News Summary
Donald Maynard, a cherished music enthusiast and devoted family man, passed away at the age of 77. Known for his deep connections to family and love for Austin’s vibrant music scene, he left an indelible mark on the community. Born in Toronto, he later moved to Austin for his career at Dell, where he made lasting friendships and became a regular at the Austin City Limits Festival. Donald is survived by his wife and children, and his legacy as an advocate for the arts and a dedicated family member will be remembered fondly.
Austin, Texas – Donald Maynard, a cherished music enthusiast and dedicated family man, passed away on June 1, 2025, at the age of 77. His life, marked by deep connections to family and a passion for music, touched many within the Austin community and beyond.
Born on December 2, 1947, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Donald was the eldest of eight children in a close-knit family. His parents, Patricia and Murray Maynard, instilled in him a love for music and the outdoors, memories which he cherished while spending time at the family cottage on Bob’s Lake. A devoted fan of The Beatles, he had the unique opportunity to see them live three times, a favor granted by his grandfather, Frederick Crawford.
In August 1997, Donald moved to Austin, Texas, after accepting a job at Dell Computers, where he dedicated nearly 27 years of his career. His tenure at Dell not only shaped his professional life but also helped him forge lasting friendships with many of his colleagues, creating a significant social circle in his new city.
Known for his unwavering support of Austin’s vibrant live music scene, Donald was a familiar face at the Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival, which he attended every year since the early 2000s. His passion extended beyond the festival, as he routinely enjoyed performances at renowned venues such as the Moody Center and ACL Live, as well as various local spots across the city.
Donald is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth (MacDonald), and their two children: daughter Victoria (June) and son Donald Jr. He also leaves behind an extensive family, including his siblings Martha Reid, Michael (Sarah), Paul (Sharon), Gerri Raynard (Clyde), Murray (Nadine), David (Vanessa), and a large network of cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his immediate family, Donald was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Bruce. His legacy as a devoted family man and a staunch advocate for the arts will be remembered fondly by those who knew him.
A visitation honoring Donald’s life is scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills in Austin. Following this, a Mass of Christian burial will take place at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church in Toronto, Ontario. Donald will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Donald’s memory to Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an organization dedicated to supporting the homeless community in Austin. This reflects Donald’s commitment to helping others, a principle he lived by throughout his life.
Donald Maynard embodied a spirit of kindness, a love for music, and a strong bond with his family that will resonate within the hearts of many. His influence and unwavering support for the local music scene have left an indelible mark on Austin, ensuring that his spirit will live on in the community he loved.
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- Dignity Memorial: Donald Maynard Obituary
- Legacy: Dell Sheftall Obituary
- WCEL: Obituaries for April 26, 2023
- Dignity Memorial: Don Walden Obituary
- Legacy: Donald Sybert Obituary
- Google Search: Donald Maynard Austin Texas
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Google News: Donald Maynard Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music
- Google Scholar: Austin music scene
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
