David (Dan to family) passed away peacefully after a brief illness, with family by his side. 

Predeceased by his wife Essie of 56 years in 2016 and his son Rob in 2015.  Survived by his daughter Adair (Todd Lisso) , granddaughters Montana (Nick Barczai) and Kennedy Lisso, grandsons Jesse Lyons and Dalton (Lexi) Lisso and two great-grandsons Walker Barczai and Bohdan Lisso. 

Dan was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in Elyria, Ohio. He attended Kemper Military School in Missouri and then on to Ohio State where he received a Degree in Geophysical Engineering (PEng).  It was at Ohio State where he met Essie, a Winnipeg girl working on her Master’s Degree. 

Following Ohio State, Dan answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army.  In the Army he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major as a sniper specialist.  After his honourable discharge, he remained in the Army Reserves until the end of the Vietnam War. 

Following their marriage in 1960, Dan and Essie settled in Thompson, Manitoba where Dan was a Geologist for International Nickel. 

After three years,  they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for Dan’s new job with Nordberg Manufacturing.  It was with Nordberg  and the sale of mining machinery that Dan travelled the world. After his retirement Dan sat down with a world map to list the countries he had travelled to.  We soon realized that it would be easier to list the countries he had NOT been to. He could count those countries on just two hands. 

In the 70’s Dan was given the choice of two promotions… move to Johannesburg and manage African operations or move to Ontario and manage Canadian operations.   Dan, Essie and the kids moved to Elora in 1975. 

Dan continued to work for Nordberg/Rexnord until retirement. Around that time in his 60’s Dan decided to take control of his health. Besides being a scratch golfer, he began running and took up karate at Gorge Karate in Elora.  Typically Dan ran 10k each day and was a fixture on the streets of Elora well into his 80’s.  Through hard work and commitment, he obtained his 3rd degree black belt in his 60’s.  He was dedicated to his Elora dojo and spent many hours teaching and mentoring. He developed friendships that lasted to his final days. 

In accordance with his wishes, Dan has been cremated and his ashes will be spread,  along with those of Essie and Rob,  at the family cottage on Brereton Lake, Manitoba –  a place of joy for Dan, Essie and the whole Lyons family. 

Dan truly had a life well lived!