John David Reynolds, of Lake Placid, died peacefully at his home on May 26, 2022 at the age of 80.
Born in Amsterdam, NY, JD, as he was known by his friends and family, lived in Lake Placid for over 40 years. He graduated from Vermont Academy in 1960 and then from St. Lawrence University in 1964.
He started his career at the Hartford Insurance Company, but quickly moved to the commercial flooring business working for Mohawk Carpet. He then founded Rapid Designs, a maker of white-water kayaks and paddles. Rapid Designs was the first kayak maker to incorporate Kevlar fibers in its kayak design. Later, he returned to the commercial flooring business, but this time starting his own company, Reynolds Associates. He was a consultant to architectural and design firms and also had several employees. He led this successful Boston-based venture, but resided in Lake Placid for long weekends to be with his family.
JD was a passionate sportsman. While in high school and college, he competed in all three snow sports: jumping, downhill/slalom and cross-country skiing. In his youth, JD spent substantial time in Speculator, NY working as a life guard and teaching water skiing to anyone who was game. It was here at Speculator’s Oak Mt. that he learned to alpine ski. JD loved ski racing and raced into his 60s and skied recreationally until nearly the end of his life.
JD was the first chairman of the board of the New York Ski Educational Foundation and was inducted into its hall of fame in 2021. He loved F1Racing and was also an avid fisherman, particularly obsessed with fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon. He travelled to Canada, Iceland and Russia pursuing that passion. JD was constantly on-the-go, and in the warmer months, could be seen either running or cycling around the Adirondack Park.
JD was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He always supported his sons and encouraged all their endeavors, aspirations and adventures. Whether it was downhill skiing, Atlantic salmon fishing or traveling, JD jumped into every opportunity and strongly encouraged those around him to leap as well. He imparted his love of skiing and ski racing to all of his children and grandchildren, watching them with great pride.
JD also took his passions abroad to Europe with a special focus on skiing in the Alps, exploring the culture and making friends. However, he loved Lake Placid most of all. Along with his wife, Diane, he delighted in sharing it with his children, friends, and later, grandchildren, at the family home on Signal Hill and their boathouse on Lake Placid.
JD was a fiercely loyal friend. He had a magnetic personality attracting countless close relationships over the years. He was uniquely himself by being an engaging, high-energy, direct person with a great sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Diane, of 57 years; his three sons and their wives, John and Alexandra, of Rowayton, CT, Andrew and Nell, of Hanover, NH, and Steven and Brooks, of Lake Placid, as well as eight grandchildren, Olivia, Jake, Anna, Peter, Andrea, Emma, Thomas and Ava. A memorial service will be held this July.
Those wishing to honor JD may do so by donating to: The Alpine Ski Endowment at St. Lawrence University, 23 Romoda Drive Canton, NY 13617, or Atlantic Salmon Federation, PO Box 807, Calais, ME 04619.
The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.
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