February 2, 2003

Richard E. Lynn, who served as secretary of agriculture in the late 1980s, died at the age of 84. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman called him a "friend, a mentor and person of great integrity whose insight, candor and wisdom will be sorely missed."

Lyng was born in San Francisco on June 29, 1918. He graduated from Notre Dame University in 1940. He was president of the Ed J. Lyng Company, a family seed and bean production and processing firm in California, from 1949 to 1967.

In 1967, he was appointed the chief deputy director of the California State Department of Agriculture. From March 3, 1969, to Jan. 23, 1973, Lyng was the USDA assistant secretary for marketing and consumer services.

From 1973 to 1979, he served as president of the American Meat Institute. From Feb. 5, 1981, until Jan. 18, 1985, he served as USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

In 1985, Lyng along with William Lesher formed Lyng and Lesher Inc., an agricultural consulting firm in Washington D.C. On Feb. 22, 1986, he was appointed secretary of agriculture, serving until Jan. 20, 1989.

"Secretary Lyng shared many friends and colleagues and touched the lives of so many people. Today while we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a remarkable man and an inspiring life journey," said Veneman.