Michael Lyons Obituary

Michael Wesley Lyons, 53, of Cortez, died Friday evening, May 18, 2012, at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colo. He was critically injured in a motorcycle accident in southwest Colorado. Hospice was involved at the time of his death.

He was born June 12, 1958, to Dr. and Mrs. Dan Lyons, at Pioneer General Hospital, in Fort Collins, Colo. He grew up primarily in Rocky Ford, Colo., but also spent some of his youth in Water Valley, Miss., and Sterling, Colo. He graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1975, moved to Westminster, Colo., then eventually settled in Cortez. Mike had a strong interest in building things as a kid. This passion led him into a career as a carpenter, and in the building trade. His skills served many in the Cortez area his entire adult life. He had two other large passions, playing the drums in several bands throughout his life, and riding his motorcycles. He shared his talents freely, and played in many benefits for others. His family always came first, but he had a lot of other interests; archaeology, geology, the natural world, camping, reading, his friends, boating, science, wolf/dog hybrids, mechanics, and the old west.

Mike is survived by his son, Michael Lyons, of Cortez; his stepchildren, Katy Betts and Sam Betts both of Cortez; his brothers and sisters, Susan, of Birmingham, Ala., Dick, of Greeley, Colo., Betsy, of Greeley, John, of Rocky Ford, Sam, of Cortez, Bill, of Cortez, and Amy, of Bailey, Colo.; and by numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his brother, DJ, his father, Dan J. Lyons, and his mother, Eleanor U. Lyons.

Funeral services have been set for 5 p.m. on Friday, May 25, at Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, Cortez. There will be a supper to follow at the church fellowship hall.

Funeral arrangements are with Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez. Electronic condolences may be sent there. Please contact the family if you would like to contribute to a memorial fund in Michael's name that has been set up to assist his family, or a separate educational fund set up for Michael's son. Memorial contributions may also be made to the Wolfwood Refuge, c/o Craig and Paula Watson, P.O. Box 312, Ignacio, CO 81132.