Maynard MacMillan

Worked with the CNR/VIA railway for over 40 years as a carman and carpenter…upon retiring he turned his residence at 234 Sydney St. into a tourist home, the "Aloha," and later purchased the home on the corner (60 Hillsboro) and named it the "Amigo."
For over 20 years our father very much enjoyed hosting travellers from around the world. In March of 2006 he was diagnosed with brain cancer and left this earth on May 21, 2006.
He is missed by us and many of his friends and acquaintances. The poem below was written by a writer named Amy Cox for and about our Dad. It speaks volumes of the host of the Aloha and Amigo Tourist Homes. Today the tradition continues and the Aloha is run by his daughter Kelti, the house on the corner was sold and is now operated as a hostel by a lovely couple from Ontario. (Katie & Levi)

Memories of Maynard
~ And The Aloha Amigo~

Around the corner from the water,
On the streets of Charlottetown
Lived a man, tall of stature,
Strong of smile,
Who all the while,
Gave blessings and kind ways,
To those who stayed,
Within his walls.
From June to autumn days,
As many roamed
Around the sweetest shores of Home,
He stood by,
So willing to supply,
The goodness and swift humor,
That this world rarely murmurs.
He shared the paths
To wonder,
Inviting souls to wander,
Discovering moments under
The brightest blue-tinged sky.
Another generation
In the sweetest occupation,
Of helping others find
Their way
Upon the reddish clay.
Within the special spaces,
Which were so aptly named
In greeting wide and spacious,
They shouted out in greeting,
“Welcome-Hello Friend,”

Dreams were realized
And some new desires began,
For those far from their homeland.
He listened with his heart,
To language
Hard to understand.
With open hand,
He opened doors,
And opened hearts
To sheltered grace,
A gentle face:
Who lived for helping,
Knowing, sharing
Tales of life…
And
Slipping in the perfect spot,
Like sweatshirts worn to nip the frost,
A place was filled in many hearts.
There came a friend who touched a part
Of every life he met…
Whom no one may forget:
Amigo, true and tall,
His kindness touched us all.
How grateful for the blessing,
Which comes deep in the missing,
We know we wait to see him,
Opening mansion doors,
To hear him laugh once more,
As he has now found peace there,
In Home, forevermore.

~ Amy E. Cox
Copyright 2006 © by Amy E. Cox