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Dori J. Maynard
1958 - 2015
Dori J. Maynard
1958 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1958
DIED
2015
Dori Maynard Obituary
"Journalism," she replied.
Her middle name was really Judith, but the response was still appropriate. For Maynard, journalism wasn't just a part of her life, it was her life.
Maynard, president of the Robert C. Maynard institute for Journalism Education in Oakland and longtime champion of diversity in journalism and civic life, died Tuesday at her West Oakland home from complications from lung cancer. She was 56.
Because of Maynard's work, the "Fault Lines" concept of diversity is taught at many U.S. journalism schools and is used as a framework in newsrooms across America, said retired, former Los Angeles Times editor Frank O. Sotomayor. First developed by her late father, Robert C. Maynard, a trailblazing journalist, it was Dori Maynard who spent years holding training sessions and spreading the message tha t diversity is not only about race and ethnicity, but also gender, class, age, generation, geographical location, sexual orientation, religion and political views.
More than anything, friends and colleagues said, Dori Maynard was a teacher.
"She was a journalist. She was a storyteller. She was a business woman. She was a thought leader," said Martin G. Reynolds, senior editor for community engagement at the Bay Area News Group and a Maynard Institute board member. "But when you peel all of that back, really, she was a teacher. She was trying to teach an industry about something that was important for it to do its job. I think the best teachers are people who can connect and make people feel as though they are important and their views and values are being heard."
Bob Butler, president of the National Association of Black Journalists, said Maynard advocated tirelessly for the future of the institute and its programs, reminding everyone that the work of bringi ng the diverse voices of America into news and public discourse is more vital than ever.
"Under her leadership, the Institute has trained some of the top journalists in the country and helped newsrooms tell more inclusive and nuanced stories," he said.
The daughter of former Oakland Tribune owner and publisher Robert C. Maynard, the first African-American man to own a major U.S. newspaper, Maynard knew from an early age she wanted a life as a journalist.
"Her father was a huge influence on her, and I think his legacy influenced her so much," said Reynolds, who called Maynard one of his best friends. "His values of what a newspaper should be and reflect were commandments for her and her approach to her work. It was so much of who she was."
After graduating from Middlebury College in Vermont with a bachelor's degree in American history, she went on to work at the Detroit Free Press, the Bakersfield Californian, and The Patriot Ledger, in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was a Nieman fellow at Harvard University in 1993.
Jason Seiken, editor-in-chief at The Daily Telegraph in London, worked with Maynard when they were young journalists at The Patriot Ledger.
"Dori was a fearless reporter and a vibrant and hugely popular colleague," he said in an e-mail. "She was known in the newsroom for her unstinting honesty and generosity. Even on deadline, she would always make time for anyone who needed a word of advice or encouragement. For all of her professional accomplishments - and the ways she changed American journalism for the better - I will remember her most as a principled and kind human being with a damn good sense of humor. What a loss."
San Jose Mercury News and Bay Area News Group Deputy Business Editor Katherine Ann Rowlands called her a loyal friend and confidant.
"One of the last notes she sent, as I was about to start a new (company position), was characteristically generous and supportive. 'Let's get together soon and toast your new assignment,' " Rowlands recalled Maynard saying. "I think my assignment - our assignment - is to carry on her work," Rowlands added.
Funeral services are pending.
___
KRISTIN J. BENDER, Associated Press
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
62 Entries
Carolyn avisD
March 30, 2015
May the God of loving kindness continue to be with you and your family during your time of sadness.
D M
March 30, 2015
May the God of all comfort give you the strength and ability to endure the difficult days and weeks ahead. Psalms 83:18.
March 26, 2015
My condolences to your family. May the God of comfort, comfort you during this difficult time.
How you can show support
Tori Felix
March 14, 2015
my name is Tori and I'm 7 years old and I will pray for you to Jehovah. I'm sorry for you.
March 9, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
LSL
March 6, 2015
Losing a loved one can bring much grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. I love the promise at Psalm 147:3, "He heals the broken hearted; He binds up their wounds." May it bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Brenda
March 6, 2015
Dori sounds like the type of person I constantly strive to be. She had genuine love for and valued all people as well as their well-written stories. Jesus must have had her in mind when he stated the words at Luke 23:43. Sleep peacefully, Dori, rest from a job well done!
March 4, 2015
My sympathy,
"And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Elizabeth
March 4, 2015
I wanted to give my condolences to your family. It is always difficult to lose someone we love especiall since God never intended for us to have to deal with things like this. That's is why we can rest assured that the God of all comfort wants to help us during these difficult times. Romans 15:4
J L
March 3, 2015
My condolences to your family during this time of grief.
