Biz, Ann, Ricky-Ricky, and Connie convinced the Lord to take Roger to heaven last week, and, frankly, we're all a little pissed about it. Roger Maynard's truly wonderful life came to an end, but not before he touched more lives, and brought more smiles, than anyone ever imagined.

The day Roger was born (December 26, 1957) the people who do that stuff, discussed the hardship and expense of raising a child with Down Syndrome, who wouldn't make it past 25, and how the state could do that for them. We're not exactly sure of the exact nuances of the reply, but we're pretty sure it was awful damn quick. Ann probably said, "Thanks, but his home is at 2612 Phillips Street here in Butte. We'll double the age or do even better and he'll be a son, a brother, an uncle, a best friend to a thousand people, a professional golfer, bowler, basketball player, rock star, police officer, race car driver, motorcycle thief, weatherman and so much more. He will touch the hearts of many, change lives, love God, go to school, work the same job for 40 plus years, and tears will fall like rain on the earth while heaven rejoices his return. After 63 year, 11 months, and 4 days, at 1:04 PM on November 30, 2021, that's exactly what happened.

For a guy who was all about rules, we remain curious why he never followed them. He ruthlessly enforced them, though. For years you couldn't get into the Maynard's without being handcuffed and frisked. It included a return visit 5 minutes later. Fast moving kids and tired adults were always frustrated by the delay, but we all understood the law. Roger made sure of it. If anyone ever suggested gifting Roger another set of cuffs it was always met with an immediate protest. Despite this, Brodie's dad, Jerry, was able to slip him some BSB Police issue cuffs, and we sure remain thankful for that.

At an early age Roger would wander off when anything interested him. Roger was born four years before the Butte Search and Rescue Association started in 1961. They were able to get most of their earliest training from the Maynards who were already thinking of the best and quickest ways to find Roger, even though he seldom needed rescuing, and he never appreciated the effort. When Ronald joined the Butte Search and Rescue, he was inducted as a founding member based on the Maynard family contribution even though these contributions occurred 30 years prior.

Perhaps due, in part, to his meandering ways, Ann spent countless hours with Roger teaching him to sign his name and write his address and phone number. At 10:20 PM every evening the Maynard house would go all but silent as Roger watched the news and recorded the day's weather in notebook after notebook for at least 40 years. He had his own version of solitaire, which he played to the end wherever he sat down, and like everything else, only Roger knew the rules. We can tell you it was orderly and neat, and the game was always played with great intensity and purpose.

Roger was utterly fascinated with emergencies. He loved anything to do with fire trucks, ambulances, and the police, but even they couldn't corral Roger without the help of his family, particularly Ann. On one occasion Roger, and his bike (or someone else's) escaped to the Butte Mall parking lot on the other side of the interstate. Despite numerous attempts and involvement from most of the on-duty force and a fire truck or two, Roger escaped capture until Ann arrived and took control. We're told that prior to Ann's arrival everyone was making a play to grab Roger while he dodged, weaved, and darted around. Whether true or not we were told there was even a written plan complete with officers stationed to cut off all the many escape routes. Ann ended it all with one yell, which was, of course, "ROGERRRR!"; a phrase that probably echoes through Floral Park and Father Sheehan Park to this very day.

Roger was blessed to spend every summer of his youth with his family and the Dennis and Lois Shea family at Flathead Lake. Roger particularly loved his "Seesa" [Lisa Shea-Vucurovich]. Everyone, whether you were dressed to swim or not, soon learned you were never safe from Roger's push into the lake if you unwittingly loitered on the dock for anything longer than 2 seconds. Someone ultimately resolved that affinity by grabbing a full dressed Roger and jumping into the lake with him. It's a bond he did not much appreciate, but always remembered.

On another occasion, while packing up and loading the boat at Flathead Lake, Biz made the mistake of leaving his constant "helper" Roger in the front seat of the car while loading the boat. Despite what we are sure were very clear and forceful directives from Biz--they always were--Roger slid into the driver's seat and knocked the car into neutral. You can guess that the car, Roger, and the newly trailered boat all headed back into the lake. Also included was Biz, with several others at the doors and on the hood. Unfortunately, Roger's fear of impending harm was far greater than his fear of drowning, which allowed him to lock all the doors as he prepared to go down with the ship. The car eventually stopped in time, and Ann saved Roger from both the Flathead Lake Monster and Biz, which was small no feat. When Roger stepped out of line, he didn't get special treatment. He was always treated just like any other kid, which means he got in trouble too.

