Outdoors legend Reno "Jay" Reda has lost his battle with cancer.
One of the most highly decorated wildlife officers in Ohio history, Reno, 52, retired Oct. 31, 2008, from the Ohio Division of Wildlife after 28 years of service.
The only thing he loved more than the outdoors was getting others to share his passion.
His positive outlook on life and love for the natural world was infectious and shared it with many, many people.
A product of that passion is the Natural Resources area at the Geauga County Fairgrounds. Reda led the charge in raising nearly a million dollars for the venue some call "Reno World."
Reno was also the longtime host of "Inside the Great Outdoors," Northeast Ohio's only live, call-in outdoors radio show.
He passed away Monday at the Hospice of the Western Reserve surrounded by family, friends, "Reno's Army," and his beloved dogs, Grizz, Bruin and Munchie.
He is survived by his wife Michelle.
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Born April 3, 1959, in Youngstown, he lived in Youngstown before moving to Geauga County in the early 1980s.
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, Reno held a part-time commission with the Geauga County Sheriff's Office.
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, and was the first fully certified Wildlife Enforcement K-9 handler.
He also worked two and a half years undercover narcotics with a federal task force and served as the media liaison for the Division of Wildlife.
He was a regular guest host on outdoor segments of Wild Ohio TV and WKYC.com/outdoors TV.
He was a competitive powerlifter (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.
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.
Memorial services will be noon Saturday, Jan. 21, 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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