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"God must have known my soul needed a best friend, and my heart needed a real love.........because He truly blessed my life when He led me to you - amazing incredible you."
On March 23rd, 2026, at St Thomas Elgin General Hospital, my husband, my best friend, the love of a lifetime passed away.
Donald "Don" Gordon Lyons was born on August 22, 1947, on a dairy farm in Dunwich Township. Over the years Don had several jobs. The two that gave him the most satisfaction was being a farmer on the family farm and teacher in China.
I will remember Don's blue eyes and his smile. Don was strong willed and stubborn at times but had an enormous heart. He will be remembered for his kindness, if you needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment he would take you. When we came home in the late spring/summer he would help plant or hay. Don loved to talk when he became unable to drive, at night I could hear him calling his friends, co-workers, to see how they were. If he wasn’t talking something was wrong.
Don is survived by his loving wife Dianne, his brother Dave (Pierrette), his children and grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Doug and Ila Lyons, his brother Ken (Shirley) his in-laws Don and Kathy McTavish and his brother-in-law Dave McTavish.
Don enjoyed competition plowing, playing golf and dancing. He loved the Toronto Maple Leaf’s, and the Jays.
I would like to thank the staff in the ICU and the 5th floor for the loving care Don received. Thank you, Roxanne. You could always get a smart remark out of him. To Care Partners; you helped Don get his leg to where it was ready for surgery. You listened to him talk the whole time you were caring for him. To all the nurses that came to the house, Don appreciated the care you gave him. A special thank you to Jen. You see patients at their worst and best. Don loved that you were straight forward and took no bull from him. Jen, when you came the first time to see Don it was a relief seeing someone you knew and could trust your love one with. I will be forever grateful to you. You were an angel sent from God.
There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. Donations to the St Thomas Elgin General Hospital or the West Elgin Daffodil Auxiliary-Cancer in memory of Don . Don's love, kindness and laughter will live in our hearts forever.
"Rest in Peace, Sweetie"
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Gordon Lyons, please visit our floral store.