Bloomington - Alvin Leslie Lyons, II was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1950 and graduated from Colorado College in 1972 with a degree in English and Theater. He played Division III football all 4 years of college and was an avid sports fan. His love of theater stayed with him throughout his life - he was a co-founder of Aspen Stage in Aspen, Colorado in 1983 and was a frequent patron of the arts worldwide. Al contributed to the nonprofit sector for more than 40 years as a consultant, board member, staff leader, educator, and researcher. Al earned his doctorate in Philanthropic Studies at IU and was one of the first four recipients to be awarded a PhD in that field. He taught courses at SPEA in nonprofit management and arts administration. He is survived by his wife Susan of Bloomington, his brothers Jim and Richard, sister Karen as well as four nephews and five nieces. A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 10:30 AM, First United Methodist Church, 219 East 4th Street in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund in memory of Al Lyons, First United Methodist Church, 219 E 4th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408. Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home.
May 9, 2017
Benjamin Jarvis
I had the fortune of being a student of Al's during my time at SPEA. His warm demeanor and smile made class fun, and he engaged with students in a sincere, down-to-earth manner. His contributions were truly considerable, and he will be dearly missed.
May 9, 2017
Adam Poser
I'm saddened to hear of Professor Lyons passing. As a graduate student at IU, Al, as he told me to call him, was one of the most down-to-earth and friendly people, let alone professors, that I've ever encountered. The world, and especially the halls of SPEA, will miss Al's laughter.
April 2, 2017
Babette Ballinger
Al was one of the first persons I met when I moved to Bloomington and we worked together at SCORE. I enjoyed his passion for helping others and the humor, kindness and warmth that he shared as well as his knowledge. He was inspirational to me and I will carrying his wisdom forward. I will miss him.
My condolences, Babette
March 28, 2017
Julie Hatcher
I had the good fortune of being a student with Al in the PhD program in Philanthropic Studies As colleagues "finding our way" in a brand new PhD program, Al always brought forth a spirit of joy, discovery, and calm. He welcomed the opportunity for inquiry that was not bound by tradition, and his expertise as a practitioner was always a grounding force of reality within our discussions. He brought joy through his love of the arts, his students, and his humility. He has lived his life very very well, with a charitable heart towards all. May his memory be eternal.
March 28, 2017
Lucie Gonçalves
It was with great sadness that I learned of Professor Lyons' passing. He was an exceptional man, and is part of my memories for life. He inspired us all international students during our first time studying in the United States, and helped us become better persons, better students and future professionals. I all learned with him during the Fulbright GSEI program is unique and will forever have an impact in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this tragic time.
March 24, 2017
Joe White
The outpouring of condolences from across the globe just highlight how inspiring and well liked Professor Lyons was to an array of students - during my time in Bloomington he was extremely welcoming, and engaged with us all in ways that have shaped the work we do to this day. He lives on in the successes he helped to foster through his wonderful outlook and approach. He will be sorely missed and I send my wishes to his family and friends at this hard time, and my thanks to a wonderful man.
March 24, 2017
Bruno Ferreira
I am very sad to hear about what happened. Professor Al Lyons was a true source of inspiration, a very kind human being, that radically change the way I see the world and look at Business and Capitalism. My deep condolences go to his friends and family. He will be missed.
March 24, 2017
Sharon Thiry
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about the loss of Professor Al Lyons. I had the honor of meeting him during my participation in the GSEI program in 2014. I got to know him as a great teacher, motivator and
true inspiration. He will be sadly missed! My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
March 24, 2017
Juho Kähkönen
Professor Lyons made such a great impression during the month he teach us in Global Social Entrepreneurship Institute (2015). Legacy of Prof. Lyons humanist worldview lives in all over the world through his students. Thank you and rest in peace.
March 24, 2017
Mustafa Murad
I am so sad to hear this news. Al Lyons was a great inspiration and gave me the first experience of attending an university class in the US. My thoughts go to all his family and relatives, and I will let you know that I today use a lot of the competencies gained from Al's classes and He is remembered across the Atlantic Ocean in Denmark, where, he told me, he had ancestors from - Mustafa, GSEI 2014 Indiana University - From Denmark
March 24, 2017
Dee Campbell
Extremely sad to hear the news of this loss.Condolences with all those closest to him at this difficult time. I learned from Professor Lyons in a summer exchange from Ireland. In just a few short weeks he taught me so much, and left a lifelong impression. He inspired me, and so many, to do great things with our lives and gave me the skills to do so. Eternally grateful. A life well lived.
