Phillip John Lyons

Phill passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 26. His wife and good friends were close by.

He was born in the Pacific Northwest November 26, 1942. A graduate of the University of Washington, he served in the US Army during Viet Nam and went to work for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle after his service. And, although he never moved back to Washington State, he kept close ties with high school and college friends and had a special fondness for Friday Harbor.

He met Susan, his wife of nearly 52 years in California during graduate study at University of California Riverside. Phill continued his graduate education at UNC-Chapel Hill. Together Susan and Phill moved to North Carolina and made Chapel Hill their adopted home.

Phill was adventurous and loved the outdoors. He loved to ski, run, bike, play tennis and walk. He was also an accomplished boat pilot having grown up on the water with his beloved brother Mike and later introducing Susan and select friends to cruising the San Juans, the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound and many points North. He loved classical music as well as jazz and symphony. It was not unusual for him to fly to attend concerts at Disney Hall or the Hollywood Bowl. In fact, he was scheduled to be in Dallas at Meyerson Hall in October this year.

He had a long and distinguished career serving the State of North Carolina. He first worked in the NC Department of Justice where he served under three attorneys general leading criminal justice programs and working with the legislature, and then at UNC where he helped lead the MEASURE Project at the Carolina Population Center. For his dedication and accomplishments in government service, Governor James Hunt awarded Phill the highly prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He also taught for nearly 25 years in the Political Science Department at NC State University.

Phill loved his friends and family. He was so very proud of his nieces and nephews and made sure that he spent time during holidays with them. He also made Susan’s family a top priority flying to California regularly and maintaining connections with dear friends and cousins throughout his life.

During retirement he continued to work but as a volunteer. First serving on a town board and then taking on major leadership roles in Preservation Chapel Hill. He was particularly proud that he was able to help lead efforts to preserve the Strayhorn House and the Phillips Law Building.

He traveled extensively with Susan and friends; often seeking out special places that are related to family history or exploring the world. He sometimes would go off on adventures

by himself. Other times, he and Susan would join friends for global travel. Then, there were the special trips that he took with his pals. Wonderful adventures with dear friends.

Phill had deep faith and truly believed in leading and influencing others through kindness and thoughtful caring. He was gentle and loving and a wonderful partner and friend with a wonderful sense of humor. He was an optimist who saw good in everyone, and he was forgiving. He will be missed so very much. Yet we are blessed to have known him. He was truly a special person. He leaves behind his wife Susan as well as his nieces and nephews and their families. He also leaves behind his brother Patrick.

A celebration of Phill’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Preservation Chapel Hill Strayhorn House Fund. Checks may be sent to Preservation Chapel Hill 610 East Rosemary St. Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Or go to preservationchapelhill.org and click on Support and Memorial Gifts.