Dennis Lyon

Dennis Drew Lyon was born in the small town of Hayden in northwestern Colorado. Like many kids growing up in the rural ranch and farm areas, he followed an agricultural path when he headed off to college. While at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, he fell in love with Penny Sterling, a barrel racing cowgirl from Canon City. The two were married in the late summer of 1969, and Dennis graduated in 1970 from CSU with a degree in Horticulture with an emphasis in Turf Management. He and Penny welcomed son Lane on Christmas Day, 1970. Dennis then spent two years in the Army on active duty and the small family of 3 was stationed for a time in Germany. 

Following his military service, Dennis was hired as the Assistant Superintendent at Heather Ridge Country Club, by a college friend, Bill Jewell. After one year at Heather Ridge, he applied for the position of Superintendent at Aurora Municipal Golf Course, currently Aurora Hills. During his nearly 40-year career that followed, Dennis helped the City of Aurora grow from 1 golf course when he started, to 7 in 2010 when he retired. Dennis and Penny often chuckled about how the golf division grew around the same time their own family was expanding. Son Corey was born in 1973 – around the time Springhill Golf Course was acquired, then daughter Casey was born in 1978, a year after the city purchased Meadow Hills, and youngest daughter Jesse was born in 1987 shortly before the city opened Centre Hills. His family and his golf courses were his pride and joy. Throughout his career, Dennis was recognized locally and nationally for his contributions to the golf industry and golf course management.

 An inductee of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, Dennis received the national USGA Green Section Award and served as president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the Colorado Golf Association. During his tenure with the city of Aurora, he served as general chairman of the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship held at Murphy Creek – where he and Penny also bought a home. 

In retirement, Dennis enjoyed writing articles and opportunities to speak on leadership and lessons learned over his remarkable career. 

Dennis passed away unexpectedly on February 19th, 2025, at the Medical Center of Aurora, after initially showing signs of flu. An apparent rare blockage to the blood flow in his small intestines made surgery and other life saving efforts unsuccessful. He was surrounded by his family and their outpouring of love when he died.

 His surviving family members are wife Penny, adult children: Lane, Corey (Lydia), Casey Sullivan (John), Jesse, and grandchildren: Alex, Cassie, Madi, Aedan Sullivan, Abby Sullivan and Allie Sullivan, plus bonus family members Brandi (Stud) and Sara Greek, Mali, Saijin, and Taymin.

 In celebrating Dennis's life, his family will cherish the countless memories they shared of a proud dad and Papa; a CSU superfan who never missed a chance to sing the fight song as loud as possible… a guy who loved his birthday, good food, his community, his pups Putter and Sunny, his fish tanks, and many yard projects. He took great pride in his work, valued his accomplishments, and truly loved his life. They invite others to honor his legacy by embracing their passions and living life to the fullest.