Joseph A Lyons

Joseph A. Lyons, II  of Petoskey, died at age 72 after a long and valiant battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.  Joe died in the arms of his wife and entered eternal life at 8:45 pm on July 15, 2015.  Carrie and Joe were surrounded by their children, grandchildren, family and friends as the sun was setting over Little Traverse Bay. 

Diagnosed 2 1/2  years ago, Joe undertook the challenge  of this terminal disease in the same way he approached everything else in life: with acceptance, determination  and quiet strength.

Joe received BA and MBA degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He started his career at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.  He served in all areas of Human Resources at Columbia and ultimately became the Director of Personnel.  In November 1979, he accepted a position as Personnel Director at Bay Medical Center, Bay City, Michigan in order to bring his family nearer to his beloved Bay View, Michigan.  As Vice-President of Human Resources, he served the Bay City hospital for 31 years making his mark in healthcare/hospital administration, human resources and labor relations.   He retired from McLaren Bay Region in December 2010 to live year round in Petoskey.  

He met each day with confidence, integrity and loyalty.  His suffering, rather than being an occasion for anger and bitterness, became an example of faith.  He was a strong and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend who will be forever loved and missed.  His life was a gift and a blessing to all.

Joe was born on May 10, 1943 to Rev. Dr. Jesse H. Lyons and Rebecca McCormick Lyons.

He met Carolyn (Carrie) Edmunds at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.  Joe and Carrie were married on August 14, 1966 and she survives him.  Other survivors include his daughter, Jenifer Lyons Mulder; his son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Christy Lyons; grandsons Brady Joseph Lyons, Jordan Bur and Jason Bur; a sister, Ellen Lyons Carpenter; brother-in-law Don (Jennifer) Edmunds; sister-in-law Virginia Edmunds Brower; several nieces and nephews and their families.  He is also survived by the many Bay View friends he loved who make up his extended family.  He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Ronald Mulder.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Richmond of Internal Medicine of Northern Michigan, Duane Nolff, PA-C of The Center of Pulmonary Medicine, and Dr. Naomi Overton of Michigan Heart and Vascular Specialists and the staff of Hospice of Little Traverse Bay for their care and support. 

Immediate cremation has taken place.  Joe's life will be celebrated in Crouse Memorial Chapel, Bay View, Michigan on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 11:00 am. 

Contributions in Joe's memory may be made to the Bay View Association of the United Methodist Church, McLaren Bay Medical Foundation, McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation/ Hospice of Little Traverse Bay.    

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