Yellowstone: Contribution of Timothy Reynolds to the Taylor Sheridan Western Drama and his tribute, explored

Yellowstone Season 5 Episode 5, which was titled "Watch 'Em Ride Away," would've been very important to the family of Utah native Timothy Reynolds. That's because, as the episode concluded on December 4, 2022, the title card contained the words "In memory of Timothy Reynolds." It was a touching tribute to one of the show's crew members.

66-year-old Timothy was a respected lighting technician in the American entertainment industry. His long and impressive portfolio included a long list of shows of movies and shows, including numerous neo-westerns. So, it was no surprise when Reynolds joined the behind-the-scenes crew of Taylor Sheridan's sprawling western show, Yellowstone, when it began production in 2017.

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Who was Timothy Reynolds, and what was his contribution to Yellowstone?

Born on October 30, 1955, Timothy Reynolds, like his mother, Ruth Lewis Reynolds, worked as a stockbroker initially. However, he left his comfortable job at Main Street Securities to realize his lifelong dream of working in the entertainment industry. His journey in this industry began as a journeyman stagehand in 1994 with IATSE Local 99, and even served as its president for several years.

Apart from being a journeyman stagehand, Reynolds worked as the grip and set electrician in countless plays, concerts, shows, and movies. The 2002 Winter Olympics, High School Musical, World’s Fastest Indian, Independence Day, and Yellowstone are some of the beloved productions Timothy Reynolds worked on as an electrician and grip. For Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone, Timothy also worked as the best boy.

It should be noted that he worked as a lighting tech from the Yellowstone pilot till the fourth season's second episode. Before working on this show, he had collaborated with Sheridan for 2017's Wind River, which starred Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner.

As of now, his family and friends have chosen to remain silent and not publicize the cause of his death. Thus, the exact cause of Timothy Reynolds' death remains unknown for now. His friends and family announced Reynolds' death by posting an image on Instagram along with the following caption:

"Family and Friends please celebrate the life of Tim Reynolds, loving father and IATSE union member."

All that we know for now are the facts that he died on August 24, 2022, and was 66 years old. He is survived by his grandchildren, kids, wife Sierra, sister Shirley, and the entire Yellowstone crew. His life was celebrated by his colleagues, friends, and loved ones on September 3, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the meeting hall of Local 99. His touching obituary read:

"Tim was born to Sherman and Ruth Lewis Reynolds in Salt Lake City. After graduating from Highland High School, he fell in love with exploring the mountains and deserts of Utah. He was an avid river runner, four-wheeler, and dirt biker throughout his life. After following in his mother’s footsteps as a stock broker with Main Street Securities, he found his true calling as a Journeyman Stagehand with IATSE Local 99 in 1994, serving as the organization’s President for many years. As Set Electrician and Grip he contributed to the successful production of many concerts, theater productions, and films including; Independence Day, High School Musical, World’s Fastest Indian, the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Yellowstone. Tim is survived by his sister Shirley Reynolds and beloved children: step-son Seth and Sierra Neily, grandsons Skyler, Silas, and Simon; Kistina and Sean Pressler, grandson Ames; Anthony and Rachel Reynolds; Timothy Reynolds Jr.; and Atticus Reynolds. A service will be held at the Local 99 meeting hall at 2:00 pm, September 3, followed by a pot-luck social."

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Here's celebrating this distinguished luminary who has been responsible for our favorite works of art like High School Musical and Yellowstone.