Lyle Holyoak

Lyle G. Holyoak passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning of Feb. 3, 2013, after a 20-year battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Mr. Holyoak donated his body to the VA for ALS research. Lyle was born on March 30, 1938, to Ervin and Maxie Lee Holyoak, in Pima, Arizona. He lived most of his life in Arizona and graduated from Bisbee High School with the class of 1957. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He moved to the Durango area in 1973, where he was employed by School District 9R as a bus mechanic for 20 years before taking a medical retirement in 1993. During his employment he earned several awards for outstanding service from both the local school district, Board of Education, and the state of Colorado. Lyle enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. He was a fan of the Denver Broncos, and he was a loyal Colorado Rockies fan, never missing a televised game from the beginning of spring season through the last inning of the last game. In his earlier years in Arizona, he played first base on the Bisbee/Douglas Copper Kings baseball team. He did beautiful wood work, making treasure boxes, lamps, tables, and bowls for his family and friends. Lyle rode his Harley Davidson and took many trips with his son, Bill. He even attended the 100th anniversary Harley Rally in Milwaukee. He loved spending time with and mentoring his children, grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter, whom he called a "real keeper." He is survived by his wife Lucille (Boots) Holyoak, daughter Janis Short of Durango; daughter and son-in-law Dianne and Dan Johnson, and son, William (Bill) McDowell, all of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A celebration of Lyle's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America: MSC-PVA, 12200 E. Iliff Ave., Suite 107, Aurora, CO 80014-5376