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Volume 32 , Issue 6
December 2012
Page 623

GUEST EDITORIAL: To a Life Well Lived

Lloyd K. “L.K.” Croft, DDS

PMID: 23057050

My friendship with Dr Gary Maynard, Jr, began in 1965 while we were periodontal residents at the University of Kentucky. Our friendship extended over 47 years and I looked upon Gary as the brother I never had.

Gary made significant contributions to the specialty of periodontics. He published the classic paper on mucogingival problems in children, wrote chapters in books, lectured extensively, and gave clinical demonstrations in the United States and Europe.

Gary felt that anyone pursuing the presidency of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) should be board certified, so in 1988—21 years after he completed his residency at the University of Kentucky—he prepared for and achieved board certification. During the years 1992 to 1997, he served on the American Board of Periodontology, and served as its chairman from 1997 to 1998.

Gary was a talented leader. He was the founder and president of the Virginia Society of Periodontics, president of the Southern Academy of Periodontology, and president of the AAP. He received both the AAP Master Clinician and Gold Medal awards. He was selected as a Distinguished Alumnus of Davidson College, Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, and the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

His leadership roles extended to the community of Richmond, Virginia, where he served on several boards, became Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian Church, was a founding member of the International Hospital for Children, and was a member of the Rotary Club International.

Through the years, Gary taught many periodontal residents at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. In April 2012, its graduate periodontal clinic was named in honor of Gary and his colleague, Dr Richard Wilson.

Following his retirement, Gary faced multiple illnesses. I marveled at his fortitude and grace in handling each medical problem. His wife, Sally, was always at his side lending her support and love.

This man’s life-long accomplishments in his profession and community are truly amazing. Nevertheless, I have to conclude by saying that family was always of upmost importance to Gary. He was extremely proud of his 4 children and their families, which included 13 grandchildren, and loved all the wonderful times they shared. Above all, he cherished his lovely wife, Sally.

Gary, my dear friend—you are missed but will never be forgotten.

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