Roger Miles Lydon

Nov. 20, 1924 – Feb. 5, 2012

Roger was born a traveler in Hoboken New Jersey, to Los Angeles residents Gerald Lydon and Kathryn Rechsteiner while they were exploring the U. S. He grew up in LA, attended Loyola High School, and served in the U. S. Army during WW II where he became fluent in German while walking across the country.

Roger attended The University of Southern California for his undergraduate and PhD degrees in German Letters and received his Masters from Harvard University.

Roger had a brilliant 23 year career as a Cultural Affairs Officer for the U. S. State Dept. and traveled the world with postings in Thailand, Germany, India, Russia, and Afghanistan.

Roger was a passionate lover of classical music, great literature, international foods, and baseball and shared these passions with his loving and dedicated wife Margaret. Residents of Santa Barbara, he and Margaret loved to travel the country and the world, discuss politics, and spend time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Rudell Lydon, brother Lloyd(Virginia) Lydon, sister Gwen(Joe) Barry; sons: Roger Frederick Lydon, Lawrence Lydon and Benito Cortez; daughter Susan (Thomas) Hill; in-laws: Lisa Zaffran, and Dan and Cate Adams; granddaughters: Aurora Kross, and Annie and Cassie Adams.

His generous love, profound wit and wisdom, and humanitarian spirit will be missed by all who had the great fortune to know him. To honor Roger, please listen to your favorite selection of classical music, take a long walk along the beach, or sit down and enjoy a good meal with friends.

Roger’s friends and family are invited to share memories of Roger at a memorial service and luncheon on April 14, 2012 from 11:00 a. m. to 3:00. at the Moby Dick restaurant on Stearns Wharf.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Mental Health Association of Santa Barbara, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.