March 3, 2015
It was my privilege to know Dori and to count her among my closest and dearest friends. She was a principled and gentle warrior for inclusion and justice, and she was a fiercely loyal friend. We are all blessed that she walked among us.
March 3, 2015
Sincere condolences to family and friends of a person with such love for people,and reached out with the newspaper. John 17:3
March 3, 2015
Although I last saw her at an NABJ convention a few years ago, I will miss Dori, as a friend and a colleague. Her indomitable spirit in carrying on the work of diversity in the newsrooms of the U.S. is unparalled. My condolences to David and Alex, as well as her mother.
Eldredge McCready,
Milledgeville, Ga.
Judith Kerman
March 2, 2015
Dear Liz and Dori's family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. What an impressive person Dori was. It's clear that she was much loved and respected.
Patrice Gaines
March 2, 2015
I will miss Dori, knowing she is here doing her work for the benefit of all. I am grateful to have known her.The angels will be happy to use her organization skills and her compassion and passion for helping this world. Thank you,Dori
March 1, 2015
"You never lose someone, when you know where they are",
February 28, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss and would like to express my sincere condolences to you. May you find consolation in the scripture at 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
Annette
February 28, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 28, 2015
To family and friends, we are sadden by the loss of Dori and extend heartfelt condolences. What a talented woman, may the peace that the God of tender mercies provide comfort you during this difficult time.
February 28, 2015
My condolences to the family. It hurts to see our loved one gone but please constantly to God and he will provide the comfort you need during this time 1 Tessalonians 5:17.
February 28, 2015
So sorry for your loss,may God grant you peace,for He has said I am your comforter..isa.51:12.......
February 27, 2015
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Dori J. Maynard for their loss of a dear love one during this time of sorrow. May you find comfort and hope knowing God understand your grief and he cares for you.~1Peter 5:6,7 DG, Florida
February 27, 2015
May the all wise and knowing Father of true peace and tender mercy grant your family a calm and firm heart giving everlasting comfort and hope in His promises for the very near future
Baltimore
Carmen Steelman
February 27, 2015
Sad for the short life you lived. Praising the way you lived.
Carolyn Lawrence
February 27, 2015
It's so sad to be losing such a wonderful person. Losing a loved one is never easy; especially when one's is but short prematurely. My condolences. It's as the Bible says:"A good name is better than fine oil." She certainly will be missed by all lives she touched, especially her family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Denise
February 27, 2015
My condolences to the family of Dori J. Maynard. May you have peace and comfort in these difficult times. The God of tender mercies and comfort be with all of you.
February 27, 2015
DEAR FAMILY,I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR LOVING GOD PROMISES LIFE WITHOUT END, MAY HIS WORD OF PROMISE COMFORT YOU NOW, AND THE DAYS TO COME. ISAIAH 33;24, JOHN 17;3. SINCERELY, BETTY H. INDY
February 27, 2015
What a talented beautiful person that will be missed greatly. I will keep the Maynard family in thought and prayers and hope for you all to be consoled by the promise found at 1 Corinthians 15:26
lt
February 27, 2015
My thoughts and sympathy to the family. Remember the hope for the future at Isa 33:24, what wonderful promise!
G. Freeman
February 27, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jane Dowling
February 27, 2015
God bless you and your loved ones, Dori ~ Rest in peace.
February 26, 2015
I had the pleasure of meeting Dori in the mid-90s when I was a PR consultant to MIJE. We met in NYC to attend a Fault Lines function hosted by The Freedom Forum. I had the opportunity to get to know Dori socially. We went shopping, and she took me to lunch at the Harvard Club. I took her to see Jekyll&Hyde at the Plymouth Theatre. Will miss her big smile and wonderful sense of humo
Roberta Wong Murray
B Lucas
February 26, 2015
May the person we wish to be finds its way out, that way we become free. When we are free as an individual our leadership can rise and allow others to do the same. Main stream is where everyone wants to be, genuine leadership gets their and beyond. My sincere condolence for your loss.
February 26, 2015
May the almighty God GIVE THE FAAMILY COMFORT.2COR.1:2-4
j b
February 26, 2015
Our hearts go out to the Maynard family. Losing a loved one is never easy. May you find comfort in God's future promise to end all suffering on earth very soon under God's kingdom.Daniel 2:44
T T
February 26, 2015
I am sorry to hear about the loss of such a remarkable woman. She was gracious, confident,and approachable. A person's presence was forever changed by meeting Ms.Dori. My prayers are with her family during the difficult times ahead.
