Column: Junior Maynard Dill ‘Did It His Way’

September 27, 2016

[Opinion column written by Chris Famous]

And now, the end is near; And so I face the final curtain, My friend, I’ll say it clear, I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain. I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve traveled each and every highway; And more, much more than this, I did it my way.” - Frank Sinatra

Words written by one person dear to the hearts of millions around the world which are very applicable to another person dear to the hearts of thousands of Bermudians.

Anyone who spent time around Junior Maynard Dill knew without a doubt that he did things his way or no way. He was never one to beg acceptance or seeking to conform to the norms.

Maynard Dill Bermuda 2

In almost every organization that he was a part of, he sought to almost re-invent the wheel. This is how he lived his life and, true to form, how he wanted to be sent off into the after-life.

His desire was to have a simple graveside service surrounded by family friends and colleagues. On Saturday, September 17, hundreds of persons from all walks of life gathered at St. Paul’s Paget cemetery to pay their last respects to Maynard.

There were large gatherings of persons who been a part of his life from the outset of his birth until his departure, including his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, union representitives, BELCO employees, and PLP family.

All coming out in the blazing sun to support and console each other. His eldest son spoke a few words of comfort just before his loving wife Wilma thanked everyone for coming out.

Without a doubt Maynard was there in spirit, having a laugh at everyone melting in the heat.

Maynard Dill Bermuda September 2016 1

Later in the day, there was a packed memorial service at the Heritage Worship Centre, where many went up to the pulpit to give their stories of adventures with Maynard throughout his colourful life.

The stories are way too much to write, but one that stood out was how he left his mates stranded on a golf course and took the golf cart on the main road to go fetch some liquid refreshments.

When the service was over, folks piled out onto Dundonald Street, falling in line behind a brass ensemble and beginning a New Orleans-style procession north onto Union Street, then turning west onto Angle Street.

At the corner of Angle and Court Streets, the crowd stopped outside of Alaska Hall to give a moment of silence and the traditional PLP salute to their fallen chairman.

Maynard Dill Bermuda September 2016 2

They then turned left and headed south onto Court Street and then left again back onto Dundonald Street, where they then proceeded into the BIU Building for a traditional Bermudian wake.

Dear Maynard, not even death could prevent you from doing your thing outside of the box. For the 25 years that we worked together, you always took a great joy in being who you truly were.

“A different kind of animal.”

As strange as it sounds, we will miss arguing with you at work but we are sure you will be visiting us as you see fit. You have two entire watches up there with you; Al Dill, Hubby, Googie, Woodley, Stamper, George Spurling ,Reggie munt ,Vick Mullen, Henry Seymour, and Lindsay.

No doubt you are letting them know how you want things done in the great powerhouse in the sky, because you just have to do it Maynard’s way.

- Love you. TCF

- Chris Famous can be contacted via email at Carib_pro@yahoo.com or Twitter at @ryderz777

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