Allen (Lenny) Lyden

Allen George Lyden passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at Sacred Heart Providence Medical Center in Spokane.

Lenny was born on December 19, 1942, to George and Betty Lyden, in Spokane, Wash. He grew up and attended school at Saint Aloysius and Gonzaga Prep in Spokane. During his childhood, he often spent time with his Aunt, Uncle and Cousins on the farm near Tensed. He played and loved all types of sports.

Following high school, Lenny enlisted into the United States Army where he served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and then continued his service until he retired from the Army in 1987. During his time in the Army, he was able to obtain college credits, attending several universities along the way including Georgetown University. He achieved his bachelor's degree in 1974 from St. Martin's College in Lacey, Wash. Lenny met Cindy Dechenne soon after his retirement from the Army. They were married on November 24, 1993, at the Hitching Post in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and made their home in Spokane. They lived on a small acreage of land where they raised horses which were always a joy and pleasure to him. He was never without a dog or two underfoot. In 2003, Lenny and Cindy traveled to China where they adopted their daughter, Kate. Lenny loved to spend time with his family. He never missed a sporting or school event of Kate's. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and often spent his time on the golf course. He was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and had the opportunity to walk with the group in the Washington D.C. Fourth of July Parade.

Lenny is survived by his wife, Cindy and their daughter Kate, at their Spokane home, and by two children, George and Jennifer, from a previous marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents and Cindy's parents, Virgil and Dana Dechenne.

Memorial donations can be mailed to INW Honor Flight,  608 W 2nd Ave., Ste 309, Spokane, WA, 99201. A graveside service was held at the St. John Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com.

Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, Wash. is caring for the family.