William Callahan Lyons, age 67, died at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, September 28, 2014. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and related complications, the result of exposure to Agent Orange, were the cause of death.

Born December 8, 1946 in Buffalo, New York, where he lived for most of his life, he moved to Apopka, Florida three years ago. William received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Canisius College in 1969. After graduating, he proudly served his country as a US Army Captain during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he had a successful career in commercial lending during which time he helped many small businesses in Western and Central New York. He retired as Executive Vice President of First State Bank in Canisteo, New York ten years ago.

Bill loved the game of golf, which afforded him the opportunity to make many great friendships. He loved sharing the great outdoors with his daughters and grandchildren—including fishing, boating, camping, skiing, biking, ice skating, hockey, baseball and of course golf! Bill was also an active, 34-year member of the AA community where he was a well-respected mentor and friend to many. He was involved in many philanthropic organizations including Kids Escaping Drugs, Vietnam Veterans Housing Coalition, as well as other substance abuse and veteran support organizations. He also remained dedicated to Canisius College, was a member of Di Gamma, and served as President of the Alumni Association (1996) and in that capacity served on the Board of Trustees.

Survivors include his significant other Sue Wetherwax of Apopka, Florida, his sister Jane Lyons Patterson of Penfield, New York, his brother Richard Leo Lyons of Seattle, Washington, and his three daughters Amelia (Stephen Bubar) of Orlando, Florida, Emily (Ryan Snyder) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Anne (Chris Fedele) of New York, New York. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Paula and Grace Snyder, Leo and Mark Lyons Bubar, and Austin Fedele, all of whom he loved dearly.

A memorial mass and celebration of his life will be held at Christ the King Chapel, Canisius College on Saturday, December 13th at 11:00am with a reception following. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. The family has requested that memorial contributions be sent to Canisius College Development Office, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo New York, 14208 for the William Callahan Lyons '69 Scholarship Fund.