Donald W. Maine

Dr. Donald W. Maine, Chancellor Emeritus of Davenport University passed away Wednesday February 7, 2018 at the age of 75.  Don was born on June 4, 1942 in Detroit to the late Albert and Ruth Maine.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 17 years Kathleen Maine, six children Melissa (Phil) Gracias, Marybeth (Charles) Stuart, Michael (Lisa) Maine, Matthew (Susan) Maine, Laura (Andrew) Pickard, Nick (fiancé Erica) Fochtman; grandchildren Antonio, Andre, Gia Gracias, Alex, Samantha, Maxwell, Audrey Stuart, Madeline Maine and Olin Pickard; one sister Patricia Burmania, former wife Frances (Michael) Grant, sister-in-law Nola (Ed) Alberts and several nieces and nephews.  Don was preceded in death by his brother Albert (Margaret Switous) Maine.  

Don served as Davenport’s President and Chancellor from 1977 to 2000, leading many initiatives that have made Davenport one of the leading private, nonprofit universities in the state of Michigan.  His contributions to the community impacted several organizations such as the Grand Action Executive Committee, MSU College of Human Medicine, Senior Neighbors, Potters House Schools, Opera Grand Rapids, Celebration on the Grand, the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Economic Club among many others.  He served on several boards including the Van Andel Institute, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Metropolitan Hospital.  He received many accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Davenport, an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Michigan State University, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University, the George Slykhouse Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grand Rapids Economic Club, the Galaxy Award from the National Kidney Foundation and induction into the Michigan Great Lakes Business Hall of Fame.  Don also received Davenport’s highest honor, the Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award.  Don was truly a remarkable man, who impacted many and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday February 15th at Ada Bible Church, 8899 Cascade Rd. S.E., Ada, MI 49301.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 14th from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Donald W. Maine Scholarship Fund at Davenport University or to the Van Andel Institute.  

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