REYNOLDS, Thomas B. (Tom)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 09/12/2014 Thomas B. Reynolds, 83, of Pinetop, died Aug. 19, 2014, in Chandler after a short illness related to Alzheimer’s. He was born Aug. 11, 1931, in Pontiac, Mich. Tom played to win in all he did. To navigate this difficult path, he used his love of people, sports, music and dancing to encourage us to join his winning attitude. Those of you who have known him in his illness and remember how he used a wink, a tip of his hat, a side stepping shuffle or a few well-chosen words to draw you into his confidence. His longtime friends knew him as a patient teacher and coach, a strong disciplinarian and a master of the stink eye: a look that could make anyone want to behave. In his hockey years, as in life, he was in the penalty box often. His battles were fought over a sense of fairness, and through those fights he eventually earned the respect of the referees, players and opponents. Tom was a skilled creative craftsman and builder. Some of you are reading this because of friendships you formed with him while he created the custom home or space you imagined. His family knows Mr. Reynolds’ inventive side as a verb — to “Reynolize” — meaning to make useful. Tom was accomplished at whatever he had a mind to do or wished to enjoy. This created a busy household. With his wife of 60 years, Maxine, he raised six children with diverse interests and talents. Tom and Maxine lived on Elizabeth Lake in Michigan, Cheery Lynn in Phoenix and the “lake house” in Chandler. They spent time traveling to and from their family-built Pinetop cabin or in San Diego where they docked their sleep aboard sailboat Challenge. They kept tie-downs for his planes at Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, Scottsdale and Show Low airports, although they were never tied down long as he loved to fly with his favorite navigator, Maxine. He is survived by his wife, Maxine; children Laurie, Jeff, Julie, Andrea, Eric and Vincent; grandchildren Brice, Russell, Clayton, Jenna, Dana Devin, Baylee, Chloe, Ted, Eddie and Ethan; four great-grandchildren, Julian, Hannah, Logan and Ava. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Julia Bateman Reynolds, and his brothers, Jim and Jack. He brings with him the life skills to help them all get along; that, or he may have to use the stink eye. The family is planning a celebration of life to share memories with friends and family; children are welcome. It will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Chandler Tumbleweed Community Center from 1-4 p.m. For more details, contact Andrea at 602-568-2519 or a.corey@cox.netor view the Legacy Funeral Home website: www.azlegacyfuneralhome.com.