Powerlift: Lynch's Gym owner honored after 40 years in business in South Bend

Tom Lynch has a thousand and one stories about South Bend, wrestling, body building, the Marines, training weightlifters, his family and his second family at the gym. Tom owns the humble Lynch’s Gym on the corner of Dunham and Walnut streets.

He has a lot to say. Just ask him a question.

His life was brought into the spotlight recently when he received a Key to the City, Key to the County and the Council Oak Award from the St. Joseph County Commissioners. These accolades were presented in honor of 40 years in business and being a stalwart on the westside.

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Tom grew up in the neighborhood and graduated from old Washington High on Sample Street. In fact, he said, he started at Washington when it had all the grades under one roof.

He continues to live and work blocks from his family home. He is truly a fixture.

The commission meeting room was filled with Tom’s family, friends and his gym members. Commissioner Derek Dieter led the event and salutes to his friend and mentor. Before it all began, all the commissioners slipped on Lynch’s Gym shirts.

Derek said, “Tom is known as the mayor of Walnut St. He is a mentor, coach, father figure and protector of the neighborhood.”

Others agreed that Tom is a leader and the gym is a comfortable place to visit.

Derek spoke on how important the gym has been to him and his three sons and countless police officers. He added how important the gym is to Walnut Street in general. The children in the neighborhood stop into the lobby if the weather is bad or if there is a delayed bus.

Mayor James Mueller read a proclamation in his honor. State Senator David Niezgodski spoke of Tom’s long service. “I’m proud to speak about this legend,” David said.

All this praise left Tom a little taken back. “I knew Derek was planning something, but I didn’t know how much.”

Tom’s wife, Marty, said they were all surprised by the hoopla. She said in a phone call after the meeting that the evening meant a lot to Tom and the family. “What was the biggest surprise to all of us was when they all put on Lynch’s Gym shirts. It was such a big tribute to Tom. It was so touching.”

Marty and Tom have been married 64 years and have two daughters; Linnie Caye and Lancie Marvin. “It has been quite a ride for us” with the gym, wrestling and bodybuilding.

To Marty, the gym continues to be popular with athletes, police and firefighters. The reason is Tom’s honesty and work ethics. “He lets them be themselves. They know there are no drugs. Everything is in order (in the gym), but Tom isn’t the janitor. He works with them and trains them. It is different training needed for a golfer or tennis player.”

Tom found out what was needed for each sport and helped the members focus on what was important, Marty said. “They get special attention.”

Longtime member Richard Ross said it is a special place and a special man. “He is a good friend and does so much for the neighborhood.” Richard was one of the first members of the gym back in the beginning.

Tom said he wrestled professionally for 15 years and decided to open a gym in the 1980s. “My wife said it was the gym or wrestling, not both.” It was the gym that became his focus, and he has been happy with his decision. “I don’t have an intention to retire. I’ll come here on my last day. I tell people I’m not a hero. I’m here to help people. One thing I like to say — I tell people to do their best and don’t quit.”

Tom doesn’t quit.

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Looking for a way to help others? Here’s a nice stop on your Saturday travels.

Sherry Klinedinst is the director of The Ripple Effect Vocal Visionary Project. The project will be singing for joy and warm stuff from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 9) at InRug Company, 220 E. Mishawaka Ave. The donated items will go to Broadway Christian Church.

Sherry said the group looks forward to the chance to help Broadway Christian and restock the mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for the homeless. “Broadway fills a niche in the community, and we like to restock the shelves.”

The Ripplers are asking for donations or monetary help. People can buy something right at InRug for the donation barrel, Sherry said.

Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Lynch's Gym owner honored with awards for his service to the city