Hardy Clayton Lyons, 82

Hardy Clayton Lyons, devoted husband and loving father, passed away peacefully in the company of family on Aug. 21, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2005, at the First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint.

The son of Harry and Jessie (Lowry) Lyons, Hardy was born in 1923, and was raised in Sandpoint. He attended Sandpoint High School and upon graduating, joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the South Pacific during World War II.

Hardy continued his education, starting at the University of California (Berkley) and later transferred to the University of Idaho, where he joined the Delta Chi fraternity. He graduated with a law degree in 1949.

Hardy began his law career in Bonners Ferry, but soon moved his practice to his hometown of Sandpoint. He was elected the prosecuting attorney for Bonner County in 1950 and 1952. He practiced as an attorney for 30 years in North Idaho, primarily in Sandpoint. In 1979 Hardy was appointed to the position of Magistrate Judge in the First Judicial District of the state of Idaho. He served with distinction as a judge in the North Idaho community for over 15 years. Hardy retired at the end of 1984, but returned to the bench to serve as needed and at the request of the Idaho Courts.

Hardy Lyons married Jean Seymour on Nov. 18, 1950. Hardy and Jean raised six children and were active in the Sandpoint community. Hardy was a member of the Elks Lodge, Masons, and the First Presbyterian Church in Sandpoint. He was an avid golfer and tennis player.

While respected as an attorney and judge, Hardy's family was always the main passion of his life. His support of family and extraordinary commitment to his wife, Jean, will long be remembered.

Hardy was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

He is survived by his six children: Kent (Tyana), Anne Haynes (Jim), Marc (Maggie), Dan (Marty), Clay (Karen Milena) and Jason (Jana); seventeen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and sisters Jean Kee and Marian Contor. He will be remembered with love by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.