Marc Lyda

On June 11, 2025, after a brief time on hospice care, the remarkable Marc Grayson Lyda crossed his most important finish line. His wife, Hope, and his faithful pup, Bodie, were by his side.

Born on August 28, 1963, in St. Louis, Missouri, Marc lived most of his childhood in the DFW area of Texas and later moved to Oregon to attend the U of O in Eugene. He met Hope during this time and in 1990 they were married.

For 20 of his 61 years, Marc outmaneuvered the obstacles created by an aggressive brain growth (AVM), including 15+ surgeries, radiation, blindness, and many seasons of recovery. His life was not defined by his diagnosis but was refined by it. He focused on physical wellness and helping others overcome adversity. Through it all, he was a model of humility, faith, and possibility—always looking for the next way to work and serve.

Wherever Marc went, someone knew him from something. His roles in the Eugene community included advising at-risk students at Roosevelt Middle School, crafting drinks at Theo’s Coffee House, coordinating volunteers during the formative years of the Eugene Marathon, assistant coaching the NCU (now Bushnell) cross-country team, supporting rehabilitation and strength building at Tensegrity Physical Therapy, and coaching clients as the Health and Wellness Assistant for the YMCA’s U Can Gym program. He loved it all.

There are countless examples of Marc's strength and gusto. He earned money for college by working on a tender boat in Alaska. He served youth in refugee camps during the Bosnian war; and when he returned home, he completed a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Marc entered the world of weekend and hardcore athletes and was passionate about training for 5-10k races, marathons, and triathlons. As his vision declined, he stayed fit by boxing, weightlifting, running on the treadmill, and taking part in adventure camps at the Hull Foundation and weekend events with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes. Always a learner with a keen mind, he stayed sharp by completing an LMT degree at LCC, taking piano and singing lessons, and showing Hope up repeatedly when doing crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy.

The miracle man? Marc was a marvel. His kindness, patience, and willingness to face a struggle and keep on going was an amazing witness to family, friends, clients, strangers, and the many doctors who were stunned by his continued fitness and ability to endure with grace and good humor.

Marc was preceded in death by his brother, Jay Lyda. He leaves behind wife, Hope (Flora) Lyda, and other family, including parents Hap C. Lyda and Julia (Whiteman) Lyda; brother, Lance Lyda; nephews and nieces: Jared Lyda, Morgan (Lyda) Price, Avery (Lyda) McGhee, Lindy Lyda, and Ben Cadwell. The Lydas, Floras, Cadwells, and all who met Marc, are better for having known him.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Theo’s Coffee House.

Address: 199 W 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401 (8th and Charnelton Street).

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Eugene Family YMCA in memory of Marc to support the U Can Gym program he served and loved. Whether mailing a check or donating online at www.eugeneymca.org/donate , please indicate “Dedicate this donation: Marc Lyda-U Can Gym.”

The U Can Gym provides no-cost access to specialized fitness equipment and support for individuals with physical challenges, empowering them to build strength, independence, and community. Your gift will help maintain and grow this program, providing adaptive equipment, personalized support, and a welcoming space for all.