Max- gone way too soon.
I have known Max since he was 3 years old. The Marvin family and my family spent countless hours together watching Lisa, Layla, Hannah and Katie play hockey. While we were away playing hockey, Max and Marlie would spend many hours playing together at the arcade at Schwans Super Rink and swimming in the hotel pool. They were superfans (but really just wanted to keep playing together and not watch the games). A lot of our time together was spent in rinks, but we were also fortunate enough to go on special family vacations where we made wonderful memories. My favorite was spending many days together at Oak Island fishing, hunting, and just hanging out.
As I watched Max grow up, it was very evident to me that he was filled with curiosity, always asking questions and wanting to be better. Fishing was the perfect outlet for him. We spent hours talking about fishing and strategies to get better and better. Fishing was where we could really bond because we both enjoyed it so much. I miss the phone calls and conversations about what new thing we are going to try and where the hot spots are. Max was so knowledgeable and could out fish the best fisherman. I have great memories of Max and Grandpa Jack on many hunting and fishing trips on Oak Island.
Max was a jokester from an early age. He could make anyone laugh and smile. I’ll never forget our two families playing “Things” at the cabin and his one and only answer to every question – “ball fro.” We would laugh and laugh. It never got old no matter how many times he said it.
It was very impressive how Max cared deeply about relationships he built with persons of all ages. He was never too busy to visit and to share stories about his adventures and plans that were on the horizon. He spent time with my 80 year old father eating cake and visiting about hunting and fishing. I don’t think Max even realized how much this meant to him, and everyone he was able to build those deep relationships with.
The Max Foundation is exciting. It is a great way to honor this great kid. The kids in Warroad are lucky to be gaining knowledge about something that affects so many.
Brian Johnston