Lyme Mourns The Loss Of Gary Hayden Reynolds Sr.

In a town as small as Lyme, the passing of any member of the community does not go unnoticed. But the loss of Gary Hayden Reynolds Sr., who passed away after a brave but brief battle with cancer on July 9, left a big hole in the heart of Lyme.

The signs of mourning are evident all over town. On Hamburg Road, purple and black bunting hangs at Lyme Fire Company, where Reynolds once served as chief. 

At Town Hall, which is closed today for the funeral, the flag flys at half-staff. Reynolds served on the Lyme Board of Finance for 37 years and was fast friends with everyone at Town Hall, but most especially with First Selectman Ralph Eno. 

Reynolds was active in business and civic activities right up until the end. He was president and owner of Reynolds' Garage & Marine Inc., a member of the Peugeot Advisory Board, served as treasurer for the Lyme Congregational Church, was a member of the Hamburg Cove Yacht Club and harbormaster for the town, and was a Justice of the Peace. Gary had a passion for both boats and cars, and was very actively involved in the National Automobile Dealers Association. 

Gary, who was 69, leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Marilynn C. Reynolds, and their three children, Leland Thomas Reynolds and wife; Shaleigh Reynolds, twins, G. Hayden Reynolds and wife, Emily Reynolds, and Kathryn R. Wayland and husband, Mark Wayland; and a sister, Carleen Gerber, and seven grandchildren. All of them live in Lyme. 

Gary is mourned by the many people in his hometown who counted him a friend, but the tribute page of his obituary reveals how many lives he touched, as people from states all over the country shared their memories of him.

"Gary was a true presence in so many ways, a big man with a voice to match, a big and generous heart, his positions in Town both as a businessman and in a leadership roles in various civic functions and clubs and as a patriarch for his wife, children and grandchildren," wrote Lyme resident Steve Olstein in the tribute section of Reynold's obituary. "I have only known Gary for fifteen short years but our lives have intersected many times in both business and pleasure and he was always fair, friendly, helpful and smiling and I enjoyed every interaction."

"I am truly saddened to read of Gary's passing. I came to know Gary many years ago through the fire service. I always enjoyed speaking with him and running into him at the legendary "Hunting Camp" in Lyme back in the day. Always a gentleman, always with a joke and some laughter. Gary was indeed a big part of the fabric that makes up Lyme CT and will be sorely missed by many. My condolences go out to the family and his many friends," wrote Jim Shake of Niantic. "Go in peace Chief. God Bless."

"Gary Reynolds was a friend, a mentor, a motivator, and an inspiration to me. He had the gift of a kind heart, which combined with the desire to help, was a huge influence my life," wrote Mark Politte, of Ellsworth, Maine. "His willingness to share his time and intellect kept me on a positive path and away from the pitfalls or our business. Gary's love for his family was paramount in everything he did and I was fortunate to feel like a member of his extended family. I will particularly miss his devilish grin, his hearty laugh, and his strong morale compass."

Several hundred people are expected to turn out today for the funeral service, which will be held at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's name to The Lyme Ambulance, P.O. Box 911, Hadlyme, CT 06439 or The Lyme Fire Company, 213 Hamburg Road, Lyme, CT 06371.

Visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and more information.