Saratoga Springs - John Douglas Lyall, 73, passed away on August 26, 2015 at Saratoga Hospital. He was born on January 23, 1942, in Palisade, CO, to the late Wilfred Alexander and Lucie (Wainwright) Lyall. Doug grew up in Pittsfield, MA, and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1960. After high school he attended Springfield College (MA) where he received a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1964 and a master's degree in education in 1965. In 1964 Doug married Mary Gloria and they spent the next 50 years together. After graduation Doug entered the workforce and spent time working for Mass Vocational Rehab at NYS Vocational Rehab, Wilton Developmental Center, and Capital District Psych Center until he retired in 1996. After retirement Doug kept active with many activities including volunteer work at the Wesley Community, gardening, traveling, and kept fit by playing pickleball. In 1998 after Doug and Mary's daughter Suzanne tragically disappeared, they together founded the Center for Hope and had many accomplishments on behalf of missing people including; the development of 'Suzannes' Law,' a federal law that increases protection for missing young adults (18 to 20) was signed by President Bush in April, 2003; 'The New York State Campus Security Act' which requires New York State colleges to develop plans for prompt investigations of missing students and violent offenses committed on campus. This was signed into law January, 2000, and in August, 2008 it became a federal law, named The Suzanne Lyall Campus Security Act.' Doug also annually facilitated the NYS Missing Persons Day ceremony each April, developed cold case coasters which are currently distributed in pubs and restaurants with hope that they can provide information and tips that will lead to crimes being solved, he worked with DCJS to develop a young adult ID booklet, 'Just the Facts, Just in Case' and 'The Investigative Guide for Missing College Students.' In addition to the above efforts, Doug proposed and consulted with the design of the "New York State Missing Persons Remembrance" monument in Albany, NY, which was dedicated in 2006, he produced a guide for families 'What to Do If A Loved One Goes Missing,' and developed a Cold Case Playing Card program that was distributed to prisoners in the 57 county jails in NYS with hope that they can provide information and tips that will lead to crimes being solved. Doug was a person who was loved and respected by many, always willing to help anyone in need and put everyone's needs above his own. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. In addition to his parents, Doug is predeceased by his brothers William and David Lyall. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary of Ballston Spa, his son Steven Lyall and his wife Deborah Johnson of Dumont, NJ, his daughter Sandra Lyall of East Longmeadow, MA, granddaughter Heather Morton of East Longmeadow, MA. His daughter Suzanne has been a missing person since 1998. Relatives and friends may call from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Monday, August 31, 2015 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). A funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home. A gathering for family and friends will be held following the service at the Factory restaurant in Ballston Spa, NY. Burial will be private. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Center for Hope, 20 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.