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
Wrestling Career
Willem Snip (May 17, 1932 – June 22, 2009) was a Canadian professional wrestler, who formerly wrestled under the stage name Billy “Red” Lyons.
He was active as a wrestler between 1956 and 1984 and won many championships throughout his career. He worked for promotions in both Canada and the United States, notably in Ontario, California, Minneapolis, Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma. He won numerous tag team championships during his career, including with Dick Beyer, who was his real-life brother-in-law, as well as with Fritz Von Erich, Bill Watts, and Ray Gunkel. He also won singles championships, including the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship.
After retiring, he worked for Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto and later became an announcer for the World Wrestling Federation. Lyon passed away from cancer on June 22, 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.
