Reno A. “Jay” Reda

April 3, 1959 - January 16, 2012

Reno A. “Jay” Reda Jr., 52, of Chardon Township, passed away Jan. 16, 2012, at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland surrounded by his loving family, his dogs, and “Reno’s Army.”Born April 3, 1959, in Youngstown, he had lived in Youngstown before moving to Geauga County in the early 1980s.Jay served as a State Wildlife officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for 27 years, retiring Oct. 31, 2008. He has been the host of “Inside the Great Outdoors” talk radio show on 1420 WHK, Sunday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. for the last 11 years. For many years, Jay held a part-time commission with the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office.Reno “Jay” Reda married Michelle Faber in Chardon, July 2, 2005.Jay’s greatest joy was spending time with family, friends and his golden retrievers. He spent many hours cooking and won several awards while participating in celebrity cooking contests. Jay had a great passion for educating people of all ages about the great outdoors. Jay was a self defense, firearms, archery and fishing instructor, was the first fully certified Wildlife Enforcement K-9 handler. He also worked two and a half years undercover narcotics with federal task force and served as the media liaison for Division of Wildlife. He was a regular guest host on outdoor segments of Wild Ohio TV and WKYC.com/outdoors TV (channel 3). He was a hunting and obedience dog trainer.Jay was a self defense trainer (firearms, hand-to-hand, etc.) for both law enforcement and private citizens, specifically women so they could enjoy the great outdoors. He was a competitive power lifter (squat, dead lift, bench press) and held a record or two for a while. Jay served as a peer counselor for survivors of critical incidents. He loved hunting especially pheasants, doves and waterfowl with Michelle, Grizzly Bear (his nine-year-old golden retriever), Bruin (his five-year-old golden retriever) and Munchie (his 17-year-old “speckled retriever”).His passion for fishing was equaled by his joy of watching others master the sport. He loved to cook and “catered” a few dinners here and there. He taught cooking, specializing in Italian and wild cuisine. He also owned a small consulting company. Jay was a longtime member of the Chardon Rotary Club, until his work travels prevented him from attending.He was honored with awards such as the Conservationist of the Year by Soil and Water Conservation District, Outdoor Skills Professional of the Year, Wildlife Officer of the Year, Governors Merit Award, Medal of Valor, Dupont Survivors Award and many others.Survivors are his wife, Michelle (nee Faber) Reda of Chardon Township; sister, Gina (Paul) Garchar of Struthers; brother, Sam (Rhonda) Reda of Pataskala; nieces and nephews, Aubourne (Phil) Nemeth of Willowick, Larry, Paulie and Adrianna Garchar of Struthers, Sabrina and Reno Reda of Pataskala.He was preceded in death by his parents, Reno A. and Betty L. (nee Failor) Reda Sr.Memorial services will be noon Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at The Church of St. Mary, Banquet Hall, 401 North St., Chardon. where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday. Private family burial will be at a later date.The family requests donations to the Geauga County Agricultural Society, c/o Natural Resources Area, P.O. Box 402, Burton, OH 44021, so his work can continue.Arrangements are being handled by The Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon.

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I am so sorry for your loss he will be missed by so many. I worked with him briefly over my 17 years but you know from brief encounters with Jay that he is an outstanding person. You were just drawn to his presence for his personality and knew that he was someone great.

Michelle,I had a short trail run this morning in Mill Creek Park in 6" of fresh snow. My ipod battery was not charged so I headed out without any additional noise in my head. I spent the next hour thinking about Jay and why I didn't choose to run on the paved road. I saw 8 or 9 deer together, 4 bucks and a handful of does. I got within 10 feet of a young buck,stopped on the trail and felt like Jay was staring right back at me. I called him by name even though I was the only one in the woods, told him to get going and I did the same. I never hunted with Jay, I may have fished with him 40 or so years ago but I know some of the feelings he so wanted to share with anyone who would join him.A pheasant exploding from underfootA rod tip stopping its rapid retreat when the steelie on the other end starts it's first runThe silent lowering of a safety to the fire positionand the look on an 8 year olds face when their bobber starts to bounce as the bluegills below try to separate worm from hookI may not always remember Jay on every trip into the woods, but I pray that I do.My best to you,Bruce

"Teach your kid to hunt and you'll never hunt for your kid." Words I heard on the show and lived by. My son is twenty years old and we've been spending Time hunting for ten of those years. Thank You Mr. Reda my son does everything "by the book"

I did not know Jay. I produce an outdoor radio show in Southwest Ohio and we are having OGF on tonight so I signed up for their site. From there I got on WHK's stream...and the tribute show was on. Strange, but in just a half hour of listening it seems as though I did know Jay. Sounds like y'all had one of the greats touch your life. May the four winds blow you safely home.

