Irwin A. Lyons

July 24th, 2015

I was a very young auditor when I worked with Irwin at FERS on some of his governmental clients. He was very generous with this time and knowledge. He was also very patient. Thank God!

He always said he was only wrong once and that’s when he thought he was wrong but he was really right. It was the first time I had ever heard that line and I still use it use it all the time. LOL

My condolences to his family whom he often spoke of in glowing terms.

~Abe Walker
~former FERS colleague,

July 24th, 2015

I met Irwin in the early 90s and worked with him on many committees and activities both in the ICPA and IGFOA. He was a really nice guy with intellect beyond his years. He gained my respect and admiration early on. Irwin always had a smile and took life as it came, always finding sense in things. When I got the news of his passing today, it greatly saddened my heart.

My prayers and condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

~Hella Tomczak
~Friend and Colleague, Earlville, Illinois

July 24th, 2015

I also enjoyed talking to Irwin at the IGFOA conferences each year. He always had a smile on his face and was very welcoming to any newcomers. He will be missed by all of us at IGFOA.

My sincerest apologies to the Lyons family.

~Kim Auchstetter
~Colleague, New Lenox, IL

July 24th, 2015

Dear Marsha, Harmon, Missy, Lori, Ben, Howard and Judy, Aunt Ruth and (families)
I cannot put into words our heartfelt condolences, saddened deeply by another great loss.
It did not matter, 1str 2nd or 3rd cousin, he was there. Always in touch with everyone, making sure we were all ok, made sure he was available to visit during business trips to Chicago and being at every family function, even if it meant flying somewhere to get there.
His pride an joy were his children and grandchildren. He was a good soul inside and out.

I am sorry that we could not be with you all this weekend. Thinking about you and giving you long distance hugs.

Elyse, Paul, Gillian and Sophie

~Elyse and paul Belkin
~cousins, Branchburg NJ

July 23rd, 2015

Irwin was one of my first supervisors on a governmental audit for Kane County . He was very knowledgeable, a true professional, and was highly respected by the government officials at the County. Later worked with him on a school district audit where again I learned a lot and saw the respect from those officials. He was truly inspirational in my career (and i am certain countless others) in local government and serving it in the private sector. He was also a friend.

Lyons family…I am sorry for your loss and may his memory be with you always.

~Spiro C. Hountalas
~friend & colleague, Naperville, IL

July 23rd, 2015

Irwin taught one of my first accounting courses. When he pulled up in a motorcycle the first day of class I knew this was someone I wanted to get to know – an accountant who rode motorcycles! That was in the middle 1980’s and we had been friends ever since. Irwin was always willing to give me some time and advice knowing nonprofit accounting can be a stressful profession. When we lunched occasionally he was always so proud and happy talking about his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a kind, generous man and friend and I will miss him so very much. Condolences to all of Irwin’s family.

~Marlene Halperin
~Colleague and Friend, Northbrook, il

July 23rd, 2015

I was very saddened to learn about Irwin’s accident. I knew he loved his motor cycle. When I joined the firm he was one of the first to welcome me. Every summer he and I would watch the air show from our office windows (until the NBC tower went up) on Saturday mornings. Irwin was a good guy and he will be missed.

~Paul Hofman
~FERS partner,

July 23rd, 2015

I will always remember Irwin as a warm friendly person. I would see him at Illinois Government Finance Officers events. He was generous with his time and his wonderful expertise.

~Mary Dankowski
~fellow professional, Park Forest, Il

July 23rd, 2015

Irwin was a trusted and well liked colleague. His knowledge of governmental accounting was extensive and he gave unselfishly to his community and to the GFOA and IGFOA organizations. I will miss his laugh and stories about motorcycle riding in Arizona. My sincerest condolences to his family.

~Susan Griffin
~colleague, Lake Bluff, iL

July 23rd, 2015

Irwin was the Partner in Charge of the municipality’s audit. Because of his generous spirit and kindness, he was more than a business acquaintance, he was a friend.

~Diane Lembesis
~Client,

July 23rd, 2015

I will remember Irwin as a fellow member on the IGFOA TARC for many, many years and on the ICPAS Gov’t Executive Committee. I will miss hearing his stories:
his Alaska trip, his motorcycle tours, the deal he got on the Mormon musical, how he was enjoying his semi-retirement, hearing about his daughter and son and how well they were doing, his grandchildren and what joy they brought to his life. He just seemed to be at such a perfect point in his life, where he was enjoying everything, I kept telling him that I wanted to get my retirement as well run as his was.

I will also miss him at TARC and ICPAS committee meetings, I won’t know where to sit as I always sat next to him so I could ask him questions about the various pronouncements that we were reviewing…

~Rita Trainor
~Business, Wheaton, IL

July 23rd, 2015

I was very blessed to have seen Irwin a few weeks ago when we both attended Ed McKee’s retirement party in Winnetka. We were able to catch up on what was happening with our families and found we had the same number of grandchildren.

May our everlasting Father grant him and the folks he loved and loved him peace.

Blessings to all.

~Greg Peters
~Friend & Colleague, Oak Park, IL

July 23rd, 2015

Irwin always has a smile on his face and a good story to tell. I will truly miss him.

~DOUG COOPER
~associate in IGFOA, Brookfield

July 23rd, 2015

I was saddened to hear of Irwin’s passing. I knew him through IGFOA and enjoyed talking with him. I even enjoyed his stint as our auditor in Bartlett. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

~Kathy Booth
~colleague, Akron, Ohio

July 23rd, 2015

To Marsha and children- I am so sorry to hear about Irwin’s passing. I have many good memories of our time on the high school board. I always felt he was fair, smart, and above all- a kind man. My sympathy to the entire family.

~Susan Isenberg
~Friend, Glenview,il

July 23rd, 2015

Marsha and family, my sincere condolences, may his memory be a blessing.

~Jill Feldman
~Beth Hillel member, Skokie, il

July 22nd, 2015

Irwin & Henry riding elevators and pushing buttons at our wedding. Irwin & family moving to Skokie. (our lucky day) Irwin marrying Marsha. (also a lucky day) Weekly phone calls checking up on ALL OF US and keeping all of us together. Traveling together, such fun. Also the best son in the whole world.

Irwin, we will miss you beyond words. Love you forever.

Eileen & Gary

~Gary & Eileen
~Cousins, Scottsdale, AZ