Mike’s life-long love of photography blossomed into a professional career spanning seven decades. He shot over 4,000 weddings during that time, and cherished being a part of the happiest days of many people’s lives. Mike was a noted chef, preparing amazing meals for his family, friends and neighbors, and was constantly learning and experimenting with new dishes from every cuisine imaginable. He loved entertaining, whether it be for a backyard BBQ or for more formal occasions. He especially enjoyed preparing custom meals for his four grandchildren, who often requested Chinese-style pan-fried noodles. He, his family and many friends enjoyed frequent vacations and get away weekends at the family cabin he built near Shaver Lake.
Mike’s 18-year old daughter, Kimber, was murdered by paroled felons in 1992. Mike turned his grief into energy and led a criminal justice revolution in California and elsewhere, becoming the central architect and driving force behind the “Three Strikes and You're Out” law which passed in 1994, and “Use a Gun and You’re Done”, which passed in 1997.
Mike was a terrific father, devoted husband, and doting grandfather; he was a friend, role model and mentor to many. He was a second-generation member of Las Palmas Lodge # 247 F&AM, as well as Scottish Rite, and was a member of Fig Garden Rotary and various other organizations.
He was immensely creative, a self-trained structural engineer, and was constantly restoring, building, improving, designing, tinkering and innovating. He was an action figure constantly in motion, and his many projects included designing and building houses and home additions, refurbishing antique barber chairs and cash registers, perfecting his many savory recipes, and overhauling the state’s criminal justice system. Lo
Mike is survived by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Sharon K. Reynolds of Fresno, his sons Christopher Reynolds (Lora) of Fresno and Michael Bryan Reynolds (Debra) of Silverado, California; his twin granddaughters Elsie and Emily Reynolds, his grandson Samuel Reynolds, his granddaughter Alexandra Reynolds, sister-in-law Barbara Reynolds, his nieces Johnel Reynolds, Deanne Reynolds Thornhill, Rachel Fandel, Amanda Prescott, Sarah Peugh and Crystal Fandel, his nephews Robert McCormick and AJ Boen, and his cousins Paul Altschuler, Donna Bayser, Priscilla Dean.
Mike was preceded in death by his daughter Kimber Reynolds, his father Robert W. Reynolds, his mother Eleanor E. (Altschuler) Reynolds, and his brother John Robert Reynolds.
A Tribute and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno, California, and is open to the public.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Reynolds family.