Listening to Jay on his radio show brought me back to my youth growing up in the Cuyahoga Valley. As I can no longer go into the woods due to MS, he put me right back there over and over again. Although I did not know Jay, I admired and respected him for his knowledge, compassion, kindness, generosity and friendliness on the radio. Listening to him and the usual gang on Sundays made me feel like I was meeting my fishing buddies 30 years ago early in the morning at my house, having a cup of coffee and engaging in camaraderie before heading out. Thank you Jay, You made a multitude of us feel whole again. May God embrace you forever.

Michelle, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you. Jay will be truly missed.

To Reno's Family&Michelle, I was truely stunned&saddened to see that Jay has passed.I met him at Hocking Tech College when I was an assistant taxidermy instructor there. We became friends after discovering that we were both from the Youngstown area.We lost touch after he graduated and became the Geauga Co.game warden,until I moved to Cleveland and began waterfowl hunting in his"neck of the woods".During those years,I would either bump into him while out in the field or call him from a payphone and stop to visit if he was home. I have several fond memories of some great waterfowl hunts that we shared.During Ohio's 1st ever early canada goose season in1991,Jay invited me to go on a hunt with him & a few of his friends.He posted us on the bank of a golf course pond to wait for legal shooting time.The morning was extremely foggy which meant we probably would have had to wait quite awhile for the geese to leave the pond.Jay decided to speed things up by jumping in a boat& rowing it out into the flock,flushing them off the pond.Everyone harvested a bird or two.I was fortunate enough to harvest 3 birds,all of which were sporting leg bands#the trophy for a waterfowl hunter#.Jay never fired a shot but was just as thrilled as the rest of the guys there.I still wear those bands on my call lanyard&will always remember I have them because of Jay's unselfishness. We also shared a love of Golden Retrievers. I moved back to Youngstown shortly after that and we lost touch again although we occasionally bumped into each other at an outdoor event.Unfortunately, I haven't seen or talked to him for several years.I'm truly sorry that I didn't know he was ill. Thankfully,I have copies of Wild Ohio episodes that he appeared in,doing what he loved to do, spending time in&teaching people about the outdoors. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched. Sincerely,Jeff

Dear Michelle, I will always see your husband wearing that wide smile as he got ready to launch into one of his countless stories about his days in law enforcement. As a reporter, I got to spend time with Reno on several occasions. Those days never felt like work. Reno was a friend from the moment you met him. My deepest sympathy to you Michelle.Your husband was a treasure.Paul Thomas

Michelle,I just heard today,I am so sorry to hear this I knew nothing about this.I met Jay one day at home in Troy over a raccoon. He and I became friend and he had the ability to get me involved. I loved it, I did hunter ed with him and a lot of other programs. The program at Punderson was one of my favorites. He got me to do survival class in the outdoors for women. I had so much fun. The fair as you remember was so much fun and I loved every minute, Jay made the whole thing so much fun. He will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Dave and Cathy Korenke

Jay was a great friend and mentor. He took me under his wing many years ago and has been my big brother ever since. I will truly miss him. My deepest sympathies and prayers to Michelle and the rest of the family and friends who all have to endure this loss. I'm sure that Charlie, Tucker, and Teddy were waiting to greet him with their tails wagging! Goodbye for now my big brother. We WILL meet again.

Michelle, I met Jay when I was working at the Geauga Humane Society when he stopped in for milk for a baby deer. Our paths met many times over the years and just recently at a doctor's office. He truly was a wonder man and always so happy. He is well respected. We will miss him! Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the Reda family. Rest in peace Jay, you will never be forgotten.

