WATERTOWN, NY — Allen Jay “Butch” Maitland passed away on Jan. 10, 2021, at his home, with his wife Cathy by his side, following a brief illness.
Born Oct. 15, 1945, the son of Lawrence and Bessie (Woodard) Maitland in Henderson, NY, he graduated in 1963 from Henderson Central School and went to Jefferson Community College, earning an associate degree in business.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966, and proudly served in the intelligence field. After Tech School and further training in Texas and Massachusetts, he was stationed in Hawaii and Southeast Asia. Butch was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Gallantry Cross with palm and various other medals. He was honorably discharged in 1970 at the rank of Sergeant.
He began his career in 1970 with Fays Drugs as a store manager, then later as a District Manager & Buyer. After leaving Fays in 1986 he started his own business, Rod & Rifle Sporting Goods. After serving in that role he took a position as the district manager at Bon Fair, continuing to work with the company after it was acquired from Stewart’s, Inc. Butch also worked for Salin Vending Company before leaving for a position at The Jefferson County Journal, as advertising manager and writer. His passion for writing became a reality while working at The Journal, authoring many stories and articles for the paper. He retired from The Journal in 2014.
Butch was a member of the American Legion Post 588 (Brownville), an officer of the Adams Rotary Club, member & president of Jefferson County Sports Fisheries Advisory board, board member of the Henderson Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of Hospice Regatta Steering Committee, member of the South Jeff Chamber of Commerce Parade committee, member of Henderson Harbor Performing Arts Association and served on the weigh master team for over 20 years for the Henderson Harbor Derby committee.
In 1973 Butch married Candace Lawler and had three daughters. Although the marriage didn’t last, Butch and Candy remained lifelong friends. On December 31st, 1985 Butch married Catherine Darling Maitland.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Cathy, seven daughters and three sons: Justin (Jayme) Rivers, Gillian Maitland, Ed (Jennifer) Rivers, Katie Maitland, Karie Maitland, Terry (Betsy) Rivers, Louisa Rivers, Michelle Rivers, Calen (Victor) Rodriguez and Minnie Maitland (Joe Valentine); 12 grandchildren; Riley, Caleb, Ruby, Brayden, Kaytlynn, Kiley, Jackson, Adriana, Callan, Jeter, Giavana & Aryah as well as numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins, including Eunice Wescott and Sallie Parker.
He was predeceased by his parents Lawrence & Bessie, his sisters Marie Ross & Judy Brooks.
In his earlier years Butch enjoyed local town team softball and basketball, and as Butch would say, “spending time with the good ole boys from Henderson.” He treasured his time in the local shuffleboard league, making several life-long friends along the way. Through the years he enjoyed road trips with his wife Cathy and loved spending time with his family. He loved hunting with his sons and dancing with his wife and daughters. He took pride in taking everyone out on the boat, showing all the kids and grandkids how to fish and teaching them the waters of Lake Ontario, especially the famed “Bad Boy Island” to Riley, Caleb and Ruby. He shared many other passions with his family and friends including photography, Yankees baseball, Syracuse Basketball and Lacrosse, crosswords and all things related to nature.
His most enjoyable moments were spent doing things with his 10 children and their spouses, and in the later years his 12 grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors with his grandson, saying that, “showing Brayden about the outdoors and hunting was more fun than actually hunting himself.” Butch was always present at all of his kids & grandkids’ athletic games and other school activities. He was a selfless person who enjoyed volunteering his time to coach basketball with his daughter Minnie and the love he shared for the teams was immeasurable. He also found a new talent, home-schooling his granddaughter Adriana during the pandemic. Butch’s zest for life was infectious to all around him and everyone knew his warm smile could instantly make a person feel the love he had for them. He will be greatly missed.
A private viewing will be held this week for immediate family and a spring burial and a celebration of life to be held a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com