March 24, 2017
Rúben Rebelo
Professor Lyons was an incredible person, who taught me very important lessons. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
March 24, 2017
Emily Bagienski
I'm very sorry to hear of Prof. Lyon's passing, and my thought go out to his family. He was a wonderful professor and a wonderful human being. I know his impact will live on in the many students he inspired around the world.
March 24, 2017
Yannis Kapilou
Professor Lyons was an inspiration for all of us coming from Europe. He showed us ways to contribute in the non-profit we could never imagine and devoted his life doing good. I am glad I was blessed enough to meet him in my life.
March 23, 2017
Danielle McClelland
My thoughts go out to all of Al's friends and family. He was a great inspiration and impacted many, many people.
March 23, 2017
Corbett Hall
Professor Lyons is the reason I stayed in college. I never got the chance to tell him, but he is a helpful, caring, insightful person. I took every class he taught at IU just to learn from him. He is, above all, inspiring.
March 22, 2017
Rae
So sorry to hear about the loss of Professor Lyons. He was a great teacher and his passion for nonprofits was shown throughout his class. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him.
March 22, 2017
Family
Joyce & Leonard Toepper
The family in Wisconsin thought of Al often. His uncle Glenn became very close to Al during remodeling of the old mill in Shopiere Wi. Uncle Glenn was and avid follower of his football career in college. Both uncle Leonard and I were saddened to hear of his sudden illness and death. He was my oldest nephew my sisters son. Or sympathy goes out to Susan and hopefully she has many fond memories will get her through these rough times...
March 22, 2017
His family here in Wisconsin thought of him often. It is a sad day for his Uncle Glenn, who he became very close to during the remodeling of the mill in Shopiere on Turtle Creek. Uncle Glenn also followed his college football career in Colorado. Both his Uncle Leonard and I feel a special loss in this the oldest nephew and son of my sister. Our sympathies to Susan at this difficult time of her life. I know she has many good memories to help her through this. Love, Aunt Joyce
March 20, 2017
Debbie Woodruff
So very sorry you have lost your life partner. I can only imagine such pain.
I hope you find solace in your memories and in the people around you who knew and loved him.
March 20, 2017
Sara Batman
We love you Susan. We lament his loss with you and you are heavy on our hearts. Matthew 2:18
March 20, 2017
Sarah Mosier
My thoughts are with the friends and family of Dr. Lyons. He taught a nonprofit management class I attended as an undergraduate and I would see him around campus ever since then. It was clear that he worked very hard and was very dedicated to his students. He was a pleasant and inspiring presence in the classroom and out of it.
March 20, 2017
Kraig Cole
Dear Susan and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Dr. Lyons was one of my favorite professors during graduate studies at IU. He was incredibly warm, humble, and approachable.
I have no doubt that he positively influenced the lives of many students throughout his career.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 20, 2017
Glenda Murray
Dear Susan and family,
We send our sympathy. I always enjoyed seeing him at events around town. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
March 20, 2017
Tom Ward
To Susan and Al's family, I send you my condolences. Al and I did a number of shows together in Aspen, he as director, and me as designer. We also served together on the Aspen Stage board. His passing is a loss for all of us who love theatre as I know l did. Tom Ward
March 18, 2017
Patricia Reynolds
Dear Susan, I am so very sorry for your loss. As you remember, Al was our fundraising consultant at Ingham Medical Center for many many years. I can't think of those "Camelot" years without thinking of Al. He inspired our every success from fundraising to special events. His zest for travel, theatre, literature, and culinary delights were inspirational and colored all our endeavors. And his laugh? I can hear it even now and it makes me smile. I'm so happy he found you and so sad that he left too soon. You really are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 18, 2017
Dear Susan: I was saddened to read today of Al's passing. He will be keenly missed by all of us at the BPP. His work with the Directors Circle and the Future Fund Committee was invaluable. And I know he made similar contributions to many other arts organizations across the country. Best wishes to you in the days to come. Sonja Johnson
March 18, 2017
Gary & Liane Johnson
To Susan and family, we are so sorry for your loss, but we pray you have peace in God's promise.
March 16, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Funeral services provided by:
Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home4150 East Third St, Bloomington, IN 47401
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more