as nails, had an infectious laugh, and if there was an award for whistling, it would be called The Billy. There wasnt a soul on the planet that would call him an enemy even though he would not hesitate to tell someone to [expletive] off if they rubbed him the wrong way. He was generous to a fault with his time, possessions and knowledge. As one of his nieces so succinctly put it, We were all mad for him. William was predeceased by his cherished wife, Charlotte Ruth (Dow) in 2002 and his eldest son, James Joseph in 2006. He is survived by his son William Patrick Lyons Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Camas, WA and their children Sarah, Kathleen, Margaret and James; and his daughter Margaret R. Lyons and her partner Troy Keiper of Portland, ME. A brief service will be held at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home at 172 State Street, Portland, Maine, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, with a gathering to follow at The Snug at 223 Congress Street, Portland, Maine. To view Bills memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com With regards to flowers, Bill would have said, Its a matter of insignificance to me, your honor, what you do.
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Always a pleasure to meet Billy on his many trips home to Dublin. R.IP.
– James Brady
We’d like to thank everyone who came to Dad’s service today. It meant a lot to his children; Billy Jr. and Margaret, as well as his surrogate children, Des, Peter, Siobhan and Sean. He cared for you all very deeply. A special thanks to our eldest, Desmond, who gave the eulogy. It was so incredibly thoughtful. And a very special thank you to Father Moreshead for delivering a service that Dad would have loved!
– Margaret Lyons
Caregivers, like good mothers, are NOT supposed to pick favorites, or at least let on that they have one. Alas, for all the years that Bill lived at BNRC, he was very dear to me. I was not alone, many ladies (of varying age) wandered the halls of The Eagle or The Sebago Unit and could not resist leaning in to Bill, touching his button-down shirted shoulder or his manly hand hoping to engage him in more than one-way conversation (one once proposed marriage). Although his limits could be pushed, Bill was more often composed and kind, sitting left leg crossed over right and always in crisp pants, collared shirt, leather shoes. For years he greeted me with a hearty “There ya’ go!” He was often concerned about how or what I was doing and whether I’d eaten yet. He once suggested I give my young son a shot of whiskey when he’d had a cough. He got a kick out of heading the ball during games of balloon toss and enjoyed his prescribed shot/s of whiskey before bed. It was hard to see Bill become quieter, sleep more, lose weight. One of the last times I saw Bill, a co-worker and I lifted him in to bed and as shockingly light as he was I probably let out a dramatic and girlish “Oooooph!!!!” as we hoisted him into place for his eyes twinkled and his treasured gap tooth grin lit up his face. What a gift. I am so very glad I had a chance to know and care for you, Bill and to hear Margaret share stories on her visits. Peace be with you. Jess
– Jess
Forever you will be in my thoughts. Rest In Peace Granddad. Love Kirstin
– Kirstin Keegan
My condolences to the family. Billy was a legend at the muni. I always enjoyed his presence and his play. He was a true gentleman , an intelligent being. a great humorist and a good guy. He also had one of the best laughs. Rest In Peace, Billy. You will be Missed. PS His brothers were also players, too. I once played in a foursome with Billy, his brother and Phil. It was a great afternoon. I was honored.
– Barney Oldfield
Bill, Maggie and Respective Families, our condolences to you on the passing of your Dad. He was a great Irishman, quick wit, and brilliant man. What a fitting farewell to such a fabulous guy. May he be up there with my own father telling them all to ‘eff right off. I think he would be pleased with such a magnificent synopsis of a life well lived. Love to you all.
– Missy & Scott Fish
It was an honour and privilege to have met and enjoy the company of the great Billy Lyons. An absolute legend. Condolences to all his family.
– Barry
Margaret,We are so sorry for your loss. What an unbelievable obituary! No one but you could write such perfection. It showed me how much you and your Dad are alike…he must have been so proud of you and so happy to spend the latter part of his life in Portland, with you. I’m sure you took great care of him and made sure he had some fun. Again…so sorry for your loss, but thankful that you have incredible memories.
– Steve and Andrea Treadwell
I was very fortunate to have grown up in the same neighborhood across the road from Mr. Lyons. As a young boy I use to hang around the Lyon’s house quite often doing anything I could to help out Mr. Lyons. I am sure I was an annoyance to the whole family but they never showed it to me. Mr. Lyons loved his tea as I would boil the water and get his tea ready whenever I could. Mr. Lyons had a small car sales lot at his house and use to love helping out with that when I could. I remember 2 vehicles (60’s Mustang and 70’s Camaro)he had that I wanted so bad and remember him telling me “you don’t want those as those are junk”! Anything to get my mind off those cars as I was too young and could not afford them anyways. I was fortunate enough to work for him in his shop on South Main street in Brewer when I was in my late 20’s part time where he taught me to run a printing press. Mr. Lyons was a very positive influence on me growing up almost like a 2nd dad. RIP my friend, you will never be forgotten.
– Edward Cole
With Deepest Sympathy from my daughter Kirstin, my son Robert and I on the sad occasion of Billy’s passing. A wonderful man which we had the privilege to know and love.Sadly missed.
– Veronica Keegan
To my wonderful Grandfather. The man who gave me the game of golf and many great memories. You will be sadly missed and always in my thoughts! Rest In Peace Billy
– Robert Keegan
that is an exceptionally beautiful obituary. i am sorry for your loss, dear margaret. best wishes, marty
– marty p. chabot