Al Joseph Maynard

It is with heavy hearts; we announce that Al Maynard (61) of Cavan Ontario took his last breath surrounded by loved ones in Hospice Peterborough Monday July 14th 2025 at 9:06 pm. Beloved father and best friend to Amber Maynard, loyal life partner and soulmate to Lori Robbins, supportive younger brother to Kelly Maynard and dedicated son to the late Rita and Bob Maynard, Al will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by his family and friends near and far. Even though he was only in hospice for 7 short hours, the incredible team of staff noted his “rockstar presence,” as the front door flooded with people coming to say goodbye to this wonderful man in the last hours of his life; a true testament showing just how far and wide he was loved and how deeply his love reached others.

Al believed in the power of strong work ethic and virtuous morals, of honesty, integrity, and attention to detail. He had exemplary taste in all things in life, specifically music and films of substance, well built cars and quality company. He was sure to make everyone feel comfortable, welcomed and entertained others with his quick wit, great sense of humour, extensive knowledge and impressive memory for retelling stories of his life with impeccable detail. He enjoyed camping and stargazing, having the odd tequila and Fresca with friends, playing crib, score four and battleship. He went to countless concerts and races, and when he was younger, he enjoyed cross country skiing, tennis, baseball and hockey. Above all else he loved working with his hands, caring for his family and helping on the beautiful 100-acre property his father built in Cavan, his primary residence throughout much of his life.

Building a career in carpentry, eventually starting his own company 'Maynard Construction', Al took immense pride in his work, meticulously measuring and mental mind mapping projects he took on with great care, skill and precision. Even in his late years when his health issues began to take over his physical body's ability to do as much as he used to, he was still insistent on ensuring the properties grass was well maintained and piloted crews of friends and family who rallied together to work on home improvement projects that he directed with such fastidious accuracy. Anyone who had work done by Al knew his work was built to last, crafted with exceptional technique and diligence.

Though Al never picked up an instrument he was a man who knew the ins and outs of every band he took liking to, watching hours of classic rock documentaries, collecting books, going to see live shows, and becoming a part of Facebook groups and YouTube comment sections where he formed lasting friendships with others who shared his common interests. He would quiz his daughter, nieces and nephews on classic rock pop culture and ensured to pass along his vast knowledge and passion for music by selflessly making mixed tapes, CDs, and DVDs to give out to so many. Music was a huge part of Al's life and a way for him to express himself. From being an avid concert goer, to having late night album listening in his home, to seeing Neil Young over a dozen times, music was a pillar of what kept Al going and was the root to so many amazing friendships he cultivated over the years.

Al loved collecting cars and watching his races, having never missed a year of races at Mosport since 1978. He would insist on waking up in the wee hours of the morning to catch every international F1 qualifying and race, despite his volatile relationship with sleep. He put off surgeries to make it to the track on his favourite race weekends. He cherished his cinnamon frost coloured 1967 Cougar adding customizations to it such as the installation of a cougar growl horn and proudly adorning the back seat window with a cougar stuffed animal. He took a sense of pride in keeping the cougar and his other classic cars in good condition and looked forward to driving the 1967 to Mosport every year to show off its beauty and bring smiles to other like-minded car lovers. In recent years, he especially anticipated driving laps in the cougar around the track on the vintage car weekend every Father’s Day and valued time reconnecting with close friends, old and new.

A huge thank you goes out to PRHC and the exceptional staff at Hospice Peterborough for taking such good care of Al in his last days with us here on earth and to his partner in life Lori and sister Kelly for helping him through the most difficult days at home. He was carried out of hospice with dignity followed by family to out under the stars with the song 'Helpless' by Neil Young permeating the air. Al was a warrior right to the end, having lived with so much pain for so long yet rarely showing his suffering to others, handling it all with immense grace. He courageously stayed with and fought through it all for his family until he could no longer and decided he was ready for the other side. He was an incredible man, father, partner, brother, son, uncle, nephew and friend with a heart of gold and we were all a little better for having known him. Rock in peace Alfred Joseph Maynard, you will forever be missed by the many lives you have touched. Until we meet again.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks that if you would like or are able to please donate to Camp Banting (est. 1953) a Canadian type 1 diabetic camp for children in his memory.

https://www.campbanting.ca/donate/

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. We encourage you to use the space below to share your stories, memories and kind words to help comfort Al's family and friends as they take time to mourn and grieve his grieve his passing.