1939-2024
John passed away at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice on Sunday December 22nd, 2024 with his family by his side at the age of 85.
He was predeceased by his wife Maureen Lyle (nee Brady) and parents Thomas and Frances Lyle. Dear father of David (Jennifer), Thomas and Christopher (Tara). Grandpa will be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren John Brady, Livy, Exxtyn, Emeree, Hunter and Weston. He is also survived by his siblings Jane (David Kilfoyle), Kate (Rick Breznik).
John was a multi-facetted well-respected man. His love of all things outdoors, from fishing and hunting, to a love of gardening was a constant throughout his life. He was a self made man who built a business based on a friendly demeanor and a passion for hard work that never left him. Starting out on his own at The Abbey on Main Street, he along with the support of his wife Maureen built the business to include dozens of locations around Ontario and BC, being recognized on a national level multiple times for his contributions, accomplishments and success within his Retail industry. John employed many hundreds people of the last 50 years, many of whom he viewed as friends. It was always a special moment for him when customers, former co-workers, and friends would stop in to say hello to “Mr. Lyle”. He was a fixture in the North Bay business community, and specifically the Downtown core over the decades.
It was a role in the early days of Canadore College that brought the family to North Bay from Kingston Ontario. It was there that he made many lifelong friends whom he always remembered fondly. He was especially proud of his role in helping build and establish the many trails around Duchesne Falls and the College campus that still exist and are frequently enjoyed by many to this day. As President of the North Bay Chamber of Commerce in the mid 1970’s he formed strong, respectful relationships, with many in the area and helped guide the business community during that time.
Throughout his life John was a frequent member of many morning coffee groups, and lunch time round tables discussing everything from business, politics, the direction of the city, and even sports with many community builders who he called friends. Always willing to help to the best of his abilities, his commitment to service came from a deep rooted faith. John was a devoted Catholic whom attended mass regularly at the Pro-Cathedral and had another important, much loved, and entertaining friend group based around the Church. Sunday Morning Brunch with Maureen and friends was a special time for them. He served on the Pro-Cathedral Parish Council, again helping to guide as best he could.
He was always proud of his time spent on the Scollard Hall Foundation Board and especially the work that group did to oversee the funding and eventually build the lasting legacy that is the Cundari Field facilities. His contributions and involvement were varied and often quiet, and he took great pride in serving as he could.
Most important to John until his last breath was his love of Family. He was supportive and caring especially in times of need – always there to help no matter the circumstance. It was Family that mattered to him most!
Family will be receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd, on Thursday December 26th, 2024 from 6pm until 8pm. Funeral mass will be held on Friday December 27th, 2024 at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption, 480 McIntyre St. West, at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice or the Autism program at One Kids Place in North Bay, and will be gratefully acknowledged by the family