Obituary: Lyden, Judge John M.
Age 77
He was the son of Patrick and Helen (Sabbe) Lyden.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Elaine (Hurley) Lyden, sister Gail Mangum, children Patrick (Butte, MT), John (Denver, CO), Maureen (Spokane, WA) and Tom (and Megan in Bellingham, WA), and grandchildren Karrigan, August, and Atlas.
John was born in Kellogg, Idaho on October 18, 1937.
He grew up as a farmer’s son, playing baseball with the town team club, herding cattle and driving tractor.
He graduated from Plummer High School in 1955.
After high school, he attended the University of Idaho for a short stint participating with the football team.
He then went on to attend Carroll College and graduated in 1960.
While at Carroll College he played football and baseball and met many great lifelong friends, including his wife, Elaine.
John and Elaine were married on a cool, sunny day (-40 degrees) in Butte, Montana on January 19, 1963.
They moved to Tensed, Idaho where they farmed the family farm and started their family.
John also taught middle school and high school at St. Maries, Plummer and Potlatch.
In 1971, they moved to Moscow, Idaho while he attended law school at the University of Idaho.
In 1974, they moved to Clarkston where he began practicing law with Donald W. Moore.
He went on to serve as Prosecuting Attorney, District Court Judge and finally a Superior Court Judge for Asotin, Garfield and Columbia counties.
He remained on the Superior Court bench for 13 years until retiring in 2001.
He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force.
He enjoyed fishing, watching sports, was an avid Notre Dame fan and later got on the Gonzaga basketball bandwagon.
He also had a keen interest in politics based on his deep beliefs in social justice and fairness.
St. Patrick’s Day was one of his favorite days - he was able to get one more in before leaving us.
John was preceded in death by his son Joseph Daniel and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wishing to honor John make a donation in his name to their favorite charity.
Please join the family for a drop-in social gathering to honor John on April 11th from 3:00-6:00 at the Quality Inn Sternwheel Ballroom.
Please sign the online Book of Memories at www.merchantfuneralhome.com.
MERCHANT FUNERAL HOME, Clarkston, WA