QLD: Sir Edward Lyons dead at 85

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-1999
QLD: Sir Edward Lyons dead at 85

BRISBANE, Dec 14 AAP - Former National Party heavyweight in Queensland, Sir Edward
Lyons died last night, his long time friend Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen said today.

Sir Edward, widely known as "Top Level Ted" because of his successful business career, was 85.

A close relative confirmed Sir Edward had died "from a massive heart attack".

Speaking from his home in Kingaroy, Sir Joh said: "Ted was a great friend and a good
worker for the party."

The nickname Top Level Ted "suited him admirably" because he dealt in the top level
of the business world, Sir Joh said.

Sir Edward Houghton Lyons had been a director of Katies and Rothwells and a number
of other companies. He also had been chairman of the QTAB.

He had been a trustee of the National Party in Queensland and a member of the Bjelke-Petersen
Foundation which raised funds for the party.

Sir Edward was called before the Fitzgerald corruption inquiry in 1988 but no charges resulted.

"He came out a cleanskin from that disgraceful episode in Queensland's legal history,"

Sir Joh said.

Funeral arrangements would be announced tomorrow.

AAP geb/sd/jnb/de

KEYWORD: LYONS

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