Name: Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary
Address: Riverside, CA

Peter will always be remembered by Jim and I, for the fun loving man he was. May God keep you safe and happy, we are sorry we could not be with Margaret, but you know are hearts  and prayers are always with you.     Jim and Esther Gardner

Peter and Margaret are both so important to me. His loss is very sad, and both my husband Marc and I regret not being with you in this difficult times... The memories that we carry within our hearts are those of happy laughs and fun times.  He was a bundle of joy when we came over from France to Riverside with the kids, Natasha and Enzo. His joyful voice still rings in my ears. And he will always remain thus in our thoughts. Margaret, TR, Robin, we love you dearly.

Growing up, Pete was always "Uncle Pete", not only to me, but to all the kids in the neighborhood. Whenever he was at the house, Uncle Pete came out and played with all the neighborhood kids.  Some of my fondest memories were during our family gatherings whether at our home or Warners Hot Springs. Pete was always making us laugh and made the gatherings so much fun.  Pete took me to my first college football game and my first professional football game.  When I purchased season tickets to the Sand Diego State Aztecs from '75 - '77, Pete drove down for practically every game.  (Not sure if it was for the game or for the pre-game tailgate party.)  During my college years, he would come to our home in La Jolla once a month (Saturday nights) for his Marine duty at Camp Pendelton.   What I think he really came down for was the once-a-month fraternity poker game at our house that just happened to coincide with his Saturday visits. 

Uncle Pete was a most wonderful Uncle to this nephew.  I loved him and will truly miss him, but am happy he is now with his brothers.  I bet my dad said something like, "Hey Pete, there's no Bourbon up here, but's it's still pretty great.  Welcome home."

I am very thankful to have gotten to know my Great Uncle Pete. Thankful for 
the time I was  able to spend with he and Aunt Margaret last summer when 
they came to Vermont. And greatful for their generosity when recognizing every 
occasion with cards on my birthdays,  graduation, and even when by I had my 
appendix out! 

I loved him very much and considered him like a second grandfather, 
because my actual grandfather died when I was quite young.
He was always full of joy and humor, and made me very happy 
every time I heard from him or saw him.

I have so many fond memories of uncle Pete from the wee years of my life when there were the visits from the West Coast Lyons' family to Vermont - I am not sure Lake Champlain will ever be the same! Boy - we sure had some fun times with your dad, my dad and Uncle Barry leading the pack of rambunctious kids on an adventure or was it us leading them?!? And then into adulthood where I could also count on a call or card from Der Pete to "just check in and see how y'all doing" (eloquent in his "infamous" southern drawl). When we talked, he did not skip a beat from the call before - we talked about everything and anything under the sun. Such a wise and thoughtful listener your dad - and yes, he was also full of advice and words to live by but...He taught me well and I also became a good listener  . I shall miss those calls...
 
I never got tired of the stories especially when Uncle Pete and dad would start in on them together...Oyvey! They would go back and forth without blinking an eye sparring with one another just to hear how loud they could make each other laugh. And laugh they did as we did as well...that too shall be missed... as you said Tracy, the three brothers are together now sitting on the dock on the Dog River at the house in Mobile, swinging their feet daring who would be first to jump into the river with all them snakes and gators. The Three Musketeers, brothers who loved & fought, but in the end always as one. I cherish the thought that they are now back together enjoying the next journey of their adventures together!
 
Uncle Pete loved people and could not walk into a room without meeting an old friend or making a new friend. Family was so important to him and he always kept us East Coast Lyons' family close in his heart before and after the lose of our dad. A true gentleman along with his brothers - with a twinkle in the eye, a hand to lend and a big heart to give. I will miss him and will always have a smile in my heart because of him!

Pete and I were very good friends at RMA and he was a fine gentleman.

‘Uncle Pete'  

Wishing the miles were not so great, so we could have shared this in person.

