David More Maynard

David More Maynard; December 8, 1945 - November 22, 2023

David was born in New Haven and grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. He took pride and joy in being son, brother, husband, father, minister and counselor.

As a conscientious objector, David felt compelled to suspend his studies at Harvard in 1966 to counsel draftees with the American Friends Service Committee. He and wife Phyllis welcomed daughter Krista, returned to Boston to finish his degree, and enlarged the family with son Michael. Divinity school ultimately brought David and his family to the West Coast, crossing the country in a Volkswagen van, the first of three he cherished.

With his M. Div. from Berkeley’s Starr King seminary in hand, he moved alone to finish his preparation for ministry by interning at First Unitarian Church in Portland, where he met and married Jane, his partner for the next 47 years. His call to serve took David, Jane, and step-daughter Leslie to Peoria, Illinois, where they added son David and gained an appreciation for midwestern values. He was next called to the UU church in Nashville, Tennessee from 1980 to 1993. Every summer, he and Jane loaded the kids into the van for cross-country camping trips, a memorable part of their childhoods.

The youngest children having left for college, David and Jane moved back to a magical home in Northeast Portland. The family’s roots on the East and West Coasts made not only travel but hosting visitors from around the world a part of family life that came to define Jane’s and his life together. David began a second career as an addiction counselor and found great fulfillment in that role and in his advocacy on behalf of 12 Step programs. He also continued his ministry, first at the West Seattle Unitarian congregation and then, from 2002 to 2012, at the Eastrose Fellowship UU in Gresham.

In retirement, David and Jane frequently visited grandchildren in California, and family and friends throughout the world. The Norwegian Star became a favorite getaway, and they cruised all over the globe. David never stopped counseling, talking every day to family, friends and mentees around the country and the world. And he never stopped repairing locks, exploring construction sites, and relishing the challenge of a daily New York Times crossword with anyone who was willing to help.

David is survived by wife Jane, four brothers, four children, five grandchildren, and the loving community he fostered wherever he was.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Compassion & Choices or to SOLVE Oregon. Better yet, bend over and pick up litter in your neighborhood.