John Howard Maynard, age 64, passed away unexpectedly while home with his family on January 5, 2016. John was a kind-hearted, gentle soul with an amazing sense of humor and love for life. He was born March 29, 1951 in Billings, Montana. He graduated from Billings West High School and the University of Montana, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees.
After graduation from law school in 1978, John worked for the State of Montana as a Law Clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, an Administrative Law Judge, an Assistant Attorney General, and as the Administrator of the Tort Claims Division. He entered private practice in 1990 with Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven, P.C.
In 1998, John joined the law firm now known as Crowley Fleck PLLP. In the past few years, John served as the Chairperson of the Litigation Department. He was dedicated to the firm and his clients. He was committed to mentoring associates and sharing his love of the law. He had his last trial the week before Christmas 2015. He was so pleased with the defense verdict because of how much he cared for and believed in his clients. It was important to John to treat everyone involved in his work, including his opponents, with kindness and respect. He worked with many lawyers throughout his career, including Gary Kalkstein, whom he often remarked was like his brother.
John was married to Marcia Davenport Maynard. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1997. They have two children, Jackson and Jessica Maynard. John loved his family. He was focused on making beautiful memories with them and being the best husband and father. He was so proud and thankful for his children. John was previously married to, and remained friends with, Beverly Magley.
John’s friends were a big part of his life. His fellow “bonders” and “51ers” (and spouses) were his extended family. Over the decades, they had many adventures folfing, backpacking, camping, floating, barbequing, hot potting, playing pool, and just being together to share love and laughter. John treasured his many friends dating back to his youth.
John was a former hospice volunteer, and was a volunteer for Babe Ruth and American Legion Baseball. He was a member of the Clinical Board of Visitors for the University of Montana School of Law, the Montana Supreme Court Uniform District Court Rules Commission, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and the Montana Defense Trial Lawyers Association.
In addition to his wife and children, John is survived by his sister, Lesley Maynard, his Colorado cousins, his in-laws, Lois and Judge Robert M. Holter, Rick and Lori Davenport, and their children Richard (wife Michaela) and Brian. His parents, Burt and Jane Maynard, preceded him in death.
John’s family so appreciates all the love and support they have received since his passing. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 10th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 11th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street. A reception will follow the memorial service at The Downstairs at the Brewhouse, 939 Getchell.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital, the local American Heart or Cancer Society, the Humane Society, or any charity of choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday January 11, 2016
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday January 11, 2016
The Downstairs at the Brewhouse
939 Getchell
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday January 11, 2016
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday January 11, 2016
The Downstairs at the Brewhouse
939 Getchell
Helena, Montana 59601
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jeff says
So sorry to hear of this; we just saw John and seemed so well; he was a great husband, father and attorney; peace to Marcia and the kids
Elizabeth Best says
Marcia and family,
We were so sorry to hear you lost John. Deepest condolences.
Beth
Elizabeth and Mike Best
Kathleen Broussard says
Marcia and kids,
We are so sorry about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory
Shelly Batista says
Marcia,
We were so sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
Shelly and Mike Batista
Susan says
Marcia and kids,
We will keep you in our prayers. We are so sorry to hear of your enormous loss.
Rick and Susan Layng
Candace West says
Marcia, I am so sad to hear that John died. He was a wonderful lawyer, co-counsel, mentor and friend. You and the family are in my thoughts.
Candace West
Jessica Scott says
Marcia and family, I was so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jessica Scott
Chris Nichols says
Marcia, Jackson and Jessica – we are so sorry for your loss. We are very fortunate to have met the Maynard family and spent time with you all. Our prayers are with you.
Chris, Amber and Kaitlin Nichols
Suzi Kopec says
Marcia, there really are not words to express how sorry we are. Our family’s thoughts and prayers go out to you, Jessica and Jackson.
Suzi Kopec, Elizabeth Hamlin, Wyatt Kopec, Peta and Milla Compton
Sheila Lopach says
Marcia and family, I was absolutely heartbroken when I heard about John.. I’m glad I was able to see both of you last week at the Sherlock gathering. My condolences to all of you.
Sheila Lopach
Michele Abney says
Doug and I were shocked and saddened by the news of John’s passing. We send our sincere condolences from our winter home in AZ. We understand what a loss this must be for all of you.
We remember John as a good man with a quiet sense of humor. We will miss him at the ball games.
Michele Abney and Doug Moore
Steve Robinson says
There are no words to tell you how sorry I am. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Juliet Hahn (and Family) says
John was an amazing person and I am so thankful to have had the privilege to know and work with him. We are all saddened by his passing. The world will be less wonderful without him. Sending love and prayers.
