Robert Reynolds

HURON - Robert A. Reynolds, 88, Huron, died early Monday morning, Oct. 4, 2021.

He was born on July 18th, 1933, in Lakewood, Ohio, to William Reynolds and Dorothy (Rasch/McFarland) Reynolds.

Following graduation from North Olmstead High School, Robert traveled the Great Lakes for the Cleveland Cliffs merchant marine fleet working his way up to an officer (Steward) of the fleet. He served on the steamships Frontenac, Peter White, Cliffs Victory and William G. Mather.

Robert left the lakes to spend more time with his growing family. He found a new career in real estate as a broker, developer and appraiser (R.A. Reynolds & Associates and Citizens Bank). He and his wife Shirley renovated several of Huron’s older homes in the “Old Plat '' area of Huron including restoration and establishment of Captain Montaque’s Bed and Breakfast.

His passion was painting and writing poetry, a love for the written word was nurtured during those long journeys on the ships hauling iron ore from Lake Superior to the steel mills along Lake Erie.

In 2018, Robert Reynolds was selected to be Huron’s fifth Poet Laureate. His appointment as laureate stems from his use of poetry at civic events, and his occasional poems have become a meaningful part of the city’s Memorial Day observances. Bottom Dog Press published a book of Robert’s poetry titled Poetic Journey. He also painted and displayed an exhibition of paintings in the Huron Public Library Gallery in May, 2019.

He was an active member of Huron’s First Methodist Church, Robert loved his wife Shirley and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His known passion for Scotland ran deep, the sounds of bagpipe recordings were often heard from within his home.  

Robert is survived by his wife Shirley Reynolds of Huron, OH, children, David (September) Reynolds of Davis, CA, Susan (David) Lisa of Huron, OH, and Jennifer (Matthew) Corbett of Harvard, MA; eight grandchildren: Leah, Rachel, Sarah (David); Lydia, Marc, Adam (Susan); Ella, Cate (Jennifer); nine great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and William Reynolds, brother William Reynolds, Jr. and sister Nadine Reynolds. Robert’s mother Dorothy died when he was young. Robert was raised by loving foster parents “Pappy” and “Ma” Roe.

Robert’s family are deeply appreciative for the love and care provided by his neighbors and friends and staff at The Meadows at Osborne Park.

Services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to Fostering Hope a nonprofit Cleveland area organization focused on enriching the lives for children in foster care  www.fosteringhopeohio.org/give or Fostering Hope 3737 Lander Road #214, Pepper Pike, OH 44124

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at www.fosterfh.com. 

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