The Reverend Dr. Otis A. Maxfield died in Portland, Maine on Dec. 29, 2015 at home with his family. He was born in Malden, Massachusetts on June 3, 1927 to Irene Agatha Maxfield. He married E. Virginia Maxfield in 1947 and together they had five 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 master's of divinity and a PhD in pastoral psychology. He was called to his first church in Wilmington, Massachusetts at the age of 20. He went on to serve Old First Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, Connecticut, and West Parish Church in Andover, Massachusetts. 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 goodwill” 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. To offer condolences and share memories with the family please go to www.athutchins.com. Arrangements by A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services, Portland, Maine.