Kim told each of the Regulars as we arrived last night – it was a matter of when, today we were told the tragic news, Jason Lyons has passed away.
I am proud that I knew Jason and that he knew me, our humour was in perfect harmony. As with the best of Landlords, Jason knew all of his Regulars. The State Bar was first awarded Pub of the Year by West of Scotland CAMRA in 2012, Jason realised that he could do even more for his customers. Our Group have identified Ales in our travels around the UK Beer Festivals and beyond. Jason hassled his suppliers to ensure they were provided, Jason too unearthing some Great Ales. His determination to order the very best brought more POTY Awards in 2014 and 2015.
I last saw Jason on May 25th, the night the Oakham Staff were up from Peterborough. What a night.
We had missed Jason over the past two weeks, however, it was only on Friday that the severity of his illness was relayed. This has been a sudden and tragic loss. Our Group feel for Nancy and the rest of his family.
Jason, your contribution to the Glasgow Real Ale Scene will never be forgotten. Nancy has lost her Son, Peter his Brother, we have lost our Dear Friend.
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Jason Lyons: 22.07.1975 – 11.06.2016
The Brewer & the Barman: The Making of Fyne State
The above are the photos from my collection which I have found to date. I am happy to post more if people send them. (hector@curry-heute.com)
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Martin Docherty with Martyn Robertson
(Urbancroft Films)
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Thanks that’s a lovely take on a dear friend.
RIP Jason
Malky
Lovely words for a lovely person
A good man left us much too soon. Rest in peace buddy…
Big Chief
Just heard the news. Absolutely gutted. RIP Jason. A true gent.
Big Chief I was wondering if anyone would have got this news to you, but I didn’t know how to get in touch.
I hope all is well with you.
Pauline (aka. Wee Turbo)
Such a lovely guy he was smart, funny, kind, thoughtful, considerate, caring, handsome , an absolute gentleman who will be sadly missed by so many people, an absolute tragedy. Goodnight and God bless Jason xxx
Rip jason you were a great guy.. Jim will be there with open arms mate…God bless
A fantastic person whom I first met in 2003 and one of the main reasons why I kept returning to the State. He certainly knew how to run a pub. I told him once the sort of beers I like to drink, and from then on, if he was on duty, he’d recommend something. In the end I’d just ask him what I should have. What a great bloke and interesting person to talk with too. Like many many others I shall miss him tremendously and most of all for his uniquely optimistic character: one in a million. RIP Jason.
I had the pleasure both being a classmate and workmate of Jason , a true gentleman. My thoughts are with Nancy and family at this time. You shall be sadly missed Jason
Always in my heart jason x. God bless x
Always in my heart x
Very sad, i used to visit the old Scottish Mutual offices regularly and head into the state bar and was delighted when we met up after a 10 year break to still see the same faces behind the bar, Jason was a great barman who made me feel extremely welcome. Sincere condolences
Such sad news, so many happy times working alongside Jason and Jnr and the odd ‘ lock in’ putting the world to rights….. Devoted son, loyal supporter?, dedicated to State Bar. Like everybody that new Jason we all new Nancy and what a lovely, kind caring person she is and most of all how much she loved Jason. ??
Good to see Big Chief is still on the scene and my thoughts are also with you Pauline, I was very sorry to here about Jnr Jag. I remember the day he taught me to fold boxes!!!
Kathryn, hope your well.
Hope your well too Shona x just can’t believe the news x
Still can’t believe it. Jason Lyons was a great barman who created a new wave of Real Ale enthusiasts in Glasgow and beyond.
When I moved to Glasgow in 1998 he was one of the first guys I met – he served me up a pint of ale and a hotdog at the State and became a great pal. The State became my local and I’ve had hundreds of nights of Jason’s dry wit and banter from behind the bar since.
Jason ran a tight ship in the evenings and at weekends but would always take the time to find out where everyone was at. He was immensly proud of the culture in the pub – the beer, the blues band, the comedy and the sub cultures of folk that drank in the pub. He enjoyed everyones different perspectives on life and the stories folk shared at the bar.
I had the privilege of getting to know Jason on the drinkers side of the bar as well and we spent endless nights dreaming up plans brewery trips, events at the pub and the big idea to set up our own micro brewery.
In 2015 I had the privilege to make a short film about Jason’s experience making his first beer with brewer Stu Moss from Fyne Ales. We had a terrific few days shooting and drinking and the launch was a great night in the pub.
