Some people walk for exercise. Others walk for fresh air. But Eugene and David Lyons? They walk for connection to each other, to their community, and to the place where they truly belong: the YMCA.

Every day, this father-son duo laces up their sneakers and heads to the David D. Hunting YMCA. But for them, it’s more than just a walk. It’s about being part of something bigger. Eugene Lyons doesn’t believe in slowing down. At 92 years young, he still walks every day and you might even catch him outpacing people half his age.

Staying active with his son keeps him feeling young, he says. After a lifelong career leading and coaching others as a State of Michigan employee, Eugene retired but never stopped learning, growing, and building relationships. He remains deeply engaged with his community, church, and friendships.

That’s why he loves the David D. Hunting YMCA. The moment he steps through the doors, his friend Rodney is there to greet him. And if you’ve ever been to the Y, you know Rodney because Rodney knows nearly every member by name before they even scan their badge.

“Rodney greets me with a smile every afternoon. If that doesn’t make your day, I don’t know what will,” Eugene says with a grin.

After losing his wife at 85, Eugene still didn’t slow down. Instead, he bought a mountain bike and hit the trails at White Pine Trail, proving that staying active and making new friends never has an age limit.

David Lyons, Eugene’s son, is a teacher at heart, whether in the classroom or on the walking track. After nearly 30 years as a high school English teacher, he retired but quickly realized he missed teaching. So he returned to education, working with Early Middle College students at Kenowa Hills High School in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College.

His passion for students shows in every conversation. He still calls his former students “his kids.” At the Y, David feels something rare: true acceptance.

“This is the one place where I walk in, and no matter who you are or what your story is, you are accepted just as you are.”

Eugene and David don’t just walk at the Y, they give to the Y. “When I step into the Y, I see the world as it should be—diverse in age, ability, and opportunity. We give to ensure health and well-being for all,” said David.

They first joined years ago but had to take a break during the pandemic. The moment they could return, they did because the Y is more than a gym. It’s their community. As I sat in the lobby with them, I lost count of how many people waved, smiled, or stopped to chat. The Lyons men don’t just belong to the Y—they are the Y. And they give because they believe in supporting a world they want to live in, one step at a time.