Petersburg Pilot -

William Colyn Lyons was born December 11, 1933 to George and Mary Lyons in Petersburg, Alaska. He joined a large family consisting of nine brothers and two sisters. He spent part of his childhood on his family's fox farm.

Bill married Ann Arness in 1956 and soon after was drafted into the army where he served in Anchorage from 1956 until 1958. While in Anchorage he worked in the motor pool and drove a military taxi.

During his service his first child was born, Debra Ann. He received an honorable discharge in 1958 and moved his family back to Petersburg. Soon after, Bill's second child was born, Barbara Jean. Lastly, his third child was born, James Patrick.

Bill worked at the Trading Union delivering groceries, for Petersburg Motors and then for the city of Petersburg as a mechanic. He excelled at mechanics but was happiest while hunting and fishing. He loved hunting and shot his fair share of deer and moose in his lifetime. Bill gained a lot of knowledge about firearms and loved his bolt action rifles. He enjoyed reloading ammunition and checkering rifle stocks.

He spent much of his time power trolling on his boat, the Alberta J. There are many fond memories of fishing trips and salmon caught aboard that boat. He was born and raised in Petersburg and spent most of his life here. A lover of the outdoors, Bill so enjoyed being in the woods or on the water.

Bill was preceded in death by brothers Courtney, Burton, Myron, Jack, Patrick, Bob, David and sister Myrtis.

He is survived by his brother Neil and sister Ann; daughters Debra and Barbara; son James; grandchildren Jessica, Heather, Aydan and Addyson; and great-grandchildren Porter, Averie and Kasen.

Bill passed away on August 4, 2023 in Petersburg, Alaska with his children at his side.