Edward Maynard Whitesides

The journey continues forward for Maynard – an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Principal, friend, nature lover, hiker, arts and music fan , news consumer, and scouter. He will take his talents and skills to a higher level. Maynard's quotes: "There is challenge in change. Keep a sense of humor. Learn from your mistakes. Be a life long learner. Make a difference where you are."

Maynard was born in Ogden, Utah to Mark William Whitesides and Marion Elizabeth Maynard. At a young age he began developing his singing and piano talents by performing at recitals, churches and community events with his sister, Margaret. He continued developing his voice and was chosen to sing in the first all Church Utah State Choir. His amazing voice led him to sing in various quartets at Davis High School,  Pi Kappa Alpha Events, and Latter Day Saint Churches.  He even developed skills in ballroom dancing.
                                
Maynard loves listening to all kinds of music from Classical, Symphonies, Blue Grass, Rock and Soul Music. Wherever he drove, he had his music blasting. He seldom missed one of Jeremy's Gigs on the guitar with his bands.

Maynard graduated from Davis High with a letter in tennis. He was President of the Debate Club.  He earned an associate degree from Weber College, a BS Degree and a Masters Degree from the University of Utah. He attended UCLA on a government scholarship to learn the newest trends in education.

Maynard was an avid reader who was knowledgeable on countless subjects: current events, Utah History, Bird Watching, The Arts, Gardening, Utah geology and rock formations. Maynard prided himself on being a life-long learner and took many adult Osher classes through the Universtity of Utah. He is a true Utes Fan.

His love of learning and the arts transferred to his chosen profession as an educator. He began his career as a 4th  grade teacher at JA Taylor Elementary. Later, after doing a fabulous job and receiving more education and training. Maynard was selected as a  principal for the Davis County School District where he is known for bringing the arts and culture to each school. He served children and teachers for over 33 years.  His schools included: Stoker Elementary, Reading Elementary, Boulton Elementary, West Bountiful Elementary, and South Clearfield Elementary. His teachers and students remember him for his helpful, friendly, positive, supportive attitude. He was known for his being a good sport, ( He even kissed a pig.) .

His favorite activities were eating out with his wife and family; attending special performances and sporting events for his children and grandchildren; watching CDT dance performances; taking his grandsons on high adventure hiking and camping trips. Maynard's greatest accomplishments have to do with his devotion and love for his  family.

He was contributing member of several organizations such as: The World Wild Life Organization, The National Park Conservation Association, The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, The National Audubon Society, The National Wild Life Federation, and The Saint Joseph’s Indian School.

He will be remembered for his strong political opinions, his senf of humor, his sacasm, and his quick wit. He seemed to have a unique come-back for any smart remark which brought laughter and smiles all around. His grand kids names him “king of the bushes”.    

Maynard is survived by his dear wife, Robenia Lee; son, Milton James Whitesides; daughter, Emily R. Westonskow; son, Eric Maynard (Melanie) Whitesides; Son, Andrew Henry (Betsy) Whitesides; son, Nathan Mark Whitesides; and son, Jeremy Lewis Whitesides. He had 18 beloved grandchildren and 7 adored great-grandchildren. His sister, Margaret Ann; brother, Preston Mark (Carol) Whitesides; brother, Lewis Nathan (Shirley) Whitesides; and many treasured cousins, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his precious daughter, Amy Lee Whitesides; his father Mark William Whitesides; mother, Marion Elizabeth Maynard Whitesides; along with a dear grand baby girl Mary Whitesides.

The family expresses sincere gratitude for the One Care Home Health nurses, and therapists, Optium Care Specialists and all the caring friends and neighbors who loved and watched over Maynard.

A Life Celebration and viewings will be held at Russon Mortuary 295 N. Main, Bountiful, UT. Viewing times will be Wednesday, May 9 from 6-8 pm and Thursday, May 10 from 9:45-10:45 am. Life Celebration will begin at 11:00 am. Please feel free to add memories and photos of your own.

Additional Tribute to Maynard which was sadly not included in the original obituary

I would like to add to this tribute some of Maynard's service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Maynard wanted these included in his obituary and life achievements. Maynard used his piano skills as an accompanist on the piano and the organ as a young man in church services. His service as a Cub Scout Master left fond memories in the hearts of all the young boys and their families he had the privilege to work with. He loved serving in the Scouting Program. He took five fifty mile hikes; two fifty mile bike rides;climbed Kings Peak; ran the Snake River and the Colorado River; traveled down the Zion's Narrows; drove snowmobiles through Yellowstone National Park; slept in snow caves and took many other thrilling adventures with the Scouts. Through these years he formed life time friendships with other fine men in the Scouting programs. He also served as an Old Testament Gospel Doctrine teacher, Primary teacher, President of the Young Men Organization, and Ward Clerk. He was an active member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.

He took his 11 year old daughter, Emily, on a life changing, old fashioned Pioneer Trek from Daniels Canyon to Heber City. He loved traveling to Moab, Utah. He spent many happy hours in the Canyon and Desert Lands collecting rocks and photographing the beautiful landscapes. He especially loved the Red Rock Country.

While a young man he learned many skills by working at odd jobs such a cow milking, roofing, plumbing, and construction.

As a college student, he ventured to Europe with his friend Michael Hurd. While there he purchased his dream car, a green Volkswagen Bug. He and Mike traveled many European countries. Germany was one of his favorites.

His college days were filled with various, colorful,exciting experiences with his brothers in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and it was there that he made more life time friendships.