Former Cabinet Minister Charles Maynard was laid to rest on Friday following a lengthy homegoing service where his family, friends and colleagues described him as a “rising star” and one of the “most passionate politicians around.”

The funeral service was held at Christ Church Cathedral.

Describing “Charlie” as he was affectionately called by many, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told the congregation that Maynard was all about passion and commitment.

“Charlie’s passion for life made him incurably mischievous and witty, a crowd pleaser at rallies, energetic and endlessly exuberant,” he said.

“His exuberance was manifested in his love of Junkanoo, which was in his soul as his soul was animated by the vibrant rhythms of the Bahamian spirit. It also burst through in the joy he took from karaoke. Charlie was fearless. He was, after all, Dud’s son and protégé in life as in politics. His fearlessness was demonstrated in Parliament, around the Cabinet table, and in the political journey that led to his election and Cabinet appointment.”

Mr. Ingraham said Maynard followed his conscience and a passion for reform when he left the political party of his family roots and youth to help establish the Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR), where he became deputy leader.

Free National Movement (FNM) Leader, Dr. Hubert Minnis, echoed similar sentiments.

He told those gathered at the service that The Bahamas has lost “a man of purpose.”

“He made an outstanding contribution, was full of life and a vibrant activist for the causes he supposed,” Dr. Minnis said.

“We have lost a good friend, a supporter and a father and friend. We recently spent much time together in our new roles as leader and chairman. I was just beginning to appreciate the depth of his knowledge.”

But it was a teary eyed tribute from Maynard’s brother, Edward Andrew Maynard II that brought many in the congregation to tears.

He described his brother as a family man.

“No one and nothing came between Charles and his family,” he said. “No one came between Charles and his dad who was his mentor; no one came between him and his wife and no one, no man, no woman, no politician, no supporter, for sure came between Charles and his three girls. He was for sure a family man.”
Maynard died nearly two weeks ago as a result of an enlarged heart.

He was 42.

According to a release issued shortly after his death, Maynard, the coordinator of the FNM’s by-election campaign, was driving along with party Secretary General Michael Foulkes in the area of Blackwood, heading into Dundas and Murphy Town when he fell ill and collapsed.
He was buried at Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery on Soldier Road.