SHAUGHNESSY,
Lyle Eugene
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Lyle Eugene Shaughnessy passed away Oct. 12, 2014, after a long battle against Alzheimer’s Disease. Lyle was born Aug. 31, 1944, to John Joseph (Joe) Shaughnessy and Dorothy (Lamb) Pisel Shaughnessy in Alliance, Neb. After Joe returned from World War II, the family moved to Mirage Flats, just south of Hay Springs, Neb., to farm. Lyle would often share colorful stories of growing up throughout the years on the family farm.
Although Lyle loved the country life, after graduating high school in 1962, he left for the big city and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 1966 with a bachelor of science degree in horticulture. Just after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force during the tumultuous Vietnam Era, serving in the Philippines. Once returning stateside, he served at Little Rock Air Force Base, until his honorable discharge in 1970. Lyle then returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning his master’s degree in urban horticulture, forestry and education in 1972.
Lyle met the love of his life and soon, on Aug. 3, 1973, married Mary Gay Ellis. Mary and Lyle lived in Scottsbluff, Neb., for one year before settling in Bridgeport, Neb., where Lyle worked as an agriculturist for the Great Western Sugar Company from 1973-1975.
At the cornerstone of Lyle’s life was being an amazing husband and father. Lyle became a loving father to Angela in 1975 and Ryan in 1981.
During the next 13 years, Lyle worked as the parks and recreation director in Alliance. His work included developing Laing Park, Sallow’s Conservatory & Arboretum, the city softball and baseball fields, all the while managing the city golf course, parks and cemetery. One of his proudest moments was refurbishing Central Park and the city fountain that was originally built during the Depression – a meaningful, personal moment for Lyle, as his own father, Joe, had helped originally build Central Park and the Fountain.
In 1989, Lyle and family relocated to Wickenburg, where he became the community services director for the Town of Wickenburg for 14 years. Lyle left a legacy unmatched during his tenure, developing nearly 800 acres of parks including Sunset Park, Constellation Park, Everett Bowman Rodeo Grounds, expanding the city’s library and cemetery, and renovating the Community Center. He did all of this while serving as risk manager and health insurance coordinator for the town.
Horticulture, nature, and the love of outdoors compelled Lyle to become certified as an international arborist and he was honored as a lifelong member of the Arizona Tree Council.
He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2002, and offered himself as a clinical studies volunteer at Sun Health Research Center. His wife, Mary, cared for him at their home in Sun City West for over 11 years until he had to be placed in Sunshine Village Assisted Living.
Besides remodeling their Sun City West home after moving to the Valley in 2003, they enjoyed several cruises and had an RV for a time to enjoy the summers in cooler areas.
Lyle was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Dorothy Shaughnessy, and brother, Dale Shaughnessy.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Angela Jo of Chandler and Ryan (Jessica) of San Diego; sister, Anita (Larry) Hatch of Phoenix; brother, Steve (Lisa) of Albuquerque; as well as his mother-in-law, Mary Jo Ellis of Scottsbluff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Arizona Community Tree Council, Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of the Valley, or Sunshine Village Assisted Living.
A memorial service will be held at Best Funeral Homes of Peoria, Ariz. All friends and family are welcome to attend services to celebrate Lyle’s life at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in the Best Funeral Home’s Chapel at 9380 W. Peoria Ave. (just off the 101 freeway on the right) in Peoria.