Lisa Lesofski says
Marcia and family – I am so incredibly sorry to hear about John. He was one of my absolutely favorite attorneys to work with. Wrapping you all in prayers and thoughts.
Nicole Merrill says
Marcia, Jackson and Jessica,
My heart breaks with yours. I am so very sorry for your loss. I feel very privileged to have known John, and very thankful that over the years, I have spent countless hours listening to his voice. He was a very gentle, kind and thoughtful man. The entire Merrill family is lifting you up in our prayers.
Nicole Merrill, and Mike, Seamus, Gracie, Maddie, Eamon and Moira
Susan Sciandra says
John was a gentle giant in every avenue of his life. He was by far the kindest, most caring man I ever had the pleasure and honor to work with. He was loved and respected by so many. He will surely be missed.
Our heartfelt condolences, love and support go out to Marcia, Jackson, Jessica, and the rest of his family. With deepest sympathy, Susan and Vincent Sciandra
Jeff Wald says
Marcia, Jackson, Jessica,
We are grieved for you and your loss and are so very, very sorry. As you know, I have a tremendous amount of affection towards John, not only because I deeply respected him, but because of the kindness and support he showed my family and me personally over the years. I have so many memories I made with him over the years – road trips together, laughing and cheering on our sons, and so many more. There will be a gigantic hole missing in my heart when I show up to the ballpark, now knowing that I will not see his wide smile and genuine delight when he greeted our family.
May the peace of God comfort you all. Our sincerest and heartfelt prayers go out to you.
David and Coleen Smith says
Marcia, Jackson and Jessica,
We were so saddened by the sudden loss of John. He was such a great man, so kind and with a great sense of humor. He always had such a calming presence. You have been in our thoughts and prayers these past couple of days, and will continue to be! God Bless all of you! Much love, David and Coleen
Brad Newman says
My sympathies to John’s family. I always looked forward to John’s appearances in my court in Butte for hearings or trial. He was a skilled attorney and advocate, of course, but he always brought his good nature and civil manner into the courtroom as well. John made all of us in the legal profession look a little bit better.
John and Tarra Sackett says
Marcia, Jackson and Jessica,
We are so sorry for your loss. John was a very nice man. We enjoyed visiting with you all at the baseball games.
John and Tarra (Hilary Wald’s parents)
Julie Burk says
Dear Marcia, Jackson, and jessica,I am so very sad and shocked to hear of your husband’s and father’s passing. He was so very kind to Scott, and also to Josh and I when Scott died. I remember him bringing Josh a stuffed animal lamb, telling Josh it was from his dad. Josh treasures that lamb, and still sleeps with it every night. That act of kindness is only one of many I remember. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Lonn Hoklin and Paula Walker says
Marcia, Jackson and Jessica,
John made the world a better place for everyone who knew him. Our hearts are with you.
Jennifer Pappas says
Marcia, Jackson, and Jessica,
John was such a sincere person. I loved his quiet sense of humor. He was always so fun to watch the ball games with. The world lost some sunshine. We will all miss seeing him. Our deepest sorrow and prayers.
Jen, Trevin, Payton, and Carter Pappas
Kelly Elder says
Whether watching Jackson, Nephew Kellan and friends at a ball game (pick the type of ball) or visiting with your family at Karmadillo’s or Taco del Sol, the Maynards always new how to love life to the fullest. There aren’t many people I’ve met on this planet who have the unassuming manner and gentle approach to others that John had. I’m so glad that I had the fortune of teaching both of you two (Jessica and Jackson), as your dad’s legacy will live on through the spirit and zest with which you approach life. You’re all in my thoughts, Maynards.
Dick McMahon says
Marcia,Jackson, and Jessica,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot tell you how much we respected and admired John. He just had a way of making things better for those who were around him…whether it was with a kind word or with his quiet humor. Truly one of the most decent and sincere people that we have ever known.
Dick, Diana, Tanner, Timmy, and Tyler McMahon
Peg Hunter says
Marcia, Jackson, and Jessica,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of John’s death. My heart goes out to you as you hold one another close and take comfort in the good memories of a fine, fine man. Jackson, I saw you recently and was impressed by what a wonderful young man you are becoming. I am grateful that I know you and that I was connected with your family. To all of you: be gentle with yourselves.
Fondly, Peg Hunter
Greg Frank says
Marcia, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Working with John the past 25 years was a wonderful experience. He always made my job easier and I will never forget his kindness and professionalism. Prayers to you and your family during this time.
