MAC Fitness founder, owner Schuler dies
MAC Fitness owner and founder Lyle Schuler died on Saturday after battling an undisclosed illness, according to the fitness club’s Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform the community that our founder, owner, and friend Lyle Schuler has passed away after battling an illness,” the statement on the site read. “Lyle was incredibly brave and remained very private throughout his fight.
“He did not seek attention or sympathy from others.”
Hurley resident Schuler, a 1974 Kingston High School graduate, is survived by his wife, Holly, and son, Colton.
MAC Fitness has a fitness club at Kingston Plaza and also operated a fitness center on U.S. Route 9W in the town of Ulster that closed in summer 2017.
“Over the past several months, MAC Fitness has undergone tremendous changes with some minor delays along the way, which we hope our members can now understand why things may not have run as smoothly as hoped,” the statement read. “Lyle is remembered for his gentle big smile, kindness and welcoming spirit. Lyle’s immediate family, friends, and MAC family, appreciate your prayers and support through this difficult time.”
Schuler was also active in the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“The entire Chamber community is saddened by the news of Lyle’s passing,” Chamber President Ward Todd said in an e-mailed statement on Sunday. “He was not only a great local small business owner, but a good friend to all of us. He had great energy and was so hard-working. He loved life and lived it to its fullest.
“He loved getting people involved in his fitness centers and getting them involved in a healthier lifestyle,” Todd said. “He felt that was his mission in life.”
Todd said Schuler represented MAC Fitness at the Buy Local Expo each year and hosted the January Mixer at the MAC to promote his fitness center and give Chamber members a chance to network and make connections.
In 2015, Schuler was named the Chamber of Commerce’s “Honorary Irish Person of the Year,” an award typically given to a person of non-Irish decent who has served the community.
Todd said Schuler was given the award based on “his tireless efforts, his very positive attitude about life and his wonderful sense of humor.”
“He really was a great man. We extend our sympathies to his wife, Holly, and son, Colton,” Todd said.
In 2011, Always There (an Ulster County-based agency that provides care for seniors) awarded Schuler its Individual Award for his work on developing the Silver Sneakers Program — a health, exercise and wellness program for seniors.
According to a biography on the Always There website, Schuler moved from Is- lip on Long Island to Hurley at age 11 and graduated from Cortland State University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
While at Cortland, Lyle broke the school’s football rushing and scoring records, was voted co-captain his senior year, and, upon graduating, was awarded two alumni scholarships for athletic and academic excellence, the website said.
According to the biography, in 2002 he purchased the Tiger’s Gold Gym on East Chester Street Bypass in the town of Ulster and renamed it the MAC.
Simpson- Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave., Kingston, is handling funeral arrangements.