Roger loved driving or just sitting vehicles of any kind, including police cars, an unlocked milk truck, mail truck (a federal offense), or delivery vans. All drivers quickly learned to take precautions anywhere within Roger's vast strike zone. Again, true, or not, we've been told it became part of the standard training and protocol to which these hardworking people were admonished to abide. "Do your job, lookout for Roger, and always, always take your keys!"

Roger went through the Butte School system and completed all his courses there before going to work at the Butte Sheltered Workshop, where he was loved and remained for over 40 years. He retired to Helena in 2020 to be close to his loving sister Cindy, who fulfilled a promise to her mom and looked after Roger in every imaginable way. She was on the phone for two hours every night talking with staff for one and Roger for the other. Roger spent holidays at "Cindy's house", and they had a standing Wednesday afternoon and dinner together, where Roger would hold court and regale Talia and her friends, especially Lauren Baerlocher, with his many tales of adventure and woe. Lauren never shied away from Roger and always took an opportunity to see him. Thank you.

Roger always held court in the kitchen of every home he entered. Always in the middle of the action. He sat at the Maynard breakfast bar for ½ a century, where he greeted anyone who ever came through the door with a smile and a "Hey, Buddy-Buddy," nickname or immediate notification of some recent or impending disaster that just couldn't wait. Those were usually things that Randy or Ron, and later Brodie happened to do to him that very day. They were all atrocities, and we immediately looked to see if the offender was handcuffed to anything—inside the house or out of it, depending on the severity of the offense.

Roger was a gifted athlete. He was blessed to be a Special Olympian. His basketball prowess was unmatched, whether playing competitively or in his driveway. He had a set shot he could hit from Edwards Street near Mike Shuey's house, which was one street up and another block over. He was an avid bowler, and Ann and Biz made sure he was fully equipped with his own ball, bag, and shoes. He ran like a deer, probably due to his life-long quest to avoid capture. When his career ended and we moved him from the house, there were bags of ribbons and medals from every event he'd ever won. Roger had over 100 teddy bears arranged neatly on his bed, which he meticulously assembled each morning and disassembled each night. As Tara will tell you, it was the envy of every child who ever marveled upon it. Judy added to it from every place she went.

Roger was extremely neat. He never left the house looking anything less than immaculate, thanks, again, to Ann and his own strong sense of self-esteem. He went to the barber each week with Biz and got the exact same haircut. While the rest of the kids sported the feathered-back style-of-the-day hairdos, Roger looked like a Navy Captain. Every other neighborhood kid referred to that barber as the Butcher of the Boulevard, but that guy was Roger's hero.

Biz also took Roger golfing on many occasions. Roger only used his putter, but like his basketball shot, Roger could sink a putt from anywhere. We think Biz and his golf partners cheated by letting Roger putt from way out so they could judge the line and speed. Roger could regularly sink 30-foot putts at least once per round and nobody was happier about that than Biz.

Cindy's husband Chris continued Roger's golfing adventures when Biz could not and there are many stories about those times. Let's just say that Roger kept his putting skills, but Chris placed a little too much trust in Roger's abilities to drive a golf cart, often at a high rate of speed. Roger never slowed down for a curve, a bridge (the worst part), greens, sandtraps or other hazards, and he certainly never let a fellow golfer get in his way. We're still paying for some of the damage, but the people healed up fine. Well, most of them did anyway. Roger hated sharing driving duties, especially with Brojee or Tala. At the end of every round Roger would insist on perfectly parking the cart like it was any other vehicle. He only ended up on a rockpile once, but he was completely stranded. Thank God he was high-centered because he never did take his foot off of the accelerator.

Roger loved music—both kinds—country and western, though he truly did love just about anything, including "Rock and Roll", which was another Roger catch phrase. Kenny Rogers, Abama (Alabama), Brook-Brook (Garth Brook's) were his absolute favorites. But he even enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk regularly, much to the chagrin of his disinclined siblings.

