Robert Blake Lyon (named after his grandpa Lyon) was born in Moscow. Idaho on November 7, 1972. Of course, he was the cutest baby boy his mom and dad had ever seen, with lots of dark curly hair. At three months old, it was discovered one kidney did not function and at 6 months that kidney was removed. His sister threatened him, yearly, at least, that if he wasn't nice to her she was not going to give him a kidney. That threat really kept Blake in line---well kinda. The doctor who did the kidney surgery told his folks not let him play football or ride motorcycles. He was never interested in football but no one could keep him off motorcycles and he enjoyed many hours cycling with his best buddies, Fred, Bill, Luke, Jeff, Mike and Kirk. His helmet cam caught one incident when he hit a log and went tail over head off the bike....a video worth seeing on America's Funniest Home Videos!

While attending Pullman High School, he won several awards including state awards in welding that allowed him to attend the National competition in Kentucky. He had a real knack for welding and had the scars to prove that he could weld lying on his back under a vehicle and then roll in the hot molten liquid. After graduation, he moved to Spokane to attend the Automotive Machinist Program (not Automotive Mechanic--as he frequently reminded his mother) at Spokane Community College.

His career choices kept him in Spokane for many years. He loved being the parts manager at Spokane Yamaha, a position he held for seven years. All you motorcycle riders out there remember.....as Blake would say, "if you are willing to spend thousands on a motorcycle, don't cheap out on the helmet".

A change in the economy closed Spokane Yamaha and he moved to Moscow, ID right next door to a really pretty lady, he told us. She was really a smart lady, too. As a thank you for shoveling the snow off her driveway, she made chocolate chip cookies and fudge for him!!! As family and friends know, those were his favorites and soon Barb became Blake's most favorite. He proposed one year after their first date and they were married nine months later in a helicopter flight over the Las Vegas Strip. For the last almost six years, they have enjoyed many adventures together; a Caribbean cruise, a trip to Alamo country, Crater Lake National Park, Whitefish, MT, Glacier National Park, Quinn's Hot Springs Resort, MT and many happy evenings and weekends with friends in the Pullman/Moscow area. Barb was instrumental in making his life exciting, fun and full of love.

Service manager at Northwest Auto Supply, Pullman, was added to his career resume in 2009. Thank you, Joel Scourey, for sharing your playroom with Blake these past years.

Blake had a passion for anything related to motorcycle riding, old trucks and cars. He spent a short stint working at Bernie Schultheis Farms. He recently spent his spare time updating and remodeling the home he and Barb share on the Lyon farm.

Blake's sudden death has brought much sadness to his family: wife Barb Lyon of Pullman; father Dale (Kathie) of Pullman; mother Maggie Lyon of Coeur d'Alene, ID; sister Brooke (Pat) Cummings and their children, Bryce and Morgan of Spokane; aunt Linda Petersen of Spokane. He is also survived by one very lively little black and white dog, Miss Dixie, who misses him terribly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. At Blake's request, please send your memorial donations to the Whitman County Fire District 12, W. 912 Main, Pullman, WA 99163.