I didn't know Jay for a long time, unlike many of his friends--and of that I am envious! From the day we met at WELW, Jay and I hit it off. I loved co-hosting "Wake Up Lake County" with him! He always had a story or humorous comment to make in between segments when we off the air and often it was hard to regain our composure because we'd still be laughing so hard! When he was first diagnosed, he shared his concerns with only a few people and I was privileged to be among them As he put it, "we bonded in a boyish kind of way". It was that boy in him that endeared him to everyone he met, yet there was no doubt about the fact that he also was a "man's man" when it came to the passion he had for the things he loved--like his beloved wife, partner and closest friend, Michelle. His eyes would light up when he talked about her and all her accomplishments that made his chest swell up even bigger than it already was! And those golden retrievers--they weren't just dogs or companions--they were part of the family and because of Jay's demonstrated affection for them, I'd swear they knew it, too! I could go on and on...suffice it to say there will never be another Jay! I miss you my friend and look forward to when we WILLmeet again!!

To Michelle, I am truly sorry for your loss. Reno was an individual who could light up a room and make anyone feel welcome. He would come to the studios and always have a smile on his face (and hot coffee in his hand) no matter the difficulties life threw his way. As cliche as some would think, it's not: there will never be anyone like him again. It's tough trying to come up with the right words but I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Sincerely, Joe Sweeny

You will be missed Big guy.

You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace brother.

Jay will be missed by all that knew him especially the members of all the youth and conservation clubs that he assisted with their activities. On behalf of the members of the Lake Milton Fish and Game Club we want to offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends and to let you know that Jay will be remembered and thought of by us as we continue the activities at the club that he was and always will be a part of forever. In Deepest Sympathy and Friendship. The members of the Lake Milton Fish and Game Club.

Reno would come in to get a Venti Coffee when i worked at Starbucks and always had the best stories! He could turn the worst day into amazing laughter and a brighter day. My condolences to Michelle, his family, his dogs, and all of the friends that he has had an impact on throughout his life. my thoughts and prayers to you all. He will be missed but NEVER forgotten!

Many fond memories, we will never forget! You had a real inpact on our sons, Rest in peace!

We are so sorry for your loss. Jay was a great guy that loved life. He taught us all how to truly LIVE. Jack and Patti Gallagher

Reno...you always made us laugh. Talked to you awhile ago on FB and we talked fishing! It was nice catching up and may you fish with the angels! May your family and friends find comfort in all the great memories.

Michelle, I can't express enough how sorry I am. Jay was a fantastic man and will be so missed. Heaven is an even better place with him in it.Thoughts and prayers to you and your Family.Sincerely,Lynn

Michelle - we are so very sorry. Your loss is shared by all who knew and loved Jay. You are in our thoughts and prayersDon and Karen

Michelle, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jay was a wonderful man and someone a lot of people admired. You are both very kind and wonderful people to a lot of people. God Bless you alway,Allan, Jeanne & R.J. Jefferson

Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about Jay. I didnt know him but have read some wonderful things about him. Sounds like he was a wonderful man. Cherish all the great times you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

May God Bless Jay and his family. Our thoughts and prayer's are with him and his family. We are glad to have known him and thankful for the memories. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.Love & Prayer's,Jim & Jessie Hill and Boy's Josh & Justin

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY IN TIME OF SORROW. I KNOW HE WILL BE DOING THE SWING AND CHA CHA. WHERE HE IS.......ANGIE GRYSHO--HIS FAVORITE DANCE TEACHER

From Burton Drug to the Police Memorial in Cleveland and "chasing" injured deer from car crashes. You ALWAYS made me laugh,no matter what!!! I'll look for you when I'm in the woods. RIP !

I MET JAY AT PILGRIM HILLS IN THE 1980"S. ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE CARRYING SOME SORT OF "CRITTER". GREAT GUY!!! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY.

Jay was a pillar in the wildlife community and will be gravely missed. My first memories of him are working side-by-side at the Ohio State Fair, using iced tea to get us through the day. He always had a smile for the people he met and the people he worked with.My condolences to Michelle and the rest of the Reda family. I hope you find some solace in knowing that is legacy will live on in the generations of outdoorsmen and women that he worked with and taught.