Banks
February 26, 2015
Sorry for your loss but know that our Heavenly Father cares and will strengthen you as you cope with your grief.1Peter5:7
Peace for ever
February 26, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences to the family. I know Dori will be missed. May God grant you strength and courage as you face the coming days. (Psalm 83:18)
E Harris
February 26, 2015
You have my deepest sympathy may the God of Loyal Love comfort the family during your time of sorrow.Psalm145:8,14
February 26, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of loving kindness, mend
the broken hearts of the family during
and after their time of bereavement.
May the family cherish the wonderful
times shared together.
My sincere and heartfelt prayers are
with the family.
(Psalms 145:19)
~Elizabeth, Atlanta, Ga
L. Walters
February 26, 2015
I would like to express my condolences to your family during this most difficult time. I can see that Dori was such a talented person. May you be strengthened by the fact that God can be our comfort in distressing times if we turn to him who loves us. [Jeremiah 29:12,13]
February 26, 2015
To read about the work that Dori Maynard had done tirelessly and the work that will continue to be done by others because of her is inspiring. The fact that people are drawn closer and more inclusive is a pleasure and delight, while understanding that there is still a long way to go. Her life's work makes me look forward to the time pronounced in the Word of God at Zephaniah 3:9 "For then I will change the language of the people to a pure language, so that all of them may call on the name of Jehovah, To serve him shoulder to shoulder."
m(John11:25) b
February 26, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Larry & Vanessa Brown
February 26, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Maynard family and friends. Her quick wit and charm will be missed by all how knew her. We all look forward to a time soon were no one will say I am sick (Isa. 33:24) Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.
Candace
February 26, 2015
Dori your legacy and example is inspirational. May the friends, family, and colleagues mourning the loss of her be reminded of the comfort, peace, and love God extends to all. John 3:16, 2 Cor 2:1-5.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
February 26, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Carol Dell
February 26, 2015
To the Family of Ms. Dori Journalism Maynard,
I didn't know Ms. Journalism but her life was that of journalism. You rocked!
I send hugs & prayers to your family!
Glenn Proctor
February 26, 2015
I knew Dori for about 30 years, worked with her on a number of projects and worked with the Maynard Institute as a student, teacher and board member. She was truly one of journalism's icons.
Joanne
February 26, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May the peace that only God gives brings you much comfort at this time.
Erica Alexander
February 26, 2015
My sincerest sympathy. May the God of all comfort strengthen your family during this time of sorrow. Those who die God keep in his memory because he cares, they are precious in his eyes. Psalms:116:15
February 26, 2015
Such a rewarding career. She will be missed. Our sympathy to the Maynard family. May you find comfort in the God of tender mercies.
Sitowski Family
February 26, 2015
I was saddened to read about Dori's death. What a legacy she's left behind! I know she will be greatly missed. May her family and friends find comfort in the fond memories shared (Psalm 147:3).
Dara Tom
February 25, 2015
Thank you Dori for your amazing and trail blazing work. American journalism is better for it. Missing you.
Nadine Moulton
February 25, 2015
Dori, in the words of my Alma Mater's Motto, "Ita Splendeat Lux Vestra- Let your light so Shine".
Shun you did Dori Maynard and your light will continue to illuminate the way for future journalists. Condolences to the family.
You always had a teaching moment when you passed through the Big Apple. - :)
Patricia Minot
February 25, 2015
Unbelievable, and shocking that this vibrant young woman, so much her father's daughter, should die so young. My sympathy to her family.
Tom Maurer
February 25, 2015
Dori started her career in the early 1980s at The Bakersfield Californian, where I was a cub reporter as well. The newspaper sent the two of us to a journalism conference in Palm Springs. Given the demographics of Palm Springs in the early 80s, Dori couldn't wait to walk the town, and the two of us got more than a few double-takes. Dori had big shoes to fill with her father being the editor of The Oakland Tribune, but she knew herself and her mind, and she knew what issues and causes she was passionate about. And she didn't mind making a point. We reconnected a few years back, and wouldn't you know Dori had a story or two for me to look into in Oregon. Godspeed, Dori. We will miss you.
David Martinez
February 25, 2015
She was an amazing woman who cared about people, human rights, and her mission. Dori, you are in a special place. God Bless.
Daniel Vasquez
February 25, 2015
Like so many young journalists, your father hired me, too. He died one year later, but had taught me so much about journalism and life before then. You taught me even more. Thank you for every moment.
Angela Carter
February 25, 2015
I am so honored to have met Dori in my lifetime and to have worked with her and learned from her as a member of Digital First Media's Diversity Council.
R.I.P. Dori, your inspirational words and work will live on in our newsrooms and in our hearts.
Gary Kebbel
February 25, 2015
Dori was firm and precise when telling a news organization or a project manager that they lacked a diverse viewpoint, and she was helpful and supportive in offering solutions. She was a pleasure to work with. She was one of the people who could be called the conscience of the industry.
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