He was Toronto City Hall’s most powerful lobbyist until the MFP computer leasing scandal of the late 1990’s.

Also a former TTC chair and vice chair of the Toronto Police Services Board, Jeff Lyons has died at the age of 75.

His longtime friend Paul Godfrey says Lyons passed away after collapsing during a run on Sunday.

Lyons was a noted lawyer, owner of the Lyons Group government lobbying firm and an active supporter of many charitable causes.  He also held director ships with agencies including Ontario Place, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and VIA Rail.

His reputation was tarnished by the MFP computer leasing scandal and resulting inquiry that revealed a culture of cronyism at city hall when Mel Lastman was Toronto’s mayor.

Jeff Lyons is survived by his wife Sandy and his three adult children.