Uncle Pete, so much more than an Uncle, more like a father especially 
since my dad , Pete's brother ‘Billy' (said w/Pete's southern accent ) 
left us much to young.   Family historian, teacher, listener, advisor, philosopher, grandfather to our Jessie and his Justina.  Making many East coast ventures with ‘Aunt M' to enjoy VT, Lake Champlain, friends and family, keeping us informed of  family events, sharing stories, offering love and support in good times and bad.
You showed us how to enjoy life and make the most of each day, with a bit of southern charm.  Uncle Pete this is not a goodbye but a thank you for everything. Knowing  you are in a better place, perhaps with a drink in your hand, in the company of  Billy,  Big Bear, Camille, Peggy , Jennifer and so many others,  enjoy the sunset till we meet again. 

Love ‘der nephew' 
Gary 
Debbie & Jessie

Pete was  fellow alum of Cal Western Law School.  As a third year student he counseledthis lst year student in the ways of the law and life. In later years we became good friends-both inept at golf but each with stories to tell. A faithful colleague and friend. My life will be less for his passing. My best to Margaret.

Mike Bright, Riversie, CA

Pete was a dedicated alumnus to RMA and enjoyed the many reunions we have had over the years.  I send my sympathy to his family.

I met Pete 67 years ago at Riverside Military Academy, Gainesville, GA.  We remained close friends all that time.
He'll be missed...

Pete and I graduated from Riverside Military Academy in 1949.Since that time, we attended many class reunions, and visited classmates in Florida.My wife and I enjoyed the company of Pete and Margaret, along with other classmates and their spouses over the years.We will miss Pete dearly when we re-unite in Gainesville, GA in Oct. of 2014, God willing, and we'll memorialize him at that event.

Pete Lyons could keep you in stitches or solve your problems.  He was a man of outstanding character (and he was a character).  I was somewhat responsible for introducing him to Margaret #1 and tho he had a choice of a blond, brunette or redhead, he chose the 
classy brunette. He then became a great husband and a great father to her son Tracy providing for them the good life. Aside from that, he was very proud to 
be a graduate of VMI and always lived up to their creed. It was an honor and a privilege to have know him.  We'll sure miss you Peter.....(Maybe you and Cal Worthington can swap stories)
May you RIP......
Margaret #2

My mother Rachael Lawrence (now 95) and myself Laura Moss worked with Pete at the Riverside County Counsel's office for quite some time.  He was a wonderful boss and family man.  He always was on top of everything that needed to be handled within the County Counsel. Riverside was lucky to have him on board. 
We are praying for all family and friends and send our love to you all.

                                                                    Laura Moss-Frusher
                                                                    Riverside, CA

Mr. Lyons was a man of service. He served our country, community, veterans, and VMI with dignity and grace. He told the best stories, usually at his expense, and his devotion to Miss Margaret was truly inspiring. We will miss Pete, and remember him as a truly wonderful man.

Pete was a great friend and supporter of VMI.  I still laugh how we spent two hours talking about VMI in front of All Saints after we told Father Clark we only had a half hour to spare to meet with Father Clark.  I also remember the numerous college fairs we attended representing VMI.  Rest in peace, buddy.

"Pistol Pete" will be greatly missed by his Brother Rats, VMI Class of '54.  An officer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, Pete exuded a kind of class that would be extremely difficult to emulate.  He was one of a kind, in a league all his own.Dr. Bill Turner, VMI '54, Class Agent

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Pete was a wonderful person that everyone gravitated toward. I enjoyed talking with him when he came to board meetings at VMI. Very well thought of and will be missed.

So sorry to hear of Pete's passing.  I remember well him coming up the stairs at County Counsel and looking at me sternly over his glasses, looking for someone or something.  He was a no-nonsense type of guy most of the time, but was always considerate and kind.  My condolences to your family.

OBITUARY

Peter Hotchkiss Lyons

June 23, 1931 – August 30, 2013

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Funeral Service