John F. Maher, 69, of Guilford, suffered a heart attack and died on Oct. 13.  He was the loving husband of Helen Maher. Mr. Maher was the retired president and chief executive officer of Great Western Financial Corporation and its principal subsidiary, Great Western Bank, a federal savings bank.

Before rejoining Great Western in 1986, Mr. Maher served as a managing director of Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb from 1979 to 1986 in charge of that firm’s west coast investment banking. He previously held the position of first vice president and general partner at Blyth Eastman Dillon & Company, Inc.

Mr. Maher earned a master’s degree in business administration of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, where he was named a Joseph Wharton Fellow. He also formerly served as chairman of Trout Unlimited, and served on the board of directors for Columbia Funds in Minneapolis at the time of his death.

Mr. Maher was an avid bird hunter and fly fishing enthusiast. In addition, he was a member of Clove Valley Rod and Gun Club, the Mashomack Club, the Madison Beach Club, and the Hammonasset Fishing Association.

Besides his beloved wife, he is survived by his children, Edward John Maher II, Elizabeth Purdum, Helen C. Maher, and Michael S. Maher. He is also survived by his three adoring dogs.

No funeral service is planned.  For those who wish, donations may be made to the ASPCA, Ducks Unlimited, or to a charity of one’s choice.  The Guilford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.