Calvin Reynolds, 95, passed peacefully on December 13, 2020. He was born on July 16,1925 in Culver City, California. His parents were Jerome and Cora Reynolds. Cal graduated from Irondequoit High School, class of 1943. Following graduation, he proudly served in the US Navy during WWII on the Island of Tinian in the South Pacific. Upon return to the states in 1946, he attended Cornell for a year, and then pursued a BS degree in landscape architecture at the school of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University, graduating in 1951. He joined the Rochester Parks Department in 1952. On June 6, 1953, Cal married Beverly Pink, the love of his life, whom he met through Sunday Night Club at Lake Avenue Baptist Church. In 1954, Cal became Rochester’s chief forester. During this time, he tackled the Dutch Elm’s disease that swept the country and hit the city as well. He was part of the replanting of trees that are now lining the streets today. The tree planting campaign was one of his fondest memories as he would often revel at the grown trees in his later life when driving through the city. Conservation of nature and wildlife was his life. This dedication advanced him to the role of Monroe County Parks Planner in 1965, and ultimately the Monroe County Parks Director in 1977. He retired in 1985. Throughout his years overseeing the various parks and golf courses that Rochester is known for, he always loved and nurtured the natural spaces where wildflowers could grow, as well as the highly cherished Highland Park known for the local Lilac Festival. He was known to plant new species here and there in wild areas to increase the variety of plant material. An immense advocate for sustainability and care of the environment, Cal was ahead of his time with a zero-waste, reduce, reuse, and recycle mindset. Through the years, Cal was a leader and member in various organizations including the First Baptist Churches of Fairport Rochester and Seneca Waterways Council, BSA — Explorers (Sea Scouts), Rochester Theater Organ Society, and Genesee Valley Orchid Society. His interests paralleled his love of being outdoors which included gardening, golfing, skiing, fishing, camping, international travel, and music, especially playing the organ. On many Saturdays, Cal could be heard playing the Wurlitzer organ at the Auditorium Theater, something that members were able to do for fun. He also had an immense interest in history and geography. Family trips always included visiting the National Parks, US state parks, golf courses, and ski resorts. During his retirement, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, especially taking in all of the outdoor attractions and meeting up with plant enthusiasts that he was penpals with throughout the years. His love of orchids was also something he cherished up until this past summer. His favorite, the yellow lady slipper, adorned his garden, which he doted over. Cal was a gentle and insightful soul. His family and friendships were at the center of his thoughts. He enjoyed corresponding with letters and talking on the phone, always checking in on others. Recent musings throughout this pandemic included the advice, “choose to be un-busy”, words all of us can live by.
Cal recently endured the loss of his wife, Beverly on March 31, 2020. Cal was predeceased by his siblings, Warren, Theodore, Malcolm, Marilyn, and Norman. He is survived by son Cal Jr (Robin), son Greg, daughter, Anne (Gary), grandsons Nick (Haley), Erik (Liz), CJ, sister Lois, and many nieces and nephews.
In the spirit of Cal’s love for nature and the environment, donations can be made in his name to The Nature Conservancy, a charitable foundation that he long supported.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date when everyone is able to gather safely.
Comments
40 responses to “Reynolds, Calvin”
We were sad to hear about Cal’s passing and we did not know about Bev.
Tim remembers them fondly.
Thank you for your kind words. They are missed.
Hi cousin Tim and Heidi, thank you so much for your thoughts. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
My wife and I never met Cal, but we have met his amazing daughter (Anne) and her husband Gary. We can only imagine what a spirit Cal was, reading about his vision and passion for nature, while we enjoy the parks and living spaces he helped influence. We also know what a caring and creative friend we have in Anne – that does’t happen without a nurturing and supportive family. Peace be with you Cal.
Thank you, Paul. Truly kind words, and yes, I was very blessed with special parents.
So very sorry for the loss of both of your parents Cal. Please know I am thinking of all of you during this sad tim
Thank you Sue, your love and friendship means a lot ! ?
Sue, thank you so much for your thoughts. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
So sorry for your loss…what an amazing obituary telling the story of an amazing man who left this world a better place. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time…
Thank you, Tess, means a lot.
So, so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of growing with “Uncle Cal”. Countless camping trips with the Reynolds family and mine. Those foggy, early morning fishing trips on Canandaigua Lake were always a treat. We always trolled out to the old boat house on the point from the boat ramp when he said to cast our lines then. Sure enough, the bass would strike! I am so thankful I was able to see both Aunt Bev and Uncle Cal twice over the past few years. I know that Uncle Cal and Aunt Bev are back playing cards again with my Mom and Dad. Cal Jr, Greg, and Anne, Laurie and I are so very sorry for the pain you have had to go through this year. Thoughts and prayers to you all. Rest In Peace, Uncle Cal.
Thank you, Alan. Our parents are definitely all together, probably quite the reunion. My mom never got over the heartbreak of your mom passing. And they loved your visits when you were cycling through your the area, thank you.
Hi cousin Alan and Laurie, Yes, those camping trips, staying over at your house to play are cherished memories for me too. They were so happy to visit with you here the past couple years while on your bike journeys. Thank you so much for your thoughts. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. They will be dearly missed.
Cal and Robin, what a beautiful tribute for such a special man , I will cherish the environment and forestry in a different way knowing all of this. So sorry for your loss you have a had a very hard and long year. May you both be blessed for a wonderful 2021 God Bless and may he rest in peace.
