Reverend Dr. Otis A. Maxfield completed his earthly life in Portland, Maine on December 29th at home with his family. He was born in Malden, MA on June 3, 1927 to Irene Agatha Maxfield. He married E. Virginia Maxfield in 1947 and together they had 5 children: Janet Duncan, Susan Garrett, Lois Jones, Andy and Tim Maxfield. Eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren followed, enriching his life.
Otis attended Boston University and earned a Masters of Divinity and a PhD in Pastoral Psychology. He was called to his first church in Wilmington, MA at the age of 20. He went on to serve Old First Church in Springfield, MA, First Community Church in Columbus, OH, Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, CT, and West Parish Church in Andover, MA. He pursued his own spiritual growth at the Jungian Institute in Zurich, Switzerland which also provided the family the opportunity to travel and explore Europe.
His words and stories reached many people through sermons, print, TV and radio broadcasts. In 1975, Otis founded Mandala Continuum, an executive management company, focused on bridging personal achievement with corporate growth. His clients included Westinghouse Broadcasting, CBS, Spalding Sporting Goods, Roche Pharmaceuticals and Child Guidance. He was outspoken, enjoyed a good debate, and was a strong advocate for causes in which he believed. Otis had a special talent for bringing people together from all walks of life to foster “living, loving and learning.”
Otis was passionate about keeping abreast of world and national politics and served his country as an advisor to several federal administrations. He always loved an adventure with his family, whether on land, the sea or in the air. His enthusiasm for sailing started on the Charles River and took him across the Great Lakes, the coast of New England and the Caribbean. He enjoyed flying his own airplane for business and pleasure as an instrument rated pilot. No matter where his travels took him his favorite “home” was on Louds Island, Maine.
As a husband, father, counselor and friend, Otis always believed in the “infinite possibilities of the human spirit” and challenged each of us to “practice unbreakable good will” in our love of family and in service to others. And from his favorite benediction, “may the love that makes the family and alone can build the peace of the world be with you now and forever more.”
If you wish, donations may be made to Boston University in honor of The Rev. Dr. Otis A. Maxfield, BU School of Theology 745 Commonwealth Ave. #109 Boston, MA 02215.
(NOTE: The above obituary and photo are from A.T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services.)
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 