(NEWS CENTER) - York County Community College is mourning the loss of its president, Dr. Charlie Lyons.

The President of the Maine Community College System, Dr. John Fitzsimmons, issued a news release Wednesday afternoon announcing Lyons' death.

Fitzsimmons say Lyons died Wednesday morning after a fight with cancer.

He served as a university and college president in Maine for 17 years.

"Today, a family lost a husband and a father, and the state of Maine lost a great leader. We will all miss the energy and joy he brought to anyone in his presence," says Fitzsimmons.

Lyons is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their children.

NEWS CENTER