Horace "Denny" Lyon

Horace Alfred “Denny” Lyon, 79, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Down East Community Hospital in Machias.  Horace was born in Eastport on March 23, 1944, son of Alfred and Zelma (Dinsmore) Lyon.

Denny was raised in Eastport and during high school worked at Paispearl.  He moved to the state of Washington to live with his uncle and aunt, Chet and Ruth Moon, where he worked on their farm.  Denny graduated from Cornell High School and at the age of 19 enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served aboard the USS Tioga County (LST-1158), which was built in Maine at Bath Iron Works.  While in the Navy, Denny sailed throughout the Western Pacific.  He took part in the United States Forces for Peace, and during the Vietnam War, aided the Army 25^th Infantry Division where the ship earned a battle star in Operation Double Eagle off Quang Nagi Province, and earned a total of 3 battle stars during the war. 

In 1967, Denny completed his service and returned to Maine.  He became a heavy equipment operator until starting a 30 plus year career at the stud mill with Georgia Pacific.  When the stud mill closed, he returned to earn his official heavy equipment operator degree from Washington County Community College.  Denny worked for Coast of Maine until retiring in 2006.   He owned and operated his own business for several years, Cathance Lake Woodworks.  Denny was a member of the American Legion in Eastport and Calais.   He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially ice fishing, and had a passion for woodworking.

Denny was predeceased by his father, Alfred Lyon; his mother Zelma Tinker; and two brothers, Gary Urquhart and George Lyon.  Surviving are his wife Sandra (Flood) Lyon; two sons, Darrin Lyon and companion Dee Flagg of Eastport, and Denny  Lyon of Perry; two step-sons, Arthur Haddock and companion Jessica Towe of MO, and Matthew Haddock of Cooper; eight grandchildren, Cody Lyon and companion Ashley Oakes of Vinalhaven, Wesley Lyon and companion Ashley Lawrence of Machias, Logan Lyon and companion Daryle Trott of Perry, Ashley and Madison Lyon, both of Perry, Noah Haddock and wife Elle of FL, Ally Haddock and companion Blake Hernandez of VA, and Pamela Haddock of MO; three great-grandchildren, Caroline, Carson, and Aiden; a sister Lorraine Olson and husband Robert of Wells; brother William “Buddy” Urquhart of Eastport; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Horace’s Life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais.  Visitation will be held in the funeral home 1  hour prior to the service.  Burial will take place in the spring at West Ridge Cemetery in Cooper.