Donald "Don" Maynard's Obituary
What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? El-if-I-know. Don’s recent favorite joke
Don Maynard, age 94, died peacefully surrounded by his wife Betty and children Phil and “Grace” Michelle on the morning of June 5, 2021 at his home in Concord, California. His daughter Helen was able to visit him on a recent post-pandemic trip from the East Coast.
Don was a good husband, a good father, and a good person. He had a gentle spirit and set a fine example to his family.
He was born in Nashua, NH in 1927 to Leo and Yvonne Maynard. Don was the first in his family to go to college, graduating from University of New Hampshire with a degree in Horticulture. He came west to work. He met Betty in Berkeley at a square dance and fell in love. They were married in 1953 in Berkeley and made their first home there. Don became a school teacher and taught at Hayward USD for about 35 years.
About five years after Don and Betty married, Philip was born. “Grace” Michelle and Helen soon followed. Don helped start the United Church of Hayward and he served there in a variety of roles. He took the family camping across the US and he traveled with Betty all over the globe. Don had gifts of music, gardening, photography, writing poetry, and telling jokes.
We appreciate all the wonderful caregivers for helping Don and the family through this tear-stained time.
There will be a Memorial Luncheon for Don Maynard on Tuesday, July 14, at 2:30 pm at a restaurant in Walnut Creek. Please contact the family for details and to rsvp.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald "Don"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald "Don"?
Share a story where Donald "Don"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald "Don" you’ll never forget.
How did Donald "Don" make you smile?
