Tributes to newsman Ron Lyon (88), an 'old school' journalist who also served his Highland community as a councillor
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TRIBUTES have been paid to dedicated newspaper man and former Highland councillor Ron Lyon who has died aged 88.
Mr Lyon, who was a former news editor of our sister paper, the Inverness Courier, had also worked on other publications including the Sun newspaper as its Highland representative.
He was also a fitness enthusiast and continued jogging until a couple of years ago.
He passed away peacefully at his home in Kennedy Drive following a long illness.
Mr Lyon leaves his wife of 62 years, Iris, plus daughter Gail and sons Inglis and Edward.
Originally from Brechin, Mr Lyon became a well-known journalist in the Highlands.
He was the Highland bureau chief for the Aberdeen Journal titles, the Press and Journal and Evening Express, before joining the Inverness Courier.
He also served as an independent councillor for many years in Inverness West, stepping down in 2007.
Gordon Fyfe, a former newspaper colleague, recalled he was a “hugely-respected” journalist.
“He was of the old school,” he reflected.
“He loved getting exclusive stories.
“He did his research and you could always depend on him for accuracy.
“You couldn’t find a harder working and accurate journalist who also reflected the stories which interested the local community.”
He was also a life member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Mr Fyfe, a former chairman and secretary of the Highlands and Islands branch of the NUJ, said Mr Lyon had played an active role in the branch.
He also recalled that Mr Lyon had been inspired to take up running after reading a newspaper article about fitness.
“He challenged a couple of us in the office to go running with him but he was still running well into his 80s,” he said.
Another former colleague, Inverness journalist David Love, said: “He was very much a dedicated newspaper man and also a dedicated family man as well as being dedicated to the people he served in his local authority division.”
Mr Lyon was an elder at the Old High Church in Inverness for 29 years.
A private service will be held for family members.
Donations in memory of Mr Lyon can be made to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), a charity he supported and collected for over the years.
