Dr. Gary Maynard

passed away on July 14, 2025. Gary was born on March 9, 1941, on the family farm in Dansville, Michigan. His first memory was of his family celebrating the end of WWII. The fourth of thirteen children, he began working on the farm as soon as he was able as well as picking up odd jobs around town to support his family. An attentive high school teacher recognized his math skills and encouraged him to pursue a college degree; he was the first in his family to do so.

Gary attended undergrad at Michigan State and then went on to the University of Michigan Medical School. While there, he met the love of his life, Mary Karen Davison, a nursing student, at the iconic Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor. The two married in 1964. Gary earned his MD in 1966, served in Vietnam from 1967-68, and moved to Kalamazoo in 1971. He worked for Kalamazoo Anesthesiology and then moved into hospital administration at Bronson Hospital, where he became Vice President of Medical Affairs. After working in similar roles in Dallas, TX, and Phoenix, AZ, he and Mary retired to Chelsea, Michigan.

Gary was a gentle soul, devoted to his family and friends and eager to support others. In his retirement, among other activities, Gary tutored children in reading and math at the Family Learning Institute and accompanied local seniors to medical appointments. He was also an active member of the Chelsea Senior Center Board. He was an avid gardener, loved golfing, and cheered on his beloved Michigan Wolverines at every opportunity. A loving husband, father, grandfather, sibling, and friend, he will be deeply missed by those who knew him and will always be remembered for his kindness to others.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary (Davison) Maynard; his daughter, Katherine Maynard and her spouse, John Boyd; his son, Steven Maynard and his spouse, Nadia Kalinchuk; his two granddaughters, Lucia and Estela Maynard; and his many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, too numerous to name here.

Visitation will take place at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Michigan on Saturday, July 26 at 1 p.m.; a memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful if friends would donate to the Family Learning Institute (Ann Arbor, MI) https://familylearninginstitute.org/ or to the University of Michigan Hospital's Palliative Care Gift Fund (313228) https://giving.umich.edu/um/w/palliative-care-gift-fund-313228.