Daniel Alan Lyons

Dan Lyons was born in Honolulu, then moved to Los Angeles where his mother died following childbirth of his brother, Scott in 1924. In 1925, their father remarried and the boys acquired a wonderful mother who gave them a sister, Patricia in 1928. Dan graduated high school in Eagle Rock, CA and entered UCLA, where he joined the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. In 1942, he transferred to the University of Washington and enlisted in the Army Reserve Corp. Military history included active duty service in Europe and the Philippines (Ordinance/Infantry) and honorable discharge in 1946 as a staff sergeant. He returned to the UW, served as president of WA Chapter of Delta Upsilon and was graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering. He was employed with General Electric in NY, before transferring back to Seattle with the GE Apparatus Sales Division. During his time in Schenectady, he gained good friends who continued many happy reunions in the years since. After completing his Master’s at the UW, he joined 2 other engineers to form Thompson, Miller and Lyons Engineers. This company merged to form TML Stern Engineers, where Dan continued as principal electrical engineer until retirement in 1991.

In 1969, he married Maureen and became instant dad to Andy, age 6 and Linda, age 4. He always considered this his greatest achievement.

In 1960, he and his lifelong friend, John Polikowsky built a 27’ sloop, which provided many memorable sailing cruises between Puget Sound and the upper British Columbia Coast over the next 35 years. His love for boating never left him and in 2000 (and beyond), he built a steam engine, with boiler and accessories in a 50 yr old wooden hull. After a few years, he donated the vessel to the Center for Wooden Boats and helped maintain it.

Dan served as chairman of the Seattle section of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers, president of the Electric League of the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Engineers Club, and the Consulting Engineers Council of Washington. He also served on the Board of Management of the Shoreline YMCA between 1972-1982. During his professional career, he was a member of Seattle Rotary #4. Following retirement, he joined Shoreline Breakfast Rotary and remained active until last year.

Dan was an incredibly generous, compassionate and humorous man who was loved by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife Maureen, son Andy Dockhorn of Everett, daughter Linda Kelley of Camas, daughter-in-law, Linda Dockhorn of Shoreline, sister Pat (H.A.P Myers) of Boise, ID and cousin Dana Ericson of Issaquah. Contributions in Dan’s memory may be made to Rotary Foundation or the Shoreline YMCA.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.