Al Lyon, Depression Era Builder, Dies

Funeral services will be held today for Al “A” Lyon, a former Los Angeles pharmacist and builder and the father of prominent Orange County developer William Lyon. Lyon died in his sleep at his South Laguna home Tuesday, three days before his 90th birthday.

William Lyon, chairman and founder of the William Lyon Co. and chairman of AirCal, has often attributed his success to the inspiration and guidance of his father, a builder of apartments and duplexes in Los Angeles during the Depression Era. William Lyon also is chairman of Golden West Homes.

Al Lyon was born in Russia, emigrated to the United States when he was 17 and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War I. He later worked as a pharmacist in Los Angeles and owned a wholesale drug business.

With his sons, William and Leon, Lyon started a wholesale beverage company, “A” Lyon and Sons, a major importer of Kahlua from Mexico. Lyon also served as chairman of Guardian Thrift and Loan in Los Angeles from 1953 to 1959.

In addition to his sons, Lyon is survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was married to the late Mary Susan Lyon. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Old North Church at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills.