Leland Oliver Reynolds

Leland Oliver Reynolds, 86, passed on to greener greens and wider fairways on July 26, 2024, with his youngest child Mary Jo Reynolds by his side. Lee was born on August 19, 1937, in Flasher, ND, the third of five children to Leonard Albert and Olga (Thorson) Reynolds. He was greeted on the other side by his mother Olga, father Leonard, sister Gayle Livingston Gibbons, and brother Bob Reynolds. He was also greeted by his hunting dogs Buster, Shotgun, Barney, and the love of his life: Tiffany, who was a tiny Yorkie that thought she was a mighty hunting dog.

 Lee is survived by his wife of 66 years and two days, Rita Marie (Gress), his oldest son Rick Lee, with his wife Terri and daughters Leighann and Samantha (Jorge Mendivil). Lee was introduced to his great grandson, Maverick Mendivil, two days before his passing. He is also survived by his daughters, Stacy Lynn with her husband, Jeff Howard and children Jessica and Logan, and Mary Jo Reynolds with her partner, Jason Waskey. Lee leaves his siblings Lloyd (Joanne) Reynolds and Mary (Ed) Ternes to carry the Reynolds torch.

 Lee grew up in Flasher, and as was the family tradition, attended Valley City State College where he obtained a teaching degree. He went on to teach in Fairview, MT; New Salem, Hebron, Napoleon, Elgin and Robinson, ND before returning to Valley City for further education. While there, he was the Head Resident of Kolstoe Hall, and assisted in coaching track and football. He moved to Choteau, MT in August of 1973 at the encouragement of his brother Lloyd.

 Lee was a great athlete and participated in baseball, basketball, golf, bowling, and the Wild Cow Milking contest. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, shooting pool, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and singing in choirs and musicals. His chest would puff out a little when people would call him for help with the Sunday crossword puzzle. He coached football, track, and for two weeks of the year, wrestling. In Choteau, his primary coaching job was high school girls’ basketball. One of his proudest memories was that of taking his squad from the small town of Choteau and beating the previously undefeated Beautiful Blue Bison of Great Falls High on their own court. You young women made him so proud.

 He tried his hand at selling Insurance for State Farm from 1979-1986, and although his golf game improved, he returned to teaching until around 1995 to continue his legacy as an educator.

 His teaching had an impact on many lives. He was frequently approached by former students, usually on the evenings of Choteau’s July 3rd celebration, and told he was their favorite teacher ever. Many former students have said Lee is the reason they went into their careers, or that he was the most patient person in their lives. He taught the 100 parts of an automobile engine; and the famous Survival Course covering everything from flash floods and tsunamis to nuclear fallout. He taught about how machines relate to work (levers, pulleys, fulcrums) and mispronounced a few names while teaching Central and South American geography.

 Lee’s Memorial service will be held Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Choteau Country Club at 2:00 pm. If traditions continue, there will probably be rounds of golf preceding the service. Given the time and distance between our reunions these days, we hope to see as many people there as possible. Bring your favorite memories and stories.

 Memorials may be made to the Choteau Back Pack Buddies program: Choteau Elementary Foundation, 204 7th Ave. NW, Choteau, MT 59422 with “Back Pack Buddies” in the memo line.

 Letters or cards may be sent to Rita Reynolds at The Rainbow Assisted Living, 20 3rd St. #555, Great Falls, MT 59401.

 Lee, Mr. Reynolds, Dad, Grandpa, Bop, will be missed by many, but will live on in our memories. When we swing a golf club, do a jig saw puzzle, catch a fish, shoot a gun, do math, sing, compete in sports, play cards, or try to shift a manual transmission, we will think of his contributions to our lives.

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