John Arlon Reynolds

John Arlon Reynolds – man of integrity, love, and dedication – passed away peacefully on Sunday morning after a valiant five year battle with ALS. His devoted wife and children were gathered at his bedside. He is loved deeply and will always be honored for his legacy of faith.

John was born August 20, 1944 in Oneonta, NY to John Stride and Evelyn Ruth (Kohinke) Reynolds. He was raised there and attended Oneonta High School (class of 1962). "Johnny" had many interests: Boy Scouts, wrestling, ice fishing with his grandfather, singing in choir, and playing the coronet. At age 12, he was introduced to his life-long passion of amateur radio.

He joined the Navy at age 17, where he developed a sense of patriotism that remained strong throughout his life. He was assigned to the destroyer USS Bigelow DD-942 where he served as radioman. He traveled around the world, making visits to Italy, Cuba, Africa, Sweden, Vietnam, France, Beirut, and Germany, where he chose to live for over 16 years. He even taught himself German and became so skilled in speaking that many thought he was a local! He remained fluent in German his entire life.

While living there, John searched for truth and became deeply converted to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He later met two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) at a street display in Kiel, Germany.  He received the message of the restored gospel of Christ and was baptized in May 1976.  In the coming year, he met and married Olinda Leigh Hoehne of Bountiful, UT on June 14, 1977.  She was his eternal companion and 'lovely bride,' as he called her. John cherished Olinda with all his heart throughout 41 wonderful years of marriage.

John worked as a telecommunications specialist in Kiel and later attended Weber State University in his mid-40s to become a radiologic technologist at the VA Hospital and University of Utah. His other personal interests included yacht rock music, astronomy, yardwork, camping, and hiking. He was also a skilled handyman and notorious teller of 'dad jokes' with a quick wit and a ready smirk. In addition to his diligent church and community service, he and Olinda also served the people of Beattyville, KY as couple missionaries in 2013-2014, before his ALS symptoms worsened.

John is survived by his wife, Olinda; his children York Reynolds, Alaina (Jacob) Fjeldsted, Kathryn Reynolds, and Justin (Ashlee) Reynolds; his siblings Craig and Faith Reynolds; and six beautiful grandchildren Miriam, Søren, Bryn, Anders, Harley, and Dax.  

John's character is defined by how deeply he loved others, saw the good in everyone, and attended to those who were often overlooked. He will be remembered for his relentless courage to do what was right and willingness to sacrifice for God, family and country.

Many mourn the loss of such a great man, but all are grateful that he is now free of his debilitating illness. Despite facing daily physical hurdles, he cheerfully conquered with his unyielding and positive spirit. He encouraged each of us to 'see the bigger picture' and trust that God oversees his life – and ours. His faith and love never failed.

Please join us in celebrating John's life on Saturday, August from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Val Verda 2nd Ward, 3317 South 800 West, Bountiful UT. Viewings will be held Friday, August 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main Street, Bountiful UT; and Saturday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.

We offer our sincerest gratitude for all those who served John with such kindness in the last years of his illness (i.e. neighbors, friends, Superior Home Care & Hospice, and Caregiver Support Network).

In lieu of flowers, please join us in our walk on Sep 22, 2018 and/or donate to the team name: "John Reynolds" (Utah) to raise funds for ALS research at www.WalkToDefeatALS.org.