Rev. Duncan Lyon remembered as the city’s padre
Major Rev. Duncan Lyon, retired minister at Christ Church in Niagara Falls and veterans’ advocate, died July 1.
He was 79.
During his years with the Diocese of Niagara, he ministered to congregations at Holy Trinity in Welland, Christ Church McNab and St. George’s Homer, both in Niagara-on-the-Lake, before spending 10 years at Christ Church in Niagara Falls.
Lyon was a member of the Lincoln & Welland Regiment and he delivered the address during the Remembrance Day service in Niagara Falls for many years.
He was active with the British Canadian Veterans Association, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Royal Canadian Artillery Association, the Order of St. George, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 479 in Niagara Falls.
To many who knew him, he was known simply as the padre.
“He served us very well, he was always available to us,” said Diane Condon, deputy district commander for District B of the Ontario Provincial Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Branch 479 member.
“He always offered comfort to those who were sick and dying. He was always an uplifting spirit, especially if you were feeling a little bit down or things weren’t going quite right.”
Lyon, who founded the Out of the Cold program in Niagara Falls, was also instrumental in helping the Spring Street legion create a veterans’ resource centre.
Condon met with Lyon about a week before his death.
“We sat and had the most candid conversation about death and dying that I’ve ever had in my life,” she recalled.
“We were worried about him, but he was caring for us. That’s what he did the most … he cared for us.”
Ernie Morgan, of Morse & Son Funeral Home, described Lyon as “the town pastor for Niagara Falls.”
“He was a caring individual who could make people feel comfortable with him … from paupers to prime ministers,” he said.
“I have seen him work with generals in the Canadian Army to families who have been deeply in loss. He had a depth and knowledge of all facets of life.”
After retirement, Lyon served the parish of St. John the Evangelist in Niagara Falls as an honorary assistant and returned to Christ Church as an honorary assistant in 2017.
Lyon will rest in front of the altar at Christ Church on Zimmerman Avenue on Monday, July 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. An act of remembrance under the auspices of Branch 479 will take place at 7 p.m. A casket watch will take place over night. A funeral service will be held at the church Tuesday at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at Branch 479 on Spring Street.