Gary E Lyons

Gary E Lyons

September 02, 1957 - January 30, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Gary Edward Lyons, age 65, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. He was born in Fitchburg, MA, the son of William and Jeanette Lyons.


Gary received a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.  He completed his post-doctoral training at Stanford University and the Pasteur Institute in Paris.  Gary served as a professor in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in the Cell and Regenerative Biology Department for 28 years, retiring in 2019.


Gary was very passionate about science and teaching. In his lab, he mentored undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and visiting professors; published over 130 scientific papers and book chapters, and especially enjoyed collaborating with a variety of colleagues. He was an enthusiastic, approachable and admired instructor for first year Medical students. He served on a number of UW and community committees, of which he was particularly honored to serve on Medical School Admissions Committees, the Disability Accommodation Advisory Committee and the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee.


Gary received a number of academic and teaching awards, but he was most proud of the two Distinguished Teaching Awards conferred upon him by his students.


He was a wonderful cook and a big supporter of local farms who enjoyed going to the Farmers’ Markets. He enjoyed traveling, listening to live music and attending live theater.  


Gary is survived by his wife, Jayne Squirrell; brothers, William (Karen) Lyons and Robert Lyons; sister, Patricia (Robert) Keller; niece Ginger (Brad) Brown and nephew Kevin (Megan) Lyons and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held in the atrium of the HEALTH SCIENCE LEARNING CENTER, UW SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH, 750 Highland Ave., Madison, at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023.  A short program from 4:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. will be followed by a time for remembrance.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Adapted Fitness Program Fund 112300020 through the University of Wisconsin Foundation (www.supportuw.org/), Agrace HospiceCare (www.agrace.org/donate/donate-today/), Olbrich Gardens (www.olbrich.org/donate/donations.cfm), Overture Center for the Arts (www.overture.org/) or Gary E. Lyons Medical Student Scholarship honoring Gary's passion for teaching (give.wiscmedicine.org/GaryLyonsScholarship).



Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761


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Gary
PK
Pam Kreeger
Other •
Gary was a wonderful and kind colleague - he will be greatly missed.
BD
Becky Duffy
Other •
Gary was such an important part of the School of Medicine and Public Health, teaching future doctors, serving on the admissions committee and conducting interviews. He was loved by his students and we will miss him dearly.
BR
Brooke Resch
Other •
I was really struggling in my first year of med school and Dr Lyons gave me lots of pep talks and encouragement during his office hours. He was one of the few people there who made me feel like I belonged and like I was going to get through it. So grateful to have been one of his students. Sad to hear of his passing and also smiling remembering what a great teacher he was.
JW
Julie Waisbren
Other •
Dr Lyons was one of the best teachers I have had in my medical career. It was always so clear that he cared deeply about his students' education and success. He pushed us to study hard and give our all. To this day (15 years later) I remember the beautiful photos of his travels before our lectures, how scared I was before his tests, and his eagerness to teach and answer questions. He made such an impact on me in medical school and I cannot thank him enough for that. He will be missed greatly.
TM
Tim McConville
Other •
I had the privilege of knowing Gary for many years as a patient in my dental practice. He was always upbeat and pleasant despite whatever obstacles were confronting him. A great guy; he will be missed.
PS
Pam Sprecher-Galka
Other •
Jayne, I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a wonderful person. I always enjoyed every visit with him at GHC. He was a ray of sunshine in my day. Reading his obituary it sounds like he touched many, many peoples lives in positive ways. Take care of yourself as much as you can during this sad time. Pam Sprecher

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