BROOKS — Maynard W. Elkins passed away unexpectedly Oct. 15, 2013. He was born July 1, 1939, to Maurice and Glenice (Thompson) Elkins.

He was born and raised on Knox Ridge and attended Freedom Academy, where he played baseball and graduated in 1957. Upon graduating he joined the U.S. Marines and served for three years. During this time he was able to travel the world and enjoyed telling his family stories from all of his adventures.

After his military service, he became a meat cutter and enjoyed it until his final day. He retired from Hannaford Supermarkets after 30 years and spent the last several years working at Hilltop Store in Knox. He always enjoyed going to work there in the mornings, as his co-workers were his second family.

When Maynard wasn't working he enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He also loved to cook and shared his creations with everyone he knew. He was especially famous for his rolls and beef jerky, and you could always find him snacking on something sweet. Maynard was constantly learning and loved to teach others, as he was often sharing newspaper articles with friends and family and trying to solve brain teasers or trick puzzles. He also loved to teach his grandchildren when they were young and played "school" with them all of the time. He loved animals and he liked to feed the skunks and take in stray cats, including his two recent ones, Oswald and Kitty-Kitty.

Maynard always loved to watch sports and spent many evenings watching the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. The highlight of his life though was spending time with, and watching his grandchildren's and great-nieces' and -nephews' sporting events with his wife, Muriel. They rarely missed a game and loved to cheer them on from the side lines. If you couldn't find Maynard and Muriel at a game, they were probably enjoying the afternoon taking car rides together and visiting family.

Maynard was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Larry Elkins.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Muriel; his children, Baxter and his wife, Kim, of Hampden, Wayne and his wife, Roxanne, of Belfast, Denise and her husband, Travis, of Stockton Springs, Anthony of Brooks and Glenice and her special friend, Kevin, of Belfast; his grandchildren, Amanda, Channing, Jaci, Abby, Maddy and Jack; his sister, Patricia McDonald and her husband, Stan, of Knox; his sisters-in-law, Viola Elkins and her special friend, Gary Littlefield, of Belfast, and Jean Murphy of Hampden. Maynard is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family and many close friends.

A simple gathering will be held Sunday, Oct. 27 at noon at Knox Cemetery, where memories will be shared. Friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please eat a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or a handful of Peanut M&Ms in memory of Maynard.