Jesse Reno

Jesse was born January 9, 1992, in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up there, attending Friedel Jewish Academy, McMillan Middle School, and Omaha Central High School. He moved to Seattle in 2010 to attend Seattle University, and stayed, living there until his death.

Growing up each summer, Jesse enjoyed large extended-family camping trips at campgrounds all over the US and Canada. He treasured spending this time with family and loved hiking and camping. For six months in 2015, he lived on Neot Semadar Kibbutz in Israel; afterward he spent two months hiking the Israel National Trail, a 600-mile long trail spanning the length of the country.

Jesse strongly identified with his Jewish faith. He wore a yarmulke every day, a practice he began in high school. At the beginning of college, he started going by his Hebrew name, Yishai.

Never one to be defined by what he did, Jesse did what he loved: helped friends produce music festivals and concerts, engaged in long conversations, acquired expertise in eclectic subjects, traveled across the country for political protests, and spent time in nature.

Jesse will always be remembered for his pure heart, sweet nature, and open mind. He was a person who gave selflessly. He did not want to acquire possessions, and what little he had he shared freely. If all he could give was his time, he would do so without question. He will be missed by his family, his many friends, and anyone who had the good fortune to know him.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riversidememorialchapel.com for the RENO family.