Obituary of Maynard Gardner Clemons

Maynard Gardner Clemons Jr. passed away on August 6, 2015 in Belfast, Maine after a short illness. He was born in Reading, Massachusetts to Mary Butters Clemons and Maynard Gardner Clemons. A graduate of Amherst College, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Maynard spent his working life in magazine advertising, first as a New York Fashion Manager and later San Francisco Manager. He also worked for numerous women’s magazines at Conde Nast, New York City before becoming district aide to a Massachusetts legislator. He married his wife, Joan Longbottom Clemons, in New York City on January 20, 1962. They spent the majority of their life together in Ridgefield, Connecticut and Lee, Massachusetts before Maynard retired in 1999 and moved to Belfast, Maine. He and Joan had a lifelong love of Nova Scotia and spent the majority of their summers at their place in Parkers Cove. Maynard had long been active in ecumenical and environmental organizations and was one of the founding members of the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition and an active member of the Penobscot Bay Stewards Steering Committee. He was an active member of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church and leader of the GBAM Food Cupboard. He had a deep sense of social responsibility and performed volunteer work in hospice and restorative justice. He was also an avid writer of ‘Letters to the Editor’! Friends will remember his quirky sense of humor and his love of martinis. Of note was his unique and constant sartorial style-most characterized by his Bean boots, wide suspenders and varied collection of headgear. He had a deep connection with nature that he shared with his family. Tent camping, catching frogs, snakes and turtles, bird calling and identification and naming the night sky were part of the teachings he passed on to his children. Weather watching and forecasting were also great interests of his. And rain, shine, fog, snow, subfreezing temperatures nor physical disability would ever prevent Maynard and Joan’s weekly all season ‘picnics’. Maynard leaves his wife, Joan; son, M. Gardner and his wife Stephanie of Ohio; daughter, Amy of Pennsylvania; sister Ann Brown of New Hampshire; three beloved grandchildren, and many much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Not least of those left behind is a flock of lonely crows. A memorial service will be held in September at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Belfast. Memorial donations may be made to the GMAM Food Cupboard or St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Belfast. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.