Thank you Sue, your love and friendship means so much to us ?
Wow I’m bad at this ! Thank you Theresa, your words mean so much ?
Dear Cal, Greg and Anne, Your mom and dad were our dearest friends. I recall with pleasure the times we spent together, from weekly 4 person concerts on the piano, organ, violin and recorder following choir rehearsal, which later turned into card playing after we couldn’t stand our music anymore, plus our trips to Europe, 4 weeks on the continent and 5 weeks in the UK, plus camping together and many more fond memories. On my laptop I have, as wallpaper, a slide show which has many photos that remind me daily of our activities, often including ski trips to Holiday Valley and Vermont and Anne camping with us in the Adirondacks when your parents traveled to Alaska, pllus many photos of your folks with us in Europe. I miss both of your folks dearly. My sympathy and best wishes go out to you. Jack Auer
Oh, Jack. The years of friendship and companionship between our families meant everything. I know they are reunited with Rose and are all watching over us now. Thank you for all of the memories.
Jack, you four were definitely the best of friends. Mom and Dad loved your fellowship, games, organ concerts, dinners, et al … Thank you so much for your thoughts. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
Anne, I am so sorry for the tremendous loss of both your parents during this year. It was my pleasure to know them through Judy…. and have such fond memories of them. Loved my visit to Rochester with Judy to visit all her relatives … and a chance to see Cal’s garden,. I also remember your kind hospitality. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this memory, Laura. I know they enjoyed the visits, as did we.
Cal, Greg and family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss of your dad. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Debbie.
I am truly sorry to hear of your dads passing and the passing of your mother earlier in the year. I worked for Cal first as Supervisor of Durand Eastman Park and Golf Course and as Assistant Superintendent of Park and Golf. He was as gentle as anyone I knew and always supportive of ideas we had to improve the parks department. After retirement he called often and on several occasions we met for lunch. Three weeks ago I was thinking about your dad and tried to reach him by phone. The number I had no longer was in service. Cal left an impression on me and I will always cherish his friendship. May he Rest In Peace.
Thank you for sharing, Jim. What a wonderful memory of Dad. I appreciate that you enjoyed a continued friendship. Be well.
Jim, thanks you so much for your kind words. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
I met Kevin when we were bth members of the German society at the Pittsford library .’ H e was a lovely person and we sang songs in German The last time I telephoned him Bev,l should say your mother has
D recently passed away and I had tried to call Your Dad prior to making his Christmas card in German as per usual and began checking the obits in the Sunday paper when I couldn’t phone him. My deepest sun
Mpathies. He was one of nicest people I ever knew.
KHe was a wonderful person . I had met him when we part of the Pittsford library German club. My deepesst sympathies. You Marion Hoepfl
Hi Marion, my dad so enjoyed German Club and your friendship. He spoke of you often. I’m sure Eldeweiss was one of the songs you’d sing, his favorite.
Marion, you so much for your kind thoughts. He loved German society. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
I met Kevin when we were bth members of the German society at the Pittsford library .’ H e was a lovely person and we sang songs in German The last time I telephoned him Bev,l should say your mother has
D recently passed away and I had tried to call Your Dad prior to making his Christmas card in German as per usual and began checking the obits in the Sunday paper when I couldn’t phone him. My deepest sun
Mpathies. He was one of nicest people I ever knew.
KHe was a wonderful person . I had met him when we part of the Pittsford library German club. My deepesst sympathies. You
Cal, my condolences to you and your family. While I did not personally know your father, the wonderful eulogy describing his life expressed the essence of his life. What a great tribute. He seemed to enjoy a wide variety of the life experience. The included pictures expanded the written word. I can relate to the switchboard operator role, and, being on Tinian, his participation in the final war effort. He certainly left a wide range of memories of his life for your family to reflect on.
Gene, you so much for your thoughts. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
Calvin, being a neighbor, was interesting person to talk with about birds and deer around our yards. He is missed, but never forgotten for sure. Calvin and I also reflected back on our U.S. Navy experiences, even though I was five when Calvin was discharged. It was my pleasure to know him for a few short years at ElizAl Court.
Hank, thank you so much for your thoughts. Dad certainly enjoyed talking to you too. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
It was truly a pleasure to have met Cal (and Bev, also.,). I only had opportunity to know him for about a year, but loved to chat with Cal as he daily tended his yard (right next to ours.). I’m sorry that this was not a good year for visiting on the front porch. I would have enjoyed that very much.
Laurie, you so much for your kind thoughts. He certainly loved discussing gardening. It has been a Tough year on many fronts. Mom and Dad are dearly missed.
Our dear longtime friend Cal loved the chocolates we brought him through the years and our homemade baked goods as well.Though his wife Bev whom we came to know through the Rochester Shaker Study group ( which we founded and Bev and Cal were right there as one of the first members) was a great cook herself.They were a devoted couple and will be missed by all who knew them.
Fran & Herb, thank you so much for the years of friendship with my parents. They truly loved the Shaker Study group and the get togethers. My dad also loved the chocolates you’ve been delivering for him, especially since Mom passed. Thank you.
To the whole family, I am so sorry for the loss of both parents in such a short period of time. Sitting next to Bev in the choir loft at the Fairport First Baptist Church was always an adventure! I learned a lot from her and can still hear her laugh. What beautiful tributes to both beautiful people. They will be missed.
Thank you, Lorraine, Memories of Mom singing are the best. Thanks for sharing. And they are dearly missed, so very much.