Tribute paid to former councillor

Reporter: Dawn Marsden
Date published: 25 March 2014


A FORMER Failsworth councillor was found dead at home by his distraught sisters.

Andrew Lyon, who represented Failsworth West from 1995-2003, died suddenly at his Greystoke Lane home on March 12, aged 54.

Mr Lyon was born and raised in Failsworth and got involved with the Labour Party to further his keen interest in social housing. He served as a governor at Failsworth Secondary School.

John Johnson, who served alongside Mr Lyon, said: “Andrew was so proud to serve the area he grew up in.”

Mr Lyon never married and had no children, but was very close to his sisters Sue, Jane and the late Carol, who died six years ago.

Before he was elected as a councillor, Mr Lyon suffered a serious accident that left him with a severe spinal injury. Though told he would never walk again, he proved everyone wrong.

Mr Lyon’s funeral will take place at Oldham Crematorium on Wednesday, at 1.30pm.