Jack Lyons’ life may have been short, but the legacy he leaves behind is immeasurable.
As this year’s recipient of the BayToday Community Builders Award for Legacy, Lyons is being honoured for the indelible mark he made on North Bay through his leadership, advocacy and boundless compassion.
His name lives on in playgrounds, community programs and the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known him.
Lyons passed away in April 2022 at just 17 years old, but in that time, he became a beloved figure, a face of autism awareness in North Bay and a symbol of inclusion and perseverance.
“Jack was a joy,” shared Michelle Jackett, founder of Can-do Theatre. “He had a way of brightening a room, inspiring you with his ability to take on any challenge and expressing unfiltered love and friendship to anyone who met him.”
For four years, Lyons was a peer leader in Can-do Theatre, a community theatre program for individuals with special needs.
Whether on stage or behind the scenes, he lifted others up, encouraged his fellow actors and led with empathy.
He and his family were tireless supporters of the program, fundraising and helping build connections across the community.
His leadership extended well beyond the spotlight.
Alongside his family, Lyons helped raise thousands of dollars for autism-related initiatives in North Bay through events like Light It Up Blue.
“When Jack was alive, there just weren’t enough programs,” said Mark Lyons, Jack’s father.
“That was a big gap and we knew something had to change. Everything we do, from the hockey game to the theatre events, helps fund those missing supports, especially the autism program at One Kids Place.”
Following his passing, those efforts inspired the creation of The Jack Lyons Playground at One Kids Place, the city’s first accessible, sensory-friendly playground.
Opened in June 2023, it now stands as a radiant space for children of all abilities to play, explore and feel included, a tribute to the kind of world Lyons worked to build.
“The playground at One Kids Place wouldn’t exist without Jack,” Lyons shared. “It’s a place where kids can just be themselves, no judgment, just joy. Seeing that, seeing families feel safe and included, is one of the most rewarding things we’ve experienced.”
Lyons’ legacy also lives on through the Ride for Jack, a winter fat bike fundraising event created in his honour to support autism camps at One Kids Place.
Born from Jack’s love of cycling, it’s become a celebration of the passion and perseverance he embodied.
A familiar face at local hockey arenas, Jack was both a devoted fan and a proud player. He laced up for the North Bay North Stars, a team for young people and adults with developmental disabilities.
On and off the ice, he was a role model, encouraging others, sharing laughs, and showing that everyone belongs in the game.
“The Battalion putting JL stickers on their helmets was one of the first big moments,” said Lyons. “That gesture meant so much. It reminded us that Jack’s spark was still alive in the community and it gave us the strength to turn our loss into action.”
“It’s been three years since we lost Jack,” he continued. “We needed to decide whether to stop or keep going. And I just knew, we weren’t done yet. The outpouring of support from the community helped carry us forward. It gave us purpose in our grief.”
The Lyons family continues to lead by example, keeping Jack’s spirit alive in everything they do.
From reviving the Jack Lyons Memorial Hockey Game to coaching Special Olympics teams and planning inclusive events like cabaret nights and charity runs, their calendar is full and their hearts, fuller still.
“It’s a lot, but we’re grateful to be part of it,” said Lyons. “The support from this community has been incredible. Whenever I ask for help and say, ‘It’s for Jack’, people step up. That kind of backing means everything to us.”
A woman once told Jack’s father: “You’re not just helping us, you’re changing our lives.” Lyons never forgot those words.
“Without Jack, and without the drive to honour him, these programs wouldn’t exist,” he said. “People from outside North Bay call and say they wish they had something like this. That’s powerful.”
As for the award itself, he keeps perspective.
“One of Jack’s favourite movies was Cars, and there’s a line where the old racer tells Lightning McQueen ‘they’re just empty cups’. That’s how I feel about awards. I’m incredibly thankful, but the real reward is in helping kids and families. That’s always been what matters most to me.”
And for Lyons, the motivation is simple:
“It’s always been about the small wins. One more kid smiling. One more family supported. That’s where the real impact lives. That’s what keeps us going.”
The Legacy Award is presented posthumously to an individual who has created lasting change and measurable difference in their community through commitment and perseverance. Jack Lyons exemplified all of that and more.
This award is proudly sponsored by North Bay Mazda.
