Michael Lydon, age 51, of Park City, Utah, passed away Friday, Nov. 7, in a climbing accident in Bell Canyon, Utah. Adventure was in Mike's soul. He took every opportunity to climb, hike, backcountry ski, and travel around the world for work or with his family.
Mike was born in Massachusetts, and grew up in Spokane, Washington. He went to college in Seattle at the University of Washington where he studied aerospace engineering, and then went on to get his Masters at CU Boulder. He had a 20-year career in the military, including teaching at the Air Force Academy, working at the Pentagon, and flying a C-130 around the world. He also flew commercially with Delta Airlines.
But what meant the most to Mike was his family and close friends and spending time together. His community was widespread, and he took every opportunity to stay connected. He was a deeply engaged husband and father. He shared his love of the outdoors with his wife and kids, and regularly set aside time for travel and individual adventures with each member of his family.
He pushed everyone he knew to be their best and to use their minds to think critically. His daughter, Caleigh, published a piece about their family's dinnertime conversations, writing how Mike encouraged everyone to share their opinions with thoughtful reasoning and a sense of humor while "passing the salt."
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jill, his two children Sean (age 13) and Caileigh (age 15), parents Francis and Mary, sisters Cheryl, Lisa, and Patricia, and many friends and extended family in all corners of the world. He will be greatly missed but remembered by all whenever in the mountains. As one climbing buddy said, "I will listen for Mike's quiet demeanor on the other side of that ridgeline this winter."
Services are planned for Friday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Park City Community Church, 4501 N. Highway 224, Park City, Utah 84098, with a celebration of Mike's life to follow. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a college fund for Caleigh and Sean. Please send donations to Mountain America Credit Union at 1672 W. Newpark Blvd. Park City, Utah 84098, c/o the Lydon College Fund Trust #9959328. The family is collecting pictures and stories of Mike's adventures with his friends. If you have a photo you would like to contribute, please bring a copy with a brief description of your adventure with Mike written on the back to the memorial service or send an electronic version to Cheryl Lydon at scigal_sea@yahoo.com.