Him and big Junior Jag were a dream team on the bar and took on the challenge to make The State Bar the best Real Ale pub in Scotland – an honour that Jason really felt they should have won on several occasions.
I’m so sorry to see him go. My condolences to Nancy, the family and the team at the State who have spent the last few days running the show in the pub. He won’t be forgotten, let’s ensure the great work he did at the State continues and that Nancy has all of our support now and in the future.
Martyn Robertson
#keepthefaith
What fine tributes from Hector and others.
Even hearing that Jason was missing work with a virus surprised me. He seemed to be too vigorous and energetic to be laid low by a cold or the like. However, it did not appear to be a matter for great concern. Then came the savage and bewildering news that Jason had suffered a brain haemorrhage. And finally the most terrible news of all. It just didn’t make sense.
Jason was a terrific person: kind, caring and with a tremendous sense of humour. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
Jason was a gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him. He was one of the true ‘goodfellas’ and looked after many regulars from the local police headquarters at Pitt Street. I can’t believe he has gone and my thoughts are with Nancy at this heartbreaking time. With love and happy memories of someone taken so young, RIP Jason.
What a guy, Glasgow will never be the same without him. Really sad to hear this news, so many people will be affected by it. Thinking of all at the State Bar, especially Nancy.
Absolutely shattered at hearing the news of Jasons passing.
A true gentleman, all round lovely guy who always always took the time to say a hello even though he would be rushed off his feet sometimes. A total grafter behind the bar, ran a tight ship at the same time as looking after every single customer in his environment. The list of how special he was could on and on.
I can’t believe life can be so cruel. The world has been robbed of one of the most nicest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
It’s at times like this you question your faith and ask why? Just why?
You will live on forever in our hearts Jason. The State bar, a huge void has been left however We will keep your memory at the State alive Jason. Pull up a chair and now let us look after you as you did us. X
Will miss Jason so much. Think of a positive term and apply it to Jason: affable, amiable, amusing, entertaining, hospitable, hospitable, knowledgeable.
My condolences to his mother, Nancy, the rest of his family, and to his colleagues at The State.
As Woody Guthrie said, take it easy, but take it.
Really sad to be reading this; Jason was one in a million. Drank many a pint of real ale on his recommendation and enjoyed talking about our shared love of cricket. My thoughts are with his family and staff at The State. #keepthefaith
To a guy who was a secret treasure in Glasgow.
He has so many friends, probably no enemies
and his aura and influence will live on.
He was a brother and a father to my son Jonathan
and his mam, Nancy, is just the epitome of
a Glasgow mammie!
Jason, I knew you so little, our time was short,
but you will never, ever leave our thoughts and
that was reflected today, the day we sent you to
your God, by the many, many folks who came
to see you off.
We will miss you Jason.
Danny n June
Great guy. Always a joy.
So sorry to hear the bad news and thoughts are with Nancy and all his family and friends.
x
I just heard the news what a sad lost. Jason always had a smile for you and loved the banter a nicer perso5 you couldnt have met.
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all his family and friends and everyone connected with the state bar.
RIP Jason
Max xx
I still can’t quite believe it.
Jason’s great generosity, friendliness and sarcasm will be so sorely missed,
the memories however will sustain with every pint that is pulled at his bar.
My heartfelt condolences to Nancy and all the staff at The State.
Rob
News is still spreading. I don’t have a regular pub, the State was and is the nearest, usually dropping in once or twice a week. We had discussions on real ale and cricket. He was special to so many who visited the State..As I said on Facebook, only found out late this afternoon upstairs in the Doublet Bar while taking a break from the Gibson st. Gala. It is strange to comprehend we shall never talk again!
As an ex-pat Glaswegian, I was absolutely gutted to hear the news on my return to Glasgow today. Sadly I was weaned on cold tasteless gassy lager back in the 70’s. I learned a lot about Scottish real ale through Jason on my infrequent visits back to Glasgow. The Glasgow real ale scene has lost a local legend.
Absolutely gutted to hear this news on my return to my home city from rural Leicestershire. The Glasgow real ale scene has lost a true ambassador and local legend. RIP.
Tonight I found out about Jason’s passing.
I can scarcely believe it.
Glasgow will be a poorer place without you.
Only found out today about Jason’s passing.
A great guy who certainly knew his beers, and who was a pleasure to talk too.
He certainly knew his beers and was a real font of knowledge.
I shall go to The State tonight and raise a glass to him.