William A. Reynolds
CORNELL — William A. Reynolds, age 67, of Cornell, passed away at home in the arms of the love of his life, his wife for 36 years, Joann (VanDrese), who survives him. He was born on July 14, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Mich., the son of William H. Reynolds and Joyce Anway. Bill attended the Wells Township School in Marquette County and went on to attend and graduate from Gwinn High School in 1972.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In raising his children, everything was a life-lesson opportunity to teach and he was always available to lend perspective, advice, and opinion.
Bill loved the outdoors and his passions were fishing, hunting, and golf. He enjoyed fishing walleye tournaments and won first, second, and third places in several walleye tournaments on Lake Gogebic. Opening day of walleye season on Little Bay de Noc was a special holiday for him. He was featured in the November 1996 edition of Fur Fish and Game Magazine for his passion and skills of fishing.
He was a great friend to many and would often go above and beyond for strangers. He loved spending time with his friends at Bordeau’s camp during bird season where he was a favorite target of humorous attacks. However, it was always hard to get the last comeback. Bill had a great sense of humor and a very quick wit. His beautiful ice-blue eyes would twinkle and sparkle when verbally jousting with someone.
Bill was a loyal, skilled, and well-respected long-term employee of the Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad where he wore many hats, but he especially enjoyed running the locomotives. He retired in January of 2014.
Bill is survived by his wife, Joann Reynolds of Cornell; children, Jessica (Grady) Lowe of Tacoma, Wash., Jason Reynolds of Escanaba, Christopher (Kristine) Reynolds of Escanaba, Paul (Shannon) Reynolds of Gladstone, and Stacey (Ralph) Nicholson of Leland, Ill.; brother, Tom Reynolds of Watson, Mich.; sister, Julie Reynolds of Escanaba; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Chuck Irving and Wayne Brukardt.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William H. Reynolds; mother, Joyce Husack; and brother, Michael Reynolds.
Bill was very proud of his Irish heritage. In Celebration of Bill’s life, an Irish Wake will be held at The Rusty Rail in Cornell, Mich. on Sunday, February 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests your donation to LHC Hospice Promise Foundation, 901 South Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Reynolds family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.