Randolph Marcus Reynolds

With great sadness we announce that Randolph Marcus Reynolds died peacefully in Colorado Springs, CO on November 30, 2024, at the age of 82. He struggled for many years with congestive heart failure but actually passed from a broken heart.

Randy was proceeded in death by his wife, Carol Jean Reynolds, of 62 years, by four days. Carol and Randy were admitted to hospice together and had the good fortune to be together in their final days.

Randy is survived by his children: Todd M. Reynolds, Corey A. Reynolds, Merrie-Kate Reynolds and son-in-law Greg Smith. He admired each of his grandchildren: Ryan, Logan, Quinn and Taylor Reynolds, Ainsley and Charlie Reynolds-Smith. He was also charmed by the recent arrival of his great grandson, Maxwell M. Reynolds.

Randy was born, February 20,1942, in Buffalo, NY to Beverly "Bubbles" Aldene Reynolds and Marcus Rodney Reynolds. Randy had fond memories of being a child in rural New York with his family. In his teenage years his family moved to Simi Valley, California, where luck would have it, Carol lived in the house across the street. They became high school sweethearts and loved going surfing and bowling together. After getting married, the young couple lived in Minnesota, California, and finally landed in Colorado Springs in 1978.

As a young man, Randy worked up the ranks at Deluxe Check Printing, before many years at Rocky Mountain Bank Note. At the peak of his check printing career, 1986-1999, he worked for Current Inc., Checks Unlimited. Randy joined the company as a check production consultant where he went on to develop the first personalized mail order checks in the country. He was very proud his time with the Check Star group and the work culture he co-created with his staff. Their muse was Batman, their motto was, "we want to do right and fix what's wrong."

Upon retiring as director of check printing operations, Randy turned his skills towards luthiery, making classical and flamenco guitars. He was already a skilled woodworker and watercolor artist; he designed his own home after restoring a Victorian house in the old north end of Colorado Springs. With entrepreneurial spirit and inspiration from his son, Corey, also a luthier, Randy made immense contributions to the design and function of guitars. The waiting list for his guitars was years long. His guitars are being played by gifted local musicians and artists all over the world; he lives on in every note.

Randy also had a lifelong passion for building and flying model airplanes. As a teen, he enjoyed being dropped off at Sepulveda Basin, a popular flying field in Los Angeles. In the 1970s he developed a passion for radio control sailplanes and was a member of the Pikes Peak Soaring Society. Years later, in friendship with his son, Todd, he rediscovered free flight. He built and flew free flight models and was a member of the Magnificent Mountain Men Free Flight Club. Randy was vocal and active in his clubs, continually looking for ways to attract new members and help them to compete well and enjoy their time flying.

We will remember Randy as good friend, mentor, craftsman, artist, and family man. A celebration of Randy and Carol's life is being planned for the early summer of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, take the time to make something with your hands and heart.