Gary Lee Reynolds

[gn_spacer size=”20″] [gn_heading style=”1″]Gary Lee Reynolds[/gn_heading] [frame src=”https://michelottisawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/tn_reynolds-gary.jpg” width=”” height=”” lightbox=”on” title=”Gary Lee Reynolds” align=”left” ] Gary Lee Reynolds died peacefully at home Sept. 6th, at the age of 67, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Gary was born June 7, 1941, in Moorhead, Minnesota to Evelyn and Douglas Reynolds. He spent his childhood years in Moorhead where he met his future wife Sharon in the 6th grade. The family moved to Glendive, MT and then to Billings where he graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1959. He married Sharon Savre in 1963. He graduated from Eastern Montana College and later earned his masters in Education Administration from Montana State University, Bozeman.

Gary’s 37 year career at Billings West High was dedicated to working with youth. He started in 1964 teaching Accounting, Typing, and Business Law. He later became Dean of Students/Assistant Principal, a role that exercised his talent and passion for working with kids to prepare them for adulthood. The community at West High was a special part of Gary’s life. He built numerous friendships with colleagues with whom he created a rich social life frequently revolving around West High sporting events. Wherever he went, former students stopped him to tell him with pride how their lives had turned out. He is a past member of the BEA, NEA, School Administrators of Montana, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

After retiring in 2001, Gary continued to support West High Athletics. He also became active in the Golden K. Kiwanis Club and its many programs supporting youth. He enjoyed the social aspect of the club and was a strong supporter of its mission. In addition to these retirement activities, he thoroughly enjoyed dining out with friends and attending the theater.

In his life, Gary treasured his grandchildren, family, and many friends above all else. He relished sharing a joke, telling a story, and helping other people in whatever capacity he could. Gary loved the outdoors — fishing, hunting, or just driving through Montana’s landscape to observe wildlife. He never measured the success of an outing by the size of the fish or game taken, but rather by the quality of small shared experiences that strengthened the camaraderie: the stories told, the meals cooked together, the country songs sung to the radio, and all the fishing stories.

Gary is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sharon; son Paul and his wife Christine Reynolds of Sunnyvale, CA and their two sons, Addison and Truman; daughter Kristin and her husband Bryce Beecher of Arvada, CO and their daughter Jordan Grace. Also surviving are Gary’s brother Robert Reynolds (Mary Johnson) of Puyallup, W A; his sister Patricia Reynolds (Ed Schwinn) of Beaverton, OR; brothers-in-law John Savre (Diane) of Roseville, MN; Charles Savre (Elizabeth) of Henderson, NV; and Joel Savre of Moorhead MN; sisters-in-law Joyce Savre (Jim Hutt) of Menlo Park, CA, and Judy Morici of Erie, CO; and 14 nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Edwin and Jessie Savre, and brother-in-law Walt Morici.

A memorial service will be held at American Lutheran Church 5 Lewis Avenue on Thursday, Sept. 11th, 3:30 PM.

Please send memorials to the Billings Village Golden K. Kiwanis Club, PO Box 20203, Billings, MT 59104 or the Special K. Ranch of Columbus, PO Box 479 Columbus, MT. 59019.

Sharon Mom and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Sorry for your loss. Bill and Ruth Miller

To Sharon and Family

We were sorry to hear about Gary. He was an advocate for young people and a good school administrator. He will be missed. Lanny and Sharon Fred

Sharon and family, Gary was my mentor at West High, my friend and my huntin’ buddy. Gary loved his friends enough to take the time to share his wisdom and humor with them! He gave the gift of time. Many times at West High I saw Gary comfort kids who had nowhere to turn. They came away from Mr. Reynolds knowing someone genuinely cared about them.

His words of wisdom will be with me as long as I live. So will the stories and jokes. We had so much fun in our adventures, whether it was trying to figure out the right way to deal with a student or situation in the deans’ office, marveling at a great move (or a bad call!) at a ball game or making sausage in my basement. I still have a couple of jars of Gary’s jalapeno jelly which I will ration carefully. One thing in particular that all of Gary’s friends will agree on is that he always did his share, that is, he did more than his share of whatever was the work at hand. He laughed easily and often, and was a true and caring friend. In these past months I visited with Gary many times. During every talk the overriding theme was his love and concern for Sharon, Kristin, Paul and the grandchildren. He was so proud of you and loved you all so much. Rusty Martin

To Gary’s Family. I know you are at a great loss right now and I am sorry for your loss. I have known Gary for many years and I always enjoyed his stories and his wisdom. He did teach lots about the world of education. It must have been a teachable moment! I wish I could have spent more time with him learning even more from him. I know that he is pain free and in a very special place. I will always have a very special place in my heart for him and his family. May God Bless each and everyone of you. Glenn Kanvick Automotive Technology Instructor Billings Career Center

Sharon, We send our sympathy and prayers. Gary was a great guy and a great dean. We remember well his caring for our daughter, Lindsey, when she was a student at West High. Instead of yelling at her, he put his arm around her. It brought tears to her eyes, and she listened to him. Thank you for sharing him with so many people over the years. Tony and Donna Smith

I was fortunate enough to have been guided by Mr. Reynolds through out my high school career. I can say whole heartedly that Mr. Reynolds improved my quality of life. He was present for my brother and I when we lost our father. Which I will never forget, he helped me remember I had the strength and the guts to get through anything. I wish I had the words to say how much it meant to be a high school student who had someone to turn to everyday, he always had a smile and was quick with a needed hug or shoulder. I wish you a lifetime of wonderful memories that will appear just when you need them, just like Mr. Reynolds. With deepest Sympathy on your loss A truly grateful student Michelle