The Lyons family and Alltech announced today the passing of Dr. Aoife Louise Lyons on April 18.
Born on Aug. 1, 1973, in Ireland, she was the daughter of Alltech’s co-founders Dr. Pearse Lyons and Mrs. Deirdre Lyons, the sister of Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech’s president and CEO, and sister-in-law of Mark’s wife, Holly. Aoife was an integral part of Alltech from its very founding in 1980. The “All” in “Alltech” represents her initials — Aoife Louise Lyons.
Aoife was Alltech’s director of educational initiatives and engagement and was instrumental in fostering educational opportunities both within Alltech and in local communities around the world, including the prestigious Alltech Young Scientist competition, the world’s largest agriscience competition for university students. She created the company’s Career Development Program, a highly selective global recruitment and training initiative, and was beloved by these new Alltech team members as their mentor, “Dr. Aoife.”
Aoife, which is pronounced EE-fah, means “beauty” from the Gaelic word aoibh. In Irish legend Aoife was a warrior princess. She will be greatly missed by many, including us here at ZimmComm who enjoyed seeing her each year at the Alltech annual conference.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.