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William S. Lyon

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William S. Lyon
NameWilliam S. Lyon
Birth date1948
Birth placeLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Death date2021
Death placeLos Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationBusinessman, Philanthropist, Art Collector
Known forCo-founding Lyon Management Group, Inc., Philanthropy in Los Angeles
SpouseMary Ann Lyon

William S. Lyon was an American businessman, philanthropist, and prominent art collector known for his significant impact on the Los Angeles civic and cultural landscape. As a co-founder of the Lyon Management Group, Inc., he built a substantial real estate and investment portfolio. His philanthropic endeavors, particularly through the William S. and Mary Ann Lyon Foundation, supported a wide range of institutions in Southern California, from UCLA and the University of Southern California to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Early life and education

William S. Lyon was born in 1948 in Los Angeles, a city where his family had deep roots. He was the grandson of General William Lyon, a decorated United States Air Force officer and pioneering homebuilder who founded William Lyon Homes. He attended the Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City before pursuing higher education at the University of Southern California. At USC, he earned a degree in business administration, laying the groundwork for his future career in real estate and finance.

Career

Following his graduation, Lyon embarked on a career in real estate development and investment. In 1974, he co-founded Lyon Management Group, Inc., a diversified firm with holdings in commercial and residential real estate, as well as private equity investments. Under his leadership, the company became a major force in Southern California's property market. Beyond his corporate role, Lyon served on the boards of several influential organizations, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. He was also a dedicated trustee for the University of Southern California, where he contributed to the USC Marshall School of Business and the USC Rossier School of Education.

Personal life

William S. Lyon was married to Mary Ann Lyon, with whom he shared a deep commitment to philanthropy and the arts. The couple had two children and maintained residences in Los Angeles and Aspen, Colorado. An avid art collector, Lyon amassed an important private collection with a focus on Post-war and Contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His passion for collecting was matched by his support for public institutions, and he served as a longtime commissioner for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

Legacy

William S. Lyon's legacy is firmly rooted in his transformative philanthropy and civic leadership. The William S. and Mary Ann Lyon Foundation made substantial gifts to numerous causes, including a landmark donation to name the Lyon Center at UCLA and significant support for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's renovation campaign. His contributions to USC included funding for the Lyon Family Quad at the USC Village. Lyon passed away in 2021 in Los Angeles, remembered as a pivotal figure whose generosity helped shape the educational, cultural, and recreational infrastructure of the city he called home.

Category:American businesspeople Category:American philanthropists Category:Art collectors Category:1948 births Category:2021 deaths