Gloria Davis says
Dear Marcia and family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Why must we lose the ones who leave us with such a void to fill. John was a true “gentleman.” My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Bill LaMeres says
Did not know John, but sounds like he may have inherited some characteristics from his Dad, as he was a true gentleman. Worked with Burt at Security Trust and Saving Bank in Billings.
Gail (CVS East) says
So saddened to hear about John. I only knew him through work but always enjoyed talking with him. He seemed to be a quiet gentleman.
Jane says
I was not John’s first love, but he was mine. We learned and grew and explored life in the early days of college, and I shall always be grateful for the good times we shared with his family and friends. Although our paths took different directions, I am hearted to read what a fine family man he became and a true friend to so many. I send love and affection to Marcia and his children and to his sister Lesley. Upward wing, dear John!
John Hoklin says
I am deeply sorry to learn about John’s passing. He was a long time friend. We have known each other for fifty five years. As kids we spent a lot of time riding our bikes and exploring Billings and learning about life together. John was a fine man,for whom I have always had the greatest respect. I am proud to have been one of his earliest friends. He will be deeply missed. With my sympathy and prayers,
John Hoklin
Henry Bowers says
Marcia, Jackson, and Jessica
John was one of the most kind hearted, funny, and interesting people I’ve ever known. I always enjoyed being around him as he told his fascinating stories and cracked his witty jokes, whether they be directed towards me or Jackson. He always did what was in the best interest of his family and those around him. I was lucky enough to spend a good chunk of this past fall with him and Jackson, and I will cherish those memories forever. Whenever I step foot into the Maynard household, I will think of John and his softly spoken words of wisdom.
Until we meet again
Henry Bowers
Kathie Roos; Neal, Callan, & Tallis Blossom says
Marcia, Jackson, and Jessica:
Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Bowers says
Marcia, Jackson, and Jessica
I first met John while coaching Jackson in baseball. Little did I know that years of baseball, smiles, tears, and laughter would follow as we watched our boys grow up together. John and Marcia were like a second set of parents for our son, Henry. For that, we are eternally grateful. We feel blessed to say we knew such a fine man with one of the driest, soft-spoken wits that one could ever know. Our thoughts are with you.
Kirsten, Hannah and David Bowers
Laura Fix says
Marcia,
So saddened to read of your tremendous loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, your beautiful children, and all of your family, at this very difficult time…..
Audrey Blomquist says
Marcia and family – sending healing prayers and thoughts your way. May you be comforted by the love and support of family and friends during this difficult time.
Diana Koch says
Marcia, I was so sad to read of John’s passing. Condolences and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Lona Carter-Scanlon says
Marcia, Jack and Jessica,
Anna, Daniel and I am so sorry for your loss. We know that John was a wonderful father, husband and attorney who will be missed by many… especially the three of you. We are sending you all healing thoughts and prayers.
John emery says
Marcia and family..My prarers are with you. John was one of the finest men ever to walk this earth. He would do anything for a friend. Often, I was that friend….never a foul word, always cheerfull and focused on a positive outcome.
Susan Swimley says
Marcia and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Words are not enough. Condolences and prayers to you and your family.
James F. Smith says
Marcia: I simply do not have the words to fully express what I’m feeling. I will miss that gentle man.
Brian says
To the Maynard family: I was shocked to hear than John passed away. My condolences and thoughts are with your family.
mike and deby wheat says
Marcia and family – I was so shocked to hear of John’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike and Debby Wheat
David Rice says
Dear Maynard family, We have been gone for a few weeks and just saw of John’s passing. You have our deepest sympathies and know that he will be with you in every moment of every day. Our relationship goes way back to John’s Attorney General days and continued with our years on the Board of Clinical Visitors. No one looked sharper than John Maynard with his white hair and white shirt! Peace and love, David and Linda Rice
Martha Stadler, RN says
Only just heard about John today and am totally saddened by the news. I had the pleasure of working with John over the past 6-7 years and was so impressed with his professionalism and his compassion. I loved his sense of humor and am honored to have known him. I send my sincerest sympathy to his family.
M says
John..gone too soon..I will cherish knowing you even though we lost touch many years ago I will always have fond memories. ..especially fall of 92…rest in peace my dear friend…..M
Ann says
I met John my freshman year at Missoula. He shared his friends, his loves and his memories with me for many many years. My heart aches for his wife and his children. You are in my prayers. Peace be with you, Ann.