Rock and Roll often lured him out of the confines of Phillips Street, but this was an enjoyable occasion even for the search party because he was an easy find. He was a tougher get, however, because we had to contend with everyone at the party that wanted him to stay. If someone had actually acquiesced to Roger's request for a beer, he too was uncharacteristically unruly. If the rescuer ever told Ann about the beer, they were immediately and loudly rebuked by Roger as a "LIAR!!" It was ordinarily so forceful and convincing that Roger always won the day, so we were further admonished. First, for letting him escape like we planned that, and second for attempting to get Roger in more trouble. Rescuers quickly learned to leave beer, pretending to chew or smoke or other vices we witnessed out of our rescue stories. To add insult to injury Roger always flashed a devilish victory smirk at you after Ann had walked away.

There was never an event with live music or a DJ where Roger didn't end up on stage. Whether his microphone was plugged in or not he sang every song all night long while playing his air guitar like Ted Nugent or the drums like Ringo Star. Roger lived so deeply in those moments we're sure he actually felt as though he was them. And probably better. Roger wasn't an egomaniac, but he never suffered any lack of self-esteem either. With his immaculate clothes, his Navy Captain haircut, and a pair of sunglasses he was simply too cool. He had it all. The looks, the talent, and the skill to do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted to do it. He lived, quite frankly, unencumbered. There's a lesson in that.

One of Cindy's funnier stories happened when she and Roger were at the grocery store one day. As was sometimes the case, a lady was seemingly in awe of Roger having Down Syndrome. She stared a bit too much and seemed to make a special effort to get to go passed Cindy and Roger. When Cindy got, annoyed and Roger'd also had enough, on her next unnecessary pass Roger looked straight at her and said, "Lady, you're retarded!" Well, two people peed their pants that day. The lady from shock, and Cindy because she'd never laughed so hard in her life.

Besides Biz, Roger's other hero was his brother, Rick. That became Rick and Jude as soon as Judy came into our lives to forever bless us with her kindness and humor. Rick and Jude later brought to Roger two beautiful nieces, Brook and Tara ("Tadabrook"). Whenever they came down to visit there were trips to Fairmont and "bubbly water" (the jacuzzi pool) and Roger was always included.

Rick and Roger's love for one another and their nature is well described in bear stories. Roger loved teddy bears but was deeply afraid of actual bears. This condition was made much more acute, when Rick discovered just how bad it was. Rick was an extremely loving and caring man, but he was at his core a prankster. Rick could not help himself from telling the bear stories, often very descriptively, making false bear sighting, usually located in the bush right behind Roger, or even becoming a bear himself, if the situation called for it. While this usually resulted in a sleepless night for both Roger and Ann, Rick would always end up as Roger's hero when Rick inevitably shot the bear; right in the neck, according to Roger.

Roger was a born politician. On one occasion while visiting Rick and Jude's Fairmont condo, Tara, Todd, Brooke, Jeremy, Cindy, Chris, Randy, and Ron spent the day with Roger. We swam, visited Montana's only International Goat and Duck Zoo, which Roger loved, and we certainly golfed. As he often did during any family event, Roger gave a speech. "Wait. Wait! Wait!!" was like the clinking of the glass. On this occasion, Roger summoned Tara and Chris to stand with him. They were clearly going to receive high accolades. Roger's speeches were always like a game of Charades. He would talk and act everything out. But when it came time to acknowledge Tara and Chris, Roger forgot their names. After a whole day together, Roger merely introduced them with a thumb as, "This guy here." and That THING there!" Tara and Chris still debate who was "That THING there!"

We highly doubt that Roger's entry into heaven was delayed due to any particular vice, but if it was his close friend and next-door neighbor Craig Staley has already admitted to having a hand in certain events where that "might" have happened, allegedly, of course. Judy Cusick and other neighbors like the Malesches and Letourneaus were also immensely supportive of Roger. When Roger moved out of the Phillips St. neighborhood, due to Ann's decline, Chris' parents Dr. John and Anne Gallus opened their home to Roger, and Roger became an inseparable part of their family. Roger and Anne shared the same birthday, and that became a grand event.

