IN MEMORIAM

Thomas P. Reynolds

Thomas P. Reynolds, 43, a medical copy editor and science writer in the Harvard Medical School Office of Public Affairs, died tragically in a rollover auto accident on Nov. 6, less than a mile from his home, in Swampscott, Mass. Reynolds was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident remains unknown.

“Tom had an intense curiosity with a breadth matched by few people I have known. It ranged from music of all forms, to literature, and contemporary history,” said Joseph B. Martin, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the Harvard Medical School. “That innate intellectual nature made him an incredibly valuable colleague who was probably the best scientific editor with whom I have ever worked.”

Reynolds grew up in Salem, Mass. and was the first Salem High School graduate to receive a National Merit Scholarship. He attended Boston University and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Salem State College. He went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
In 1991, Reynolds joined the National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Communications, first as an intern during graduate school, then as a staff member in the press office. In 1995, Reynolds spent one year in London, working half time covering European cancer news for the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and half at the Cancer Research Campaign. He then returned to NCI until 1997, when he was recruited by Harvard.

“Tom was a prolific, creative writer who could explain the science better than most,” said writer Cori Vanchieri, who worked with Reynolds at NCI. “I personally looked for chances to hire him everywhere I went.”

A dedicated and devoted father, Reynolds was also an avid Red Sox fan. A member of the Salem Athenaeum, he enjoyed literature, history, art, and music.

Reynolds also enjoyed nature and watching birds, as well as kayaking and bicycling. A compassionate and giving person, in death he was an organ donor.

#

(Source: Harvard Medical School and www.townonline.com news stories)