'Great giver' dies, after tragic fall

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by Miles Jung-Kilbreath, Bob Gaetjens

Reporter, Editor

Streetsboro -- One of Streetsboro's "great givers," a well-known Santa Claus and classic car aficionado, is being remembered by the community.

Resident and Wal-Mart employee Les Reynolds, 68, who played Santa Claus at many community events, died following an accident at Wal-Mart Super Center Feb. 11, according to a news release from the Streetsboro Fire Department.

A Wal-Mart representative declined to comment on the incident.

The Streetsboro Fire Department was called to the Wal-Mart, on Route 14 near Interstate 480, around 7:30 a.m., responding to a report of a male who had fallen 8 to 15 feet from a ladder and was not breathing.

According to Streetsboro Police Officer Scott Herman, an employee found Mr. Reynolds lying on the floor, but no one saw him fall.

Paramedics found Mr. Reynolds unconscious on the floor in the automotive department. CPR was being performed by co-workers, stated the news release.

According to the fire department, paramedics initiated advanced life support before transferring him to the hospital. Due to the weather, helicopter transfer was unavailable.

After being transferred to University Hospital's Bedford Medical Center, Mr. Reynolds "succumbed to his injuries," according to the fire department's statement.

Officials from the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office declined to comment on the cause of death at press time.

At-large Council member Art Scott, who worked with Mr. Reynolds when he played Santa at Fraternity of Eagle car cruise-ins, said he was a "great giver" who worked to help collect funds used for Christmas donations for children at Eagles events.

He said Mr. Reynolds was one of the most "heartfelt" people he's known.

"Everyone knows who he is," said Scott. "Whenever a kid asked him who he was, he'd always say, 'Santa.' He is going to be missed."

Mayor Tom Wagner said he remembers Mr. Reynolds most from his days on Council when Mr. Reynolds, who owned a real estate business at the time, would offer his "very knowledgeable feedback" to Council members on zoning and planning issues.

"It's very sad that he's gone," Wagner said.

Linda Sullivan, a customer service supervisor at Home Savings and Loan Bank, said she knew Mr. Reynolds through classic car shows in the area.

"He was just a real nice guy -- obviously, he worshipped Dianne [his wife]," said Sullivan. "They just seemed so right for each other."

Sullivan said she also saw Mr. Reynolds work holiday magic with children.

"He was just fantastic with the kids," she said. "They loved the fact he had a real beard. He's been performing for years. He loved doing that. That's just the kind of guy he was."

Mr. Reynolds is survived by his wife, Dianne Kozloski, an employee with Record Publishing Co.'s advertising department.

As of press time, funeral services had not been announced.

E-mail:
mjung-kilbreath@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3942