Roger's story is simply not complete without more discussion of his birthday or all of his holidays. Ann had a knack for building Roger's routine around each successive holiday. The crescendo was, of course, always his birthday. Despite its next-day proximity to Christmas, Biz and Ann always made sure it was the most celebrated event of all. In fact, we're sure Roger often felt a bit sorry for the baby Jesus because in Roger's view Jesus was born one day too early. Roger told time according to the next holiday whether it was the BSW Valentine's Dance, St. Patrick's Day, "Easter Bunny" (Easter), 4th of July (always with a description of the rockets' red glare and waiving sparklers), "Spooky-Spooky" (Halloween), Gobble-Gobble (Thanksgiving) or Ho-Ho-Ho (Christmas) Roger was always ready to celebrate these events. Thanks to Randy sharing all his adventures, Roger even managed to turn hunting season into something of a holiday, which became "No More Walk."

Cindy and Chris "watched" the Guanell's home on North Lake Drive for over a year. It resulted in two full holiday seasons that Roger enjoyed there. Each Thanksgiving, Roger loved preparing the turkey, getting it in the oven, and watching it cook all day long. The fact that we were able to use three ovens allowed for a prank. Chris and Roger placed a large turkey in one of the ovens. In another Randy, Cindy, and Chris placed a malnourished looking Cornish game hen. When it came time to remove the turkey, Chris and Roger pulled out the game hen. Roger was mortified that his once proud 24-pound turkey had literally shrunk to about 1/40 ^th of its original size. It only took Roger a minute to realize he'd been duped, but it was great to watch that minute of sheer bewilderment. Roger loved his many events with the Guanells, including his visits to Moose Lake and at Big Sky Eric witnessed Roger's ultimate putt, but we will let Eric tell that story, hopefully soon, We are truly grateful Roger had those times. Thank you all.

Roger would never admit to being an "old man". He was always "23", if you asked him.  You were always an "Old Man" no matter your age or gender, and "Old" was his nicest way of teasing you because many of us, on many occasions, were greeted as being smelly, having farted (usually to cover up his own) having chicken legs, or being pig farmers, or the worst of all skunk farmers, which was his favorite dig. He'd never call Ann, Connie, or Cindy skunk farmers, and if we ever fibbed and said he did, Roger would loudly proclaim you a "LIAR!!!" Again, and he'd always prevail, and you'd get the gift of his victory smirk too.

Roger loved anything new; hats, shirts, tennis shoes, socks, jeans, and unending teddy-bears. He was constantly after BSW to purchase a "new van" even when they'd done so just two days before. Every van over two days old was broken, needed work on the engine, new paint (usually blue), gas, or had flat tires. They all needed to be "taken to the junkyard." The only car that never got old was Roger's absolute favorite thing ever—Biz and Ann's Cadillac (Cadicad), Roger talked about it so much Biz put on the personal plates. Roger was also forever asking for Hotdogs, French fries, root beer, and chocolate pie (only chocolate pie). They were always provided.

After a time, Flathead was replaced by Big Sky and many happy times were had at the condo below Lone Peak Mountain. Of course, there was golf for Roger, bubbly water, and many nephews and nieces to toss into the pool, and the first night, or three, some troubled thoughts of burglaring bears, which Rick would always eliminate, after having brought them. Whether they were able to stay or not, Ronald or Randy would always haul up their four-wheelers with a two-week supply of gas, so Roger had them to ride. When the weeks were over, and the tanks were bone dry, they'd come and get them—scratches, dents and all—and they'd be paid with all the fantastic stories about unending mishaps they didn't always care to hear.

Upon leaving Big Sky one year Chris had the misfortune of being pulled over by the Montana Highway Patrol. To illustrate the depth of Roger's fidelity to the rule of law, and as Chris was trying to negotiate two tickets down to one, Roger so vehemently took the policeman's side that Chris ended up with 3 tickets, while Roger got a plastic badge, stuffed MHP teddy bear, and a new MHP hat. When the stop was over, but the lights continued to flash, Chris pretended he (and Roger) were escaping. All the way into Bozeman Roger truly believed he was on the lam from the police—his best friends in the world. The incident was not soon forgotten. In fact, Roger is probably telling on Chris right now.

