When word spread of the death of Alltech founder Pearse Lyons condolences and tributes began pouring in from nearly every corner of the globe.Lexington Mayor Jim Gray: “Pearse was a builder. A builder of ideas and projects and people. A man of imagination, vigor, and enthusiasm. He was one of those rare, larger than life figures who had an influence far beyond our borders.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) commented on the passing of Dr. Pearse Lyons:
“Elaine and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Dr. Pearse Lyons. Pearse will be remembered for his many accomplishments - as a scientist and innovator, as a businessman and philanthropist, and as husband and father. In each of these, he excelled.
“Pearse and Deirdre founded Alltech in 1980 with an ambitious goal: they wanted to help farmers feed the world. Throughout his life, Pearse continued to set ambitious goals, and in so many he found great success.
“For the Lyons family, Kentucky is an adoptive home, and I think I can speak on behalf of all Kentuckians when I say that we’re glad he chose to build his life and his businesses here. Elaine and I send our sincere condolences to Deirdre, their children Mark and Aoife, and all who knew and loved Pearse. He will surely be missed.”
COMMERCE LEXINGTON INC. STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DR. PEARSE LYONS:
“The Commerce Lexington Inc. family, its board of directors, and many throughout the regional business community at-large are saddened to hear of the passing of Alltech President and Founder, Dr. Pearse Lyons,” said Commerce Lexington Inc. President & CEO Bob Quick. “Dr. Lyons was not only a strong advocate for Kentucky and the Bluegrass, but through his visionary leadership, Alltech transcended business and industry to become a global leader in finding solutions to the world’s most pressing issues. We will greatly miss his optimism, involvement in the community, and his ability to see opportunity where challenges persisted. We would like to express our condolences to Deirdre and the entire Lyons’ family during this difficult time.”
Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson on Pearse Lyons' Passing:
"We’ve lost an energetic genius who inspired countless people around him. He created an international enterprise from his base in Kentucky and our state will forever reap the benefits. He was a personal friend who will be sorely missed."
Statement from the Kentucky Horse Park Commission:
Tandy Patrick, the chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, issued the following statement today following the passing of Dr. Pearse Lyons, the founder and president of Alltech.
“The Kentucky Horse Park extends its deepest sympathy to the Lyons family upon the passing of our good friend, Dr. Pearse Lyons. The vision and support of Dr. Lyons and his wife, Deirdre, enabled the Kentucky Horse Park to host the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Alltech Arena, at the Kentucky Horse Park, is one of the nation’s premiere equine event facilities. Both are legacies of his support.
Dr. Lyons’ energy, enthusiasm and belief that anything is possible will continue to be an inspiration to all of us.”
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto:
“The University of Kentucky, our alumni, and our friends are saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Pearse Lyons,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “Dr. Lyons was a compassionate and committed community leader and global entrepreneur who founded Alltech and established it as a powerful brand and industry leader. He was a philanthropist, ardent supporter of the University, and deeply committed patron of the arts. Most notably, his support of UK Opera Theatre brought artistic expression and music performance to the community, and students supported by his generosity have shared their remarkable talent with audiences across the world. We are enriched by the legacy he leaves to our campus and community, and the UK family offers its condolences to Deirdre and the entire Lyons family at this time.”