Maynard D. Gueldenhaar

Maynard D. Gueldenhaar "The Fireplace Man"

HAMILTON - Maynard, age 83, fell asleep Monday May 6, 2013 at home. Maynard was born June 8, 1929 in Burlington, Iowa. After graduation in 1948, Maynard moved to Olds, Alberta to run the family farm. He married Mary Odle, had 3 children and later divorced. After many years of dairy cows and farming, he bought a fishing resort in British Columbia. Maynard's years in Canada were very dear to him. Those years gave him a lot of material for his love of storytelling.

Maynard met Brenda, the love of his life, while vacationing in Hawaii and they soon married. Maynard's bond with his new in-laws, Tom and Clara Meech, was so immediate that he took them on the honeymoon to Mexico. Maynard and Tom shared the gift of engineering, building and creativity. Maynard liked to travel. Together, he and Brenda traveled around the world just to see friends in Austria.

At the age of 10, Maynard learned to weld. Maynard's talent as a metal smith will long be remembered. His beautiful and functional stoves are located throughout the Bitterroot valley, 14 states and 2 provinces. His talents expanded to home dAC.cor and design. The business was called Western Metal Artwork.

Maynard and Brenda built and ran Trout Springs B&B. Maynard was in his element as host and storyteller to guests from far and wide. Maynard and Brenda also loved dancing and square dancing. Making friends was easy for a man with a beautiful smile, gentle ways and 'ready' story.

Maynard loved the Lord and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His presence will be treasured and missed by all who knew him.

Survivors are Brenda wife of 34 years. Children: Tjark(Grace), Kim(Rena), Tana(Gary), Tonya Gueldenhaar, Tal and Tim(Suzy) Campbell. Grandchildren: Toby, Caleb, Levi, Aaron and Jare' Gueldenhaar, Jenna, Kylie, Chambrae, Kenedy and Reese Campbell and one Great grandchild, Issac. Siblings: Bud(Joyce) Gueldenhaar, Judy Ahrweiler, Sheri(David) Hagen, Coris deceased(Bing) King.