To end the stories on some happy notes, Randy restored the Maynard House on Phillips. We are sure Roger, Biz, Ann, Rick and Connie are as proud of that as we are. While Roger is content and likely won't make earthly visits, please don't place any bear rugs in his old room, Randy.

Ronald still holds title to the Big Sky condo and Ronald, Jody, and Ronald's son Reese continue the tradition each year. Please push someone in the pool.

Brodie still drives the Cadicad. Keep it going.

Roger's beloved Grizzlies defeat Eastern Washington on Friday. We remain baffled that a guy so terrified of bears would pick the Grizzlies over the Bobcats, but Roger always exercised good sense to overcome fear. Landon was coming to give Roger some Bobcat gear but that could very well have ruined a beautiful friendship. Thank you for the special kindness, Landon. Roger loved you, and we're pretty sure, in time, he would have even actually forgiven you for being a Bobcat.

We will celebrate Roger's 64 ^th birthday in Fairmont this year where we will surely determine who "That Thing There!" actually is.

Roger leaves behind his family and more friends than we can count. Most importantly, his sister Cindy [my Cindy] (Chris [Crip]) Gallus, and brothers Randy [Randy-Randy-Randy] and Ron [Ronald] (Jody Bachini), along with Cindy's children Brodie [Brojee] Stradinger and Talia [Tala] Gallus; and Ron's son Reese and stepson Jacob. Rick's wife, Judy [Jude] and their two daughters Brooke (Jeremy) Garness and Tara (Todd) Bahmiller; together [Tadabrook]; Brooke and Jeremy's children Sage and Schafer; and Tara and Todd's kids Kanyon and Landon. Brodie's dad, Jerry Stradinger was a special part of Roger's life.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Biz and Ann Maynard; his sister, Connie; and brother Rick. We still feel the pain of losing you too, but we are thankful you were at Heaven's Gate to meet him, along with Roger's grandparents Larry and Babe Maynard, and Petra Crnkovich, who also loved and cared for Roger.

Although there are far too many of you to mention we do want to especially thank the Butte Sheltered Workshop and staff. We also want to especially thank Johnny Whalen, Roger's constant friend and work companion. The Whalen family, including Judge Jack Whalen and his wife Bobbie were so helpful to Roger, Biz and Ann. Thank you.

We also want to thank Nettie Thompson and her staff at Beehive 9 with immeasurable gratitude for the love, care and kindness they showed Roger this last year. His retirement ("two-week vacation") was made indelible within our hearts. Our memories of him there will forever remain a part of our lives. You deserve much more than we can ever, so we can just say thank you, we love you, and we are forever in your debt.

Our thanks to Butte, as well. We couldn't go anywhere with Roger without someone stopping us to speak with Roger to ask how he was doing. Many of you we did not even know at the time, but you knew Roger, and like so many, Roger touched you in ways that made you happy. The care was appreciated, and the feelings of joy were indeed mutual. We are thankful Roger grew up in a tough, hardworking, and loving community. Like Roger, it's matched by nothing else in this world, it is kind, it is full of hope and love, and, above all, it endures in the hearts and minds of anyone it touches. It is a granite rock filled with treasure. It will never wash away, and God has blessed it.

During this last week, we've come to know this more than ever, but we know too that it is because Roger loved us so deeply:

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love. Washington Irving

We are now, at least for a time, these messengers of overwhelming grief, which we express in tears as an eloquent, and only response, to Roger's unspeakable love. Thank you for comforting us.

Our Gospel verse for you is this, and we ask that Roger's story, and others like Roger, are remembered by it:

As Jesus passed by, He saw a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples asked Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not this man who sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." John 9:1-3.

Roger displayed God's works. Heaven didn't gain an angel because Roger was a living Angel on this Earth. Anyone that took the time to see beyond the exterior of his disability received a gift. We will miss you, Roger. We will always love you. We will never forget you. Thank you, Biz and Ann, for taking him home in 1957. You allowed Roger to live with us and touch our lives. We are all better because of that decision. We will talk to both of you later about the stunt you pulled in taking him from here too early. Take care, Roger. You got it! A life well lived. Well lived indeed.