Novelist and Research Chemist, Dr. Richard K. Lyon, died November 21, 2008 in his Fargo, North Dakota home surrounded by his family.

Born December 22, 1933, Lyon was a graduate of William and Mary and received his PHD in physical chemistry from Harvard. He had a lengthy career in chemistry and he was responsible for many scientific publications and patents for various chemical processes. This included the Thermal DeNox process, a technology which removes pollutants from smoke stack emissions. His contributions to pollution control and alternative energy are used throughout the world. He was honored with many awards, including the ACS award and the IR 100.

Lyon was a Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America member whose first fiction sale was the short story, "The City of Ul Chalan," which appeared in Analog in 1973. With Andrew J Offutt, he wrote 4 novels, starting with Demon in the Mirror which was published in 1977. His single author collection, Tales from the Lyonheart, was published in 2007.

Richard Lyon is survived by his wife of 40 years and two sons. Funeral services will be held November 28th, contact the family for details. The family can be contacted at ILyonheart@cableone.net.

Posted November 26, 2008