~ IN MEMORY ~
Navy veteran, WA/DL Capt. Robert Godfrey Lyon Jr.
December 8, 1939 – February 22, 2023
Robert Godfrey Lyon Jr. passed away peacefully on the morning of February 22, 2023. He died at home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 83. Rob was born on December 8, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, to a large family that included a twin sister and three brothers. After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Robert joined the Navy as a naval aviator where he flew F-8 Crusaders in the Vietnam War. During his Navy years, Rob flew multiple active combat missions before ending his military career as a test pilot. As a civilian, Rob moved on to a career as an airline pilot, first with Western and later, Delta Air Lines, where he met his wife of 40 years, Robin. After retiring from the airlines, Robert and Robin began a non-profit rescuing abused and neglected animals and training them to visit nursing homes and hospitals. Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals has now been a Sonoma non-profit for nearly 25 years.
Rob is survived by his wife, Robin, two brothers, Bruce and Dean, four children, Tracy, Banning, William, and Lynette, and five grandchildren, Kenny, Cammie, Madi, Daisy, and Lark.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
19221 Lyon Ranch Road, Sonoma CA 95476
Donations in Robert’s honor can be made to Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals through the website:
