Charles William Reynolds Jr.

Charles W. “Bill” Reynolds, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully at his home with his son by his side, on August 9, 2024. Charles was born on February 26, 1930, in Pocatello, Idaho to Charles and Betty (Cuddy) Reynolds.

 The family moved back to Polson, MT where Bill was joined by two sisters, Peggy and Chloe Anne. Bill grew up in Polson, graduating in 1948. He joined the Air Force in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1953, serving overseas during the Korean War.

 Bill’s father built a cabin in the Swan Valley on Lion Creek in the late 1930’s. They would pack their horses and with friends would ride from Polson over the mountains into the Swan for hunting trips. This is when Bill would learn the art of packing horses and mules, which would become his lifelong passion. 

Bill went to work for the Forest Service after leaving the Air Force. He worked as a packer out of the Flathead, Lolo, Moose Creek, Paradise and Powell ranger districts. Bill was a perfectionist at packing and as fine a packer that ever lived. He took the utmost care of his animals and his gear, both always in top shape. Bill spent 33 years packing for the Forest Service, retiring in 1985. 

Bill was also a saddle maker having his own saddle shop on the side. Bill was also as good a horse and mule shoer as any around. Another art that he did to perfection.

Bill was married to Glenda Childers, they later divorced, which brought them their son James, joining sister Vesper. Upon retiring, Bill lived a short time in Frenchtown, MT, before moving back to Polson and building a home on land his grandparents had homesteaded in 1910. Bill lived here until his death. Bill was a very quiet, humble man whose word meant everything.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Betty, his sisters Peggy and Chloe Anne and his brother-in-law Robert Reed.

Military graveside services will be held on June 5, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Lakeview Cemetery.