May God bless you and your...
Absolutely a Devine since of humor !!!
Joanna C Bucher-Redfearn
October 21, 2025
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Photo courtesy of Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma
Gary Stephen Reynolds
Petaluma, California
Apr 25, 1949 – Oct 21, 2017 (Age 68)
About
BORN
April 25, 1949
DIED
October 21, 2017
AGE
68
LOCATION
Petaluma, California
Obituary
Send FlowersAdobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma Obituary
Gary Stephen Reynolds passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2017 after a heroic battle with cancer, exchanging his silver bullet for a pair of silver wings. His life was dedicated to advocating for justice and as a seeker of knowledge. Gary was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a voracious reader, a teacher, a writer, a mentor. He loved to cook, was witty, generous and kind, forever a gentleman. Gary was born in Santa Monica on April 25, 1949 to Billie D. and Lawrence A. Reynolds. A lifelong student, Gary earned his Bachelor's Degree in Public Service Management from the University of Redlands in 1977 and earned his Master's Degree in Economic Crime Management from Utica College of New York in 2006. Gary's love of teaching included academic appointments as an instructor at the Northern California Criminal Justice Training Center, a professor at Santa Rosa Junior College and an adjunct professor at Utica College of New York. Gary's career in law enforcement spanned from 1971–1988, working for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the Marin County Sheriff's Department and retired from the Santa Rosa Police Department. Never one to sit idle, he began his next career in the financial arena in 1989 working for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citicorp/Citibank, Dragnet Solutions, Inc. and retired (again) from Union Bank in June of 2017. Gary was a licensed private investigator, certified fraud examiner, licensed in computer forensics and certified as an anti-terrorism specialist. He is survived by his wife Janet Anne, his daughter Janet Marie Leonard, his bonus sons Daniel and Robert Petersen, his grandchildren Dylan and Danika, his brother James Reynolds, his twin sisters Terry Bonde and Mary Wayne and their families. He will be sorely missed by Quinn, his ever-present and loyal German Shepherd companion. At Gary's request, a private memorial ceremony will held on the San Francisco Bay. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to either Gary's law enforcement family who were affected by the Sonoma County wildfires by donating through the Santa Rosa Police Officers' Association or Gary's love of German Shepherds and K-9 safety to Santa Rosa K-9 Foundation or Project Paws Alive. The family is forever grateful to Hospice of Petaluma for caring for Gary with compassion and dignity.
Guest Book
I met you when I was 9. You were my favorite person. I still have the police jacket you gave me when you worked in Watts, Los Angeles.
I remember fondly the ride a long I go to go on with you. Boy, was I scared yet thrilled and proud.
I'll always remember you Gary, my brother in law.
I have your photo on my dads sailboat on the wall, enlarged it and its magnificant!
Pete and Lynne
I love you.
Pete and lynne B.
November 23, 2020 | Telluride, CO | Family
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Rest In Peace my friend, I am going to miss your wit and smile.
Gerry Kelsall
December 07, 2017 | Forestville, CA | Friend
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To Gary's family, I am so sorry for your loss...and our lost too. Gary was a unique individual who was always fun to work with. He was a gentleman, a comedian, and a great detective, with a sharp wit. He treated people the way you would want to be treated. I saw him mentor and encourage new supervisors on the SWAT team, when he could have easily been the supervisor. And he did it quietly without any expectations of being rewarded. Peace be with you, Gary, aka Dr. Wong.
Randy Nunes
December 01, 2017 | Santa Rosa, CA | Coworker
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We were so sorry to hear of Gary's untimely passing. He was a professional in every sense of the word, and a pleasure to know and work with. Long after both of us retired we stayed in touch trying to arrange a lunch here and there to catch up on our lives after retirement. I will always remember his quiet and witty manner, and the interest he displayed in so many activities beyond his professional life. Our condolences to the family. Sal & Connie Rosano
Sal Rosano
November 30, 2017 | Santa Rosa, CA | Coworker
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Gary you left us way too soon. You made me laugh almost every day at work and pulled off some hilarious pranks on me. Didn't see much of you after you left Santa Rosa. You will always be in my thoughts. Prayers and best wishes to your loved ones.
Jim Miller
MIles "Jim" Miller
November 28, 2017 | Gold Hill, OR | Coworker
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Gary you left us way too soon. You made me laugh almost every day at work and pulled off some hilarious pranks on me. Didn't see much of you after you left Santa Rosa. You will always be in my thoughts. Prayers and best wishes to your loved ones.
Jim Miller
MIles "Jim" Miller
November 28, 2017 | Medford, OR | Coworker
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Gary, You left us way too soon. You made me laugh almost every day at work and pulled some great pranks on me!!! Didn't see you much after you left SRPD but you will always be in my thoughts. You were one of the best! Prayers and best wishes to your loved ones . You will be missed and remembered
Jim Miller
Miles "Jim" Miller
November 28, 2017 | Medford, OR | Coworker
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I had the good fortune to meet Gary while I was instructing our retiree firearms range a few years back and while working at the police academy. We had some good conversations as I had started in police work in Southern California and my grandparents were from Santa Monica. He seemed like a great guy and though I never got to work with him, I knew that we would have got along well. God Bless Gary and rest in peace. May the family find great comfort in the loving memories you have of him.
Ron Nelson
November 28, 2017 | WINDSOR, CA | Acquaintance
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