Michael H. Lyons II, banker, civic leader, dead at 67

Associated Press

WAILUKU, Maui — Michael Henry Lyons II, a longtime banker and community leader, has died. He was 67.

Lyons died Friday at his Maui home, friends and family members said. The cause of death wasn't specified.

He worked 41 years with Bank of Hawai'i rising from a trainee to a vice president and regional manager. Lyons retired in 2000.

When he wasn't working, Lyons was involved in at least 16 community groups.

He was a founder and chairman of the Maui Economic Development Board and served as president or chairman of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts Maui County Council, Kahului Rotary Club, Maui United Way and many other agencies.

"He was somebody you always depend on because he'd always come through," retired real estate executive Masaru "Pundy"

Yokouchi said. "You call on him, he'll help you."

Lyons was born in 1936, the fifth generation of the Baldwin missionary family.

"I'm saddened by his loss, because Mike still had so much to look forward to and so much to contribute," cousin Peter Baldwin said. "His passing at an early age is a loss for his family and the community."

Mayor Alan Arakawa called Lyons a "giant" on Maui.

"He truly loved Maui," Arakawa said. "He devoted his entire lifetime to making sure the community would be a place he could be proud of."

Friends remembered Lyons as always smiling and wearing a button that read, "I love Maui."