The former CEO of the Lyell McEwin Hospital has been remembered as a ‘kind and generous’ man

A former CEO of a major Adelaide hospital, who has died aged 77, has been credited with its transformation.

Former Lyell McEwin chief executive David John Reynolds has been remembered as a “kind and generous man” who transformed the hospital from a “basic country” service to a key “metropolitan regional” one.

Family paid tribute to Dr Reynolds, who had also been medical director at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, in The Advertiser following his death on September 21, aged 77.

He was described as a “dearly loved husband”, “cherished and loved father and father-in-law” and “adored grandpa”.

“A kind and generous man to family and to the community,” they said.

“(He) graduated from medical school, Adelaide in 1970 and worked in general practice as well as public health and medical administration.

“In 1983 he became CEO at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and was responsible for its conversion from a basic country hospital to a metropolitan regional hospital.

Dr David John Reynolds has been remembered as a community man.

“He also spent time at the Children’s Hospital, the Health Commission and the Royal Adelaide Hospital (as Medical Director).”

Dr Reynolds loved football, at a local, state and national level.

“He has always supported the Glenelg Tigers and the Crows football teams – during the time that he lived in the Adelaide Hills he followed local football and became club doctor for the Lobethal Tigers,” the family wrote.

“Retirement meant more time spent with family and friends, pursuing his interests in having a native garden and travelling locally and overseas.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”