Willem (William) Snip (Billy “Red” Lyons)
Born: 17 May 1932 Hamilton, Ontario
Died: 22 June 2009 (aged 77)
Billed height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Billed weight: 240 lb (110 kg)
Debut: 1956
Retired: 1984
Willem Snip (17 mei 1932-22 juni 2009) was een Canadese professioneel worstelaar, die vroeger de artiestennaam Billy “Red” Lyons droeg.
Hij was als worstelaar actief tussen 1956 en 1984 en won vele kampioenschappen in zijn carrière. Hij werkte voor promoties zowel in Canada en de Verenigde Staten, met name in Ontario, Californië, Minneapolis, Texas, Georgia en Oklahoma. Hij won vele team kampioenschappen gedurende zijn carrière, onder meer met Dick Beyer, die zijn “real-life” zwager was, alsmede met Fritz Von Erich, Bill Watts en Ray Gunkel. Hij won ook single kampioenschappen, met inbegrip van de NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship.
Na zijn pensionering werkte hij voor de Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto en werd later een omroeper voor de World Wrestling Federation. Lyon overleedt aan kanker op 22 juni 2009.
Billy “Red” Lyons passed away
Sad news in the world of pro wrestling this last week. Former Canadian wrestling star Billy Snip better known by fans as Billy “Red” Lyons passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Snip wrestled and later announced for Maple Leaf Wrestling known for his tag line “Don’cha Dare miss It”. He was 77.
June 24, 2009
THE RECORD
(Jun 24, 2009) — SNIP, Bill – Passed away peacefully, on Monday, June 22, 2009, surrounded by family at Freeport Health Centre of Grand River Hospital at the age of 77. Beloved husband of Norma (nee Thomson ) Snip. Dear father of Scott Snip (Irene Hildebrandt-Snip) of Ancaster, Elizabeth Snip (Kevin Muscat) of Toronto, Mitch Snip (Kerry) of Kitchener. Grandfather to Sadie, Peyton, Ellie and step-grandfather to Sara, Lukas, Andrew, Daniel and Mark. Great-step-grandfather to Madison. Dear brother to Thysienna Snip and the late John Snip.
To most, he was Billy “Red” Lyons. Billy Red had a distinguished, 40 year professional wrestling career, thousands of documented matches, and numerous regional, continental, international and world titles held, and later as television personality, commentator, analyst and executive for Maple Leaf, WWF and WWE Wrestling Promotions. He saw the world, did what he loved and made his mark.
To those closest to him and those that knew him best, he was a loyal friend, dedicated husband and caring father, and “Papa Bill” to the grandchildren who exposed his softest and truest self. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Bill’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home , 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Funeral service 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, in the chapel of the funeral home followed by a reception. As expressions of sympathy donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for Bill’s memorial.