West Hollywood, California (Thursday, November 5, 2009) - West Hollywood’s Director of Economic Development, Raymond Jon Reynolds (63) of Los Angeles, California passed away unexpectedly in his home on the morning of Monday, November 2, 2009. 
West Hollywood’s Director of Economic Development, Raymond Jon Reynolds (63) of Los Angeles, California passed away unexpectedly in his home on the morning of Monday, November 2, 2009. Photo by Richard Settle. WeHo News. |
Ray Reynolds at a Book Fair event. Photo by WeHo News. |
West Hollywood City Manager Paul Arevalo eulogized Mr. Reynolds as someone he knew well and worked closely together with “for well over a decade; he was a wonderful person to work with and a close personal friend.
“We will all miss Ray’s good nature, sense of humor, energy and dedication to the city’s core values,” he said.
Mr. Arevalo pointed to the construction of LibraryPark as just one example of the work Mr. Reynolds did for the city, “[which], as you see, is moving in full speed.”
Ray leaves behind his life partner of 28 years, Randy Pack, his brother Dennis A. Reynolds, a sister in-law Diane Reynolds, and a beloved nephew, Dennis Reynolds.
Ray Reynolds leaves behind his life partner of 28 years, Randy Pack. Photo by Richard Settle. WeHo News. |
He also leaves behind a host of family members, friends, and work associates.
Mr. Reynolds began life in Houghton, Michigan on May 24, 1946 to Raymond Herbert and Mary (nee Raciti) Reynolds, moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he grew up. They have predeceased him.
Mr. Reynolds graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh with a degree in Communications and held a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Dayton, Ohio.
Mr. Reynolds dedicated his life to serving others throughout his professional career beginning as a VISTA Volunteer and ending as the Director of Economic Development for the City of West Hollywood, California.
Mr. Reynolds dedicated his life to serving others throughout his professional career beginning as a VISTA Volunteer. Photo by Richard Settle. WeHo News. |
Everyone who came into contact with Ray was immediately taken by his personality and a smile which he gave freely; he was always genuinely interested in others around him.
Council member Jeffrey Prang related an anecdote about attending a gathering of city employees. “There was Ray in the center of it all on the piano, playing and singing and laughing,” he said. “He brought joy to everyone around him.”
Mr. Reynolds loved to travel, read, or to simply stroll a peaceful beach, canyon, or world-capital avenue. Those who were fortunate enough to come into contact with him will always feel a profound sense of loss.
A celebration of Mr. Reynolds' life will be held at a time and location that feels appropriate to his partner and brother.
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