Bill Lyons, 1915 - 2012

We regret to report the death of Bill Lyons. 

Bill, as he was known to all, was born in Chicago on 28th November 1915, and died Woodland Hills California 2nd May 2012. He joined the MSG in 1974, his first book on Singapore Registration Labels was written jointly with Hong Tuck Kun and published by the Singapore Stamp Club in 1976. His second book Singapore Post Offices and Registration labels was published by the MSG in 1990.

Bill lived and worked in Singapore in the 1970s, his employers probably not realising how this assignment moved his philatelic interests and established his love of Singapore. After his return to California he continued to make visits to Singapore, and continued his study of the post offices there. 

He also visited the UK regularly, he had many friends in both countries, and was a happy friendly man with a ready smile and great humour. When eventually the advancing years made travelling difficult he remained in contact with email, Skype and Facebook, showing a grasp of technology in excess of many younger than him.

During WWII Bill had served in Submarines with the US Navy, he didn’t talk about it but we know he was in Fiji in 1943, as he found time to send cards from small Post Offices. 

Bill was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Marta, and leaves a daughter Jeanette and son-in law Albert.