Obituary: Andrew Lyon

Andrew Canfield Lyon died at home with family around him on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008 at the age of 84 after a courageous battle with Wegener’s disease. Born Aug. 5, 1924 in Trenton, N.J., Andrew grew up an only child. Little did he know he would inherit a massive family later in life. After serving his country in World War II, Andrew attended college on the GI Bill. He earned his master’s degree in theoretical mathematics from Rutgers University where he then taught for a number of years. Andrew spent most of his distinguished career as an insurance consultant. Through his work within the insurance industry, Andrew helped to revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods. His sharp mind and passion for knowledge led him to become a lifelong member of both MENSA and the Triple Nine Society. He retired from the insurance industry in 2006 at 82. Andrew was born and raised in New Jersey. In 1987 Andrew and his wife, Anne, moved to San Mateo and then settled in San Diego. Andrew met the love of his life, Anne, in 1982. When they married in 1984, he inherited 11 children which, added to his two daughters from a previous marriage, gave him a grand total of 13. Andrew and Anne were very active in their church participating as lectures at mass, leading RCI groups and organizing parish activities and social events. They loved to travel and especially enjoyed their visits to Hawaii, Japan and Ireland. When not traveling, Andrew always found fun ways to entertain his loving wife. He took her to museums, plays, symphonies, the zoo and of course out for evenings of dinner and dancing. Most people will remember Andrew as a polite and polished man who always wore a suit. He was well read and a great conversationalist. He will also go down in history for making the meanest margaritas in town, for his talented way of telling jokes and for hosting great dinner parties with his wife. Husband, father, stepfather (dad), grandfather, great-father and thoughtful friend, Andrew is dearly missed. Andrew was predeceased by his daughter Wendi Lee. He is survived by his wife, 12 children, 31 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. A rosary will be recited at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22 at El Camino Mortuary on Carroll Canyon Road. A funeral mass will be held at All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.