Obituary of Earl Reynolds

Earl C. Reynolds, Jr, 88 years old, died on Wednesday, June 22, of natural causes at his Boise home. A Funeral Service celebrating his life will be held at St Michael's Cathedral, 8th and State Street in downtown Boise, at 2 PM, Tuesday, June 28, 2011, followed by a reception in the adjacent Bishop Tuttle House. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Home. A viewing will be held Monday, June 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Summers Boise Chapel, 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise. Earl was born in La Grande, Oregon, to Earl Reynolds, Sr. and Frances Smith Reynolds. As a young boy Earl moved with his family to Klamath Falls, Oregon. On graduation from high school, he followed the Reynolds family tradition of attending Oregon State University. As World War II progressed so did the need for young men, and Earl's education was interrupted as he served his country proudly with the 145th Naval Construction Battalion in the Pacific. After his discharge Earl returned to Oregon State University and graduated with honors in civil engineering. He traveled east to New Haven, Connecticut, and earned a masters degree with honors from Yale University in 1948. Again returning to Oregon Earl became the 8th employee of the engineering firm of CH2M. Earl married Harriet Anne Andrew on April 10, 1950 in Corvallis. Earl was then assigned to open CH2M's first branch office in Boise, Idaho, where they relocated and started their family, having three sons; James William (1951), Andrew Earl (1952), and Joseph George (1956). Earl's professional career mirrored his life of dedication and service, helping to build CH2M into a nationally prominent engineering firm. As Chairman of the Board for CH2MHill in the early 80's Earl was instrumental in expanding the firm beyond the traditional engineering design into a broad-based consulting arena. As a CH2MHill Retiree, Earl watched the firm become a global leader in full-service engineering, construction and operations. Among numerous professional and civic honors achieved by Earl are the Idaho Statesman Distinguished Citizen award in 1967, the Boise Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Community Service award in 1988, and in 1992 he received the National Society of Professional Engineers Distinguished Service Award. In 1999 the Oregon State College of Engineering inducted Earl into its Engineering Hall of Fame. With energy, dedication and expertise, Earl's involvement in his community led to an impressive record of service. As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Capital City for more than 50 years, one of Earl's favorite projects was participating in the effort to preserve the historic Kelton Ramp along the Boise Front where a section of the Oregon Trail path heads down from the basalt cliffs on the rim to the Boise River. Earl served as chairman of the Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission, was a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Downtown Development and the Board of Boise Redevelopment Agency. Other civic contributions included serving on St. Luke's Board of Directors and as a St Luke's Charter Foundation Trustee from 1991 to 1998. One of the more prominet community projects with which Earl was associated was the Boise River Greenbelt Development. As a member of initial Greenbelt Committee, Earl became strongly committed to the success and completion of the 25-mile long path along the Boise River. A recent special tribute to Earl from the employees of the Boise office of CH2MHill, is a bench and plaque placed on the Greenbelt path within walking distance from his home. Serving his church was an important aspect of Earl's personal life, and his participation included acting as the first president of the Idaho Episcopal Foundation in the late 90's. Blessed with a gifted voice, Earl sang with the All Saints Episcopal Church Choir for many years. In the education arena he was a member of advisory boards for the Boise State University School of Business and the University of Idaho College of Engineering. Additionally, Earl created and co-sponsored scholarships through the BSU Department of Music for talented young singers. Earl loved traveling and the great outdoors. Having been on several continents and dozens of countries he recognized in the small Idaho town of Stanley a unique beauty. The majesty of the Sawtooths took Earl to most of its lakes and mountaintops and he built a cabin there so he and family and friends could share it all. Earl lost his wife Harriet in 1989 but he continued his active involvement with close friends and his church family. At church he met his current wife Jodi B. Reynolds. They were married February 2, 1991. Earl and Jodi each gained three stepchildren. Earl treated his expanded family like he treated everyone he ever met, with unending kindness, patience, and generosity. His grace and love knew no bounds. Earl's life exemplified a devotion to God, Country, Family, Community, and Friends. His moral and spiritual strength and clarity set standards for us all and we all are honored and blessed to have known him. Earl is survived by his wife Jodi, sons James (Cheryl) and Andrew of Boise, Joe (Kathy) of Dallas, OR., stepson Robert Dey (MaryJane) of Caldwell, stepdaughter Jennifer Jorgensen (Brooks) of Danville, CA.; eleven grandchildren Kimberley and William Earl Reynolds; Marissa, John and Elisabeth Dey; Ryne and Jessica Lothrop; Remie, Mac, Evie, and Calvin Jorgensen; great grandchildren Aiden Pontious and Kaydence Lothrop; and special family member Vicki Reynolds. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Marcille Nelson and stepdaughter Alice Lothrop Dey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Idaho Episcopal Foundation, 1858 W. Judith Lane, Boise, Idaho 83705 or a charity of choice. Earl's family would be honored by your presence on Tuesday afternoon at St. Michael's Cathedral to celebrate the life of Earl C. Reynolds, Jr.