Donald Charles Reinhoudt

Donald Charles Reinhoudt, of Lily Dale, N.Y., passed to Spirit Monday July 3, 2023. Mr. Reinhoudt was a lifelong Chautauqua County resident having resided in Fredonia, Brocton and Lily Dale. He had retired in 2009 as the Executive Director of the Chautauqua County Youth Bureau after serving the county’s children and adolescents for 25 years. He truly loved his work and considered it to be his privilege and purpose.

Previous to his career with Chautauqua County, Don was an accomplished world class power lifter. He competed in and won the National Super Heavy Weight Championship for five consecutive years throughout the late 1970s into 1980s. He went on each of those years to represent the United States at the World Power Lifting Championships and was honored to bring those first place trophies home to the USA as well. Soon afterward “Big Don” was invited to compete in the World Strongest Man competition hosted at that time on the ABC Wide World of Sports. He succeeded in that endeavor also by earning first place in the competition. Don had the honor to have been inducted into the International Power Lifting Hall of Fame, the National Power Lifting Hall of Fame, the New York State Power Lifting Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, the York Barbell Sports Hall of Fame, the Old Time Barbell and Strongman Hall of Fame and the Chautauqua County Sports Hall of Fame. Don believed there was nothing stronger than kindness and nothing gentler than true inner strength.

Mr. Reinhoudt was the son of the late Donald and Marie Reinhoudt. He is survived by: his beloved wife and Kindred Spirit, Pamela Marie Reinhoudt, of Lily Dale and his devoted and unwavering supportive sister, Miriam Reinhoudt, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Reinhoudt is the proud and loving father of Dr. Molly Reinhoudt (Marc Nagle) and Benjamin (Brandie) Reinhoudt, his son and best friend. He is the loving grandfather of Lukasz and Zofia Nagle, all of whom reside in Columbus, Ohio. Don was also deeply loved and respected by Pamela’s son and daughter-in-love, Alexander C. and Kirstan Brown, her daughter, Bethany Joy Brown (now in Spirit) and grandsons: Ray Ashton and Alexander R. Brown.

Big Don was not a man of letters. He attended Parsons College to play football and he excelled at it. He was a man who was always comfortable in his own skin and allowed everyone he met the privilege of being the same. He was without pretense. It is neither accolades nor championships that define a man or woman. It is the choices we make and the actions we take in the ordinary moments of everyday life which defines us. Don chose wisely and thus will be missed greatly and remembered well.

Mr. Reinhoudt’s memorial service will be private. Anyone wishing to make a donation in celebration of our Gentle Giant’s life, please choose the charity of your choice.

Mrs. Reinhoudt offers her heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brooks Memorial Hospital

Emergency Department, the First Responders and the New York State Police Department, all of whom are consummate professionals who edify both infinite kindness and courtesy. God bless you all. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.