Community celebrates the life of David Lyon

SANDPOINT — Hundreds of mourners packed the Sandpoint Middle School auditorium Saturday to celebrate the life of U.S. Air Force Capt. David Lyon.

Lyon was killed during a combat advisory mission with Afghan National Army Commandos when a car bomb detonated near his convoy on Dec. 27, 2013, in Kabul. The Bonner County native was 28.

Surviving family members were presented with the Gold Star Flag by Bill Stevens of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2453 and a Medal of Valor by Allen Hacker of Sandpoint Elks Lodge No. 1376.

“David threw his heart into every task set before him,” Crosby Tajan, Lyon’s offensive-line coach on the Sandpoint High School football team, said during the ceremony’s eulogy.

Tajan recalled Lyon’s adeptness at learning and growing, in addition to his knack for ribbing others, although a flash of his trademark dimples would tend to give away his playful intent.

Lyon’s sense of humor carried through to his graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, which he boldly celebrated with the Commander in Chief of the nation’s armed forces at the time.

“He delighted and amazed his family by high-fiving President George W. Bush,” said Tajan.

Tajan also admitted that he took for granted how honorable and service-oriented Lyon was.

“He wanted action and purpose, and he was not going to be denied,” said Tajan.

Lifelong friend Scott Fitchett read a poem written by Lyon’s mother. The stanzas connected Lyon’s deep reverence for the natural world with reminders that he was on the right path in his life and faith, and urged people not to weep for him because of his sacrifice.

Satini Puailoa, head coach of the SHS football team, said Lyon was an undeniable talent on and off the field, but was never boastful and always managed to draw people into his orbit through an air of humility and acceptance of others.

Puailoa remembered peals of belly laugh that would erupt during intense video game sessions and Lyon’s incorruptibility tended to set parents at ease when their kids were with him.

Lyon’s parents, Bob and Jeannie, would thank teachers and coaches for helping their son be an upstanding individual, although Puailoa said the praise was misplaced because it was Lyon’s upbringing that made him that way.

“They don’t come to us that way — except David,” said Puailoa.

Lyon went on to notch SHS athletic records which remain unbroken and Puailoa recalled the cap to his high school track-and-field career in the state shot put championship.

“On the very last throw of his high school career, he throws and breaks the school and state record with one throw to go. And that was David — clutch,” said Puailoa.

Pastor Steve Neuder also offered prayers during the ceremony.

“The love of God that David experienced through his family — through schools and coaches, the community — served him well as he headed off to distant lands,” said Neuder, whose daughter, Julia, read from an essay she penned for the VFW.

“David’s body has been laid to rest, but not his spirit,” artist Nelson Boren said in his prayers during the ceremony.

Lyon’s wife, Dana, said during her preamble to the ceremony’s closing prayer that she was overwhelmed by the support the community offered.

“Thanks for wrapping your loving arms around me and my family,” she said.