Charles Maynard was described as a warrior of the youth, avid Junkanooer, family man and a rising political star during an emotional funeral service at Christ Church Cathedral yesterday.
His widow, Zelena, was in tears for most of the near four-hour long service as she held their young daughter Charnae close.
Maynard's parents, Andrew 'Dud' Maynard and Isadora Maynard, his other daughters and the rest of his family listened as tributes were paid to him.
Maynard, 42, spent his last moments on the phone with his wife, reportedly discussing a possible vacation.
The former Cabinet minister was chairman of the Free National Movement at the time of his death.
He collapsed and died from a massive heart attack on August 14 while campaigning in North Abaco. He had an enlarged heart, according to his family.
Maynard's body was taken in procession from the House of Assembly to the church on George Street.
Hundreds of people, including members of the government, FNM supporters, family and friends attended the funeral.
"From his election to Parliament at 37, and over five short years, Charlie demonstrated that age-old life lesson that it is not the quantity of the days given; rather, it is the quality of how we live those days -- with passion and commitment -- that makes all the difference," said former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
Maynard joined the FNM in 2006 after leaving the now defunct Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR).
"It was my privilege to have Charlie serve in my Cabinet, first as a minister of state, then as portfolio minister of youth, sports and culture," Ingraham said.
"Yet for all of his accomplishments, what made Charlie such a wonderful friend and colleague is that he was simply a good human being.
"He made everyone feel a part of the team. He was decent, welcoming and open. He maintained wonderful personal relationships with friends and colleagues."
The former FNM leader said he found Maynard to be honest, reliable, trustworthy and confidential.
"He was a great father and a loving husband, dying only a short time after his last telephone call to his wife, Zelena -- a joyful call, I am told, filled with laughter and talk of future plans for the family."
Maynard's death has left a void in the FNM, lamented party leader Dr. Hubert Minnis.
"The FNM feels his loss," Minnis said. "I feel his loss.
"I have lost a good friend and supporter, my chairman and one part of our famed M and M (Minnis and Maynard) political team."
Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage, the former leader of the CDR, told the congregation that throughout the years of the CDR, Maynard always had his back.
"Who would have thought that after a mere three months after the election that Charles Maynard would have been called to his eternal rest at the early age of 42," Nottage said.
"It was no surprise to hear that Charles spent his last moments doing what he loved best."
The CDR failed to win one seat in the 2002 general election. In 2005, Nottage returned to the PLP, but Maynard eventually joined the FNM.
"His dream to sit in Parliament and make decisions on behalf of the people had been realized," Nottage said.
"He was filled with so much joy and enthusiasm that even though I was on the opposite side, I was happy for him; [happy] that he had gotten the opportunity to serve and be part of a government."
Maynard lived a full and rich life, Nottage said.
"Forty-two years is a period when one begins to see life as it really is and not what it should be," he lamented.
"Charles Maynard was my friend, my brother [and] my erstwhile son. I want his soul to rest in peace and rise in glory."
Maynard was buried at Woodlawn Gardens on Soldier Road.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian