REYNOLDS, Christopher (Chris) James

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Monday, March 18, 2013 Christopher James Reynolds Chris suffered a heart attack and died on March 15, 2013, while mountain biking in Sedona. Chris was born in New York City on March 13, 1950, and grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey. He received his B.A. from Keane College, his Master's Degree from Oakland University and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Northern Arizona University. Chris' career in education spanned three decades and included his tenure as principal at Dorothy Stinson Elementary in Safford, Ariz., principal at Lake Valley Elementary in the Humboldt Unified School District where he also later served as assistant superintendent. He then served as assistant superintendent at Prescott schools before retiring. His commitment to children was absolute and he believed that all children could learn. Often, some of Chris' most challenging students would greet him years later with great affection and talk about the "chair with my name on it" in Chris' office. Chris was an avid mountain biker and was living his passion in his last moments. He served the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity for many years. After his retirement, he moved to Costa Rica with his wife Sue for a grand adventure and to fulfill a life-long dream to live in a Latin country and improve his Spanish. He loved being an ex-pat. Having recently returned to the United States, he and Sue were planning another life reinvention. Chris was a loyal friend and loving brother. He adored his daughter Samantha and devoted himself to her from the moment they met. He and Sue loved each other with passion, laughter and trust for nearly 30 years. His death is a devastating loss to all who loved him. Chris is survived by wife Sue; daughter Samantha; brother James (Susan) Reynolds; sisters, Patricia (Jeff) Fincher, Nancy Drabik, Connie (Jerry) Howard, Briann (Kelly) Lippold; nephews Doug, Garrett and Henry; nieces Blair and Jennifer; his mother-in-law Doris Hazenfield; and his dear friend Marshall Kane. And of course his beloved dog Coco! A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013, in the common room of Miller Valley Elementary School in Prescott, Ariz. Donations in Chris' memory should be made to Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity. Information provided by survivors.