Richard Jay Lyman

Richard Jay Lyman

November 5, 1949 – November 7, 2024

Richard Jay Lyman passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024, at Avalon Skilled Nursing Facility in San Andreas, California, at the age of 75. Born on November 5, 1949, in Carmichael, California, Richard lived a life marked by curiosity, intelligence, and a love for learning.

From an early age, Richard’s exceptional talents were evident. Selected to attend a school for gifted children during the first grade, he developed skills that defined his lifelong thirst for knowledge—mastering French and Latin, excelling in chess, and immersing himself in history, geography, English, and art.

Richard had a passion for cars, spending countless hours rebuilding vehicles for friends and family. His mechanical skills and creativity were unmatched. He owned and operated Amador Auto Glass and was a regular competitor in demolition derbies, where he placed third for two consecutive years and won first place another year.

In recent years, Richard found great joy in his spiritual journey. He was re-baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became a devoted member of the Jackson First Ward. His faith was an important part of his life and brought him deep peace and happiness.

Richard will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his compassion, and his unwavering kindness and respect for everyone he met, regardless of their background. He had a curious mind, a deep love for learning, and an impressive ability to recall facts as if his mind were an encyclopedia.

He cherished nature and the outdoors, particularly the high Sierra Nevada. Richard loved taking his children camping, hiking, and exploring the world, from museums and Fisherman’s Wharf to countless trips to the ocean. When his son Matt was in junior high, Richard served as a Sea Scouts first mate, accompanying the troop on a cruise to Mexico and on deep-sea fishing adventures.

Above all, Richard taught his children to approach life with bravery, embrace adventure, and see the beauty and possibilities in the world.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his son, Mathew Lyman; his daughter, Jenny Lyman Pitner; and his sisters, Debbie Smith, Sharon Thurman, and Janice Stinson

A service to honor Richard’s life will be held at Sierra view funeral 7780 Olive Street Carmichael, CA 95628

On Tuesday, 11/19/24 at 12:30 Pm

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326.