Obituary of Maynard E. Conary

ORRINGTON - Maynard E. Conary, 67, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on October 3, 2018, after a long, hard-fought battle against Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and prostate cancer.  Maynard was born in Castine on November 9, 1950, son of Harold and Dorothy (Shirland) Conary.

Maynard attended and graduated from Bucksport High School, class of 1970.  After serving in the 703rd Maintenance Battalion of the US Army for several years during the Vietnam War as a mechanic based in Germany, Maynard returned home and met and married the love of his life, Darlene, with whom he shared 42 beautiful years together.  They were rarely apart, and together, they built a home and raised their family in Orrington. A devoted husband and loving father, Maynard believed in the value of hard work and honesty, and delighted in being the provider for his family. Maynard enjoyed a long career as a lumber truck driver; first for Crescent Lumber, and later, Granville Lumber, where he retired from.  He also assisted with the “family business,” driving occasionally for his brothers-in-law at Stewart’s Wrecker Service. Maynard was a gifted woodworker, and was always designing and building beautiful furniture, gifts, and children’s toys. His greatest joy was his family, and he took pride in taking immaculate care of his home, vehicles, and his golf course-worthy lawn. He could often be found most weekends, puttering around his wood shop or garage, building or tinkering, whistling along to his collection of classic country 8-tracks and enjoying a good cup of coffee.  

He leaves behind his devoted wife and caregiver, Darlene (Stewart) Conary; son, Jeremy Hodgdon and girlfriend Rachel Gerald of Orrington; daughter, Heather Van Dyne and husband Zachary of Holden; part-time son and nephew, Jacob Boyorak, of Bangor; brother, Roland Conary and wife Emley of Orland; sisters, Linda Murray and husband Bruce of Orland, and Mary Murray and husband, Larry of Colorado Springs, Colorado; honorary grandchildren, Madison and Rodney Gerald, of Orrington; numerous nieces and nephews; many “extra kids” from his wife’s daycare, especially Renee Gero, of Orrington; and more friends and colleagues than could be named.  Maynard was especially close to his wife’s family, despite having to be voted in (the family often joked that it was a good thing uncle Donnie voted twice), and also leaves behind sister-in-law, Arlene Graham and husband, Jeff; brothers-in-law, John Stewart, and Jim Stewart, and wife, Jackie; all who were tremendously gracious in their care and help to ease the demands of caregiving during his final years. In addition to his parents, Maynard was predeceased by his father-in-law, Frances “Bink” Stewart, and mother-in-law, Dorothy G. (McLean) Stewart. The family extends a special thank you to VNA Home Health Hospice, especially Katie, Carissa, Connie, Loni, Mary Ann, Dolly, and Devyn, for their compassionate care and support.  

Maynard was an incredibly generous, yet practical man, who would have given you the shirt off of his back.  In that spirit, the family requests anyone who wishes to send flowers instead please consider a donation to Maine Veterans Home, Bangor, Champion the Cure Challenge, or Camp Capella. Friends and former co-workers may come to share their memories and stories about Maynard with the family during visiting hours, held 4 to 7 PM Sunday, October 7, 2018 at East Orrington Congregational Church in Orrington. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.