We had the privilege of getting to know Jay of the years at the Boating Festival downtown. His generosity and eagerness to share his love of the outdoors was overwhelming, and his sense of humor and laughter was infectious.Our community has lost a wonderful individual. Jay will truly be missed.

We should all be as blessed as Jay was. His family,his friends,his adventures and his zest for life. He is the perfect role model. We should all live our lives like Jay did. The world would be a better place.God Bless.

Jay was a tremendous asset to the division of wildlife during his 27 years. He always was positive and willing to help everyone. The outdoors men and women of Ohio have lost a great advocate. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.Dan Schneider, retired law enforcement administrator of the division of wildlife.,

Dear Michelle,My deepest sympathy at your time of loss. Thinking of you.Joe Saraney

Jay was always a kind wonderful person to see and be around. The Ohio outdoors and the world will not be the same without him. I am grateful to have known him for the the few years through the radio station. God Bless all of his family and friends and those beautiful golden retrievers. Peace and Faith, Colleen Corrigan Day

My family and I grew up knowing Jay as he worked together with my Uncle Jerry Woolf (City of Akron Ranger for Ladue Reservoir). I remember him over at Jerry's house all the time either talking about wildlife and the goings on around the area or shooting guns in the back yard. He was a good person and will be dearly missed.

Dearest Michelle our thoughts & prayers have been, are now and will be with you and Jay always. We treasure all of the good times we enjoyed with you both and of course the dogs. Jay will be missed by so many because of the way he touched all of us in so many ways, that is a wonderful tribute to him. We love him and will always miss him.

Dear Michelle,My heart goes out to you. Jay packed more into his 51 years than most of us will ever do. He was a true mentor and friend. I loved watching him work with you and the dogs. I valued his help with the hunting program on the farm. I learned so much from Jay, not just about land and nature, but about working with people and facing adversity with courage. He touched us all with his infectious humor, his energy, his positive outlook and his ability to reach out to others. He lives on in each of us as we hold him dear in our hearts.We love you and send you deep sympathy, Judith McMillan

My heartfelt prayers go to Michelle and the dogs, and to all of Jay's family.Jay was a wonderful man. When he worked here at District Three - he never forgot to say a kind word to anyone or to make you feel a sense of importance. He never forgot to drop off a Christmas gift for his famous spaghetti sauce! He will be missed by so many and will leave such a wonderful legacy. God bless him for his courageous fight in an effort to help others. He will never be forgotten and will leave a place in each of our hearts. Thank you Jay for crossing paths in my life.Anjy Jefferys

God bless all in Jay's family. Michelle, my prayers are with you now and in the days to come. Jay was a wonderful man. He was so fun, funny, and so full of life. And he gave the best hugs in the world. It was my honor to have know him, the Reda family, and all of the Garchars. Gina, my heart goes out to you. I know that he is with God and fells no pain nor any sorrow. Gone too soon.Love, Wendy Shone

What a sad loss to the community and everyone who knew him. My deepest sympathies to the family.

â™«â¤Jay always made me feel like a special friend. His warmth, love for life and smile and laughter will live on in my heart â¤â™«

Jay will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was a very wonderful man who went out of his away to do anything he could to make another person's life better. It was an honor to work with him & get to know him. All my love & prayers to Michelle. Just remember that he's looking down on us from heaven & still taking care of us.

Jay provided laughs, memories, and knowledge that I would never have otherwise and I will always remember him, miss him and be grateful he was part of my life.

It's not the date you were born, or the date you died, that really matters. It's "the dash" between those years and what you do with it, to make a difference with your life. Travel well my friend, your dash is "significant", your fight is over, and now you will in rest in peace in the woods and on the water forever.

As Simple As It Gets...: Thanx,Buddy....Thanx For It All.....

Reno had such a positive impact on my sons with their interest in hunting and trapping and we are all so saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Sharron Bricker and Family

My sincere condolences to Jay's family. What a remarkable impact he made on the world in such a short time on this earth. The picture of he and the dogs is just beautiful. May you find peace in the days ahead. God Bless.

Dear Michelle,Roesanne Forrester just apprised me of your loss. I remember how jape you were when you first married. May you be consoled by your good memories.Fondly,Vivian Garfunkel