Mill
City – Lee passed away March 4, 2021. He was born to
Ambrose and Mary Reynolds in Norristown, PA on July 25,
1936. He grew up in Pennsylvania later moving to San Diego,
CA and finally Gates/Mill City.
He was proud of his service
in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.
Lee
and his wife Joan were the owners and operators of The
Frontier Country Restaurant from 1978 to 2010 in Gates. Joan
sadly passed away in August of 2014. The couple raised 3
children and Lee lost 2 two older brothers prior to his
passing. He attended St. Catherine’s in Mill City and was
affiliated with the Elks, American Legion and VFW. When they
owned the restaurant, yearly they would host free steak
dinners for the Gates volunteer fire department as a
thank you. He was very involved in the Santiam Canyon
supporting the timber communities.
Lee and Joan were
inducted into the Santiam School District Hall of Fame in
2008 for their involvement supporting the school including
for several years hosting a free Halloween dinner and dance
for the high school kids. His hobbies included his love for
hunting and fishing, specifically bird hunting, and was
associated with the NW Pheasant Breeders. He raised Springer
Spaniels specializing in hunting dogs. After retiring, he
especially loved attending gun shows with his friends.
Lee
is preceded in death by his wife: Joan Reynolds; his
brothers Dick and Don Reynolds. He is survived by his
children: Deborah (John) Schaer of Gates; Jim (Elaine)
Reynolds of Lynnwood, WA; and Linda (Dennis) Reynolds of San
Diego, CA; 5 grandchildren (Amanda, Michael, Hailee, Gabe
& Nikki) and 2 great-grandchildren (Zack & Josh).
Lee was so thankful that Judy Wilson came into his life
sharing the last 4 years with him.
The family will have a
private Mass of Christian burial. Graveside service
(outdoors and open to all of Lee’s friends) will be at
Fairview Cemetery in Gates Friday April 23, 2021 at 12:30 pm
with military honors. Contributions can be made to the Gates
Volunteer Fire Department. Serving the family, North
Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
