DANIEL ASA "DAN" REYNOLDS ~ Class of 1961
February 9, 1943 - October 10, 2009





Daniel Asa Reynolds, age 66, passed away from pancreatic cancer on Saturday October 10, 2009 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 9, 1943 in Murray, UT to Grant Daniel Reynolds and Edna Hamblin Reynolds. When he was two years old the Reynolds family relocated to Richland.

Dan graduated from Columbia high school in Richland in 1961. In 1967, while in college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and trained as a medic at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas with the highest score of his class, but was subsequently reassigned as company clerk at Ft. Hood, TX. He received a Masters degree in Chemical engineering from Brigham Young University in 1971. After graduation he was employed for two years at the Naval Weapons Center at China Lake, CA; then returned to the northwest and for two years worked for Longview Fiber Company. While visiting family in Richland a man randomly offered him a position at Hanford. For the last 33 years Dan enjoyed working for multiple companies there. Dan earned the distinguished title of "Fellow Scientist" and did great work at the Hanford Tank Farms, being a great example for others to follow in his work ethic and high standards.

He faithfully served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Eastern Atlantic States mission. During his time as a missionary he served in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia. He honorably and faithfully served in many positions of service in the church. He especially enjoyed serving with the scouts and the youth. Dan was a zealous genealogist and taught his wife to be the same.

Dan and Marilyn were married September 9, 1966 in Salt Lake City, UT. Both were raised in Richland. They knew each other from childhood. During their years of raising children they enjoyed exploring the western states. He loved the outdoors. They had many adventures and misadventures with cars, trailers, and boats. Dan enjoyed the outdoors, including camping, fishing, canoeing, and hiking and biking. Dan was a wonderful father and grandfather always interested and actively involved in their lives.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marilyn REW Reynolds ('63), and his children Nathan, of Portland, OR; Jonathan and wife Joelle of Pullman, WA; Jacob and wife Karen of Richland; Benjamin Charles of Seward, AK; Matthew and wife Mindy of Twin Falls, ID; Tammy of Richland; and seven grandchildren: Caleb, Joshua, Bea, Collin, Isaac, Mali, and Simon. He is also survived by his sister, Gayle ('57) and husband Gary Sansom of Grandview, WA; brother, Richard ('68) and wife Michele Reynolds of Purcellville, VA; sister, Ann Reynolds ('71) of Ogden, UT and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dan was very good to his parents, especially his mother, who received much loving and tender care from him during her widowhood and difficult health problems. As a youth he helped her with her florist business. Dan was also a devoted husband to Marilyn during all the years of their marriage, helping her with her health problems. He was a great cook and loved to read. He was always hardworking, good natured, patient, cheerful, and never a complainer.

Dan was known and will be remembered and loved for his intellect and humor. Two hours before his death he could still remember the molecular weight of lead. He had a joke for every occasion. He was an asset to his wife, family, and community and will be greatly missed.

A viewing was held at Einan's Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 13th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 11am at the Jadwin Chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1321 Jadwin, Richland. Dedication of the grave will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 7325 W. Deschutes, Suite A, Kennewick, WA 99336.