Reflections of those who knew him

 

 

-- Daughter, Elaine Lawson

The two things I remember him for most were his integrity and his ingenuity. He was such an honest man -- he never told a lie in his life. I don't think it ever crossed his mind to do anything underhanded or mean. That he was my hero is an understatement. He was such an incredible role model and the yardstick for integrity that many many people measured themselves against. And, he could fix anything or make a new one from scratch. He was always inventing things -- finding a new and novel way to do something. He was probably a genius, really. He loved Mom enormously and was so sad when she got sick.

 

-- Brother-in-law, Carl Wittrock

Great memories.... He was a wonderful man and treated his family the best ever. I never heard him say an unkind word to anybody.

 

-- Sister-in-law, Rita Forman

We shall always remember Max as a kind, loving, cheerful, honest, hardworking man and so very proud of his family.

 

-- Son-in-law, Bob Lawson

I'm proud to have known Max for over 35 years and have really enjoyed being a part of his family. He was a genuinely nice person - a man for whom no one could ever have a bad thought. Everyone who ever knew him liked him a lot. He had a charisma that seemed attract a group of friends to follow him wherever he went.

I first met Max when I started dating Elaine. He always made me feel welcome when I would visit. I'll never forget the night that I nervously walked up to their house to ask Max for Elaine's hand in marriage. I was greeted with a big smile, a hearty handshake and a "welcome to the family".

Through the years I enjoyed family get-togethers with Max and Mildred. We always enjoyed good food, good wine and warm friendship. I still remember the heated debates over world affairs that would follow Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. I fondly remember the week I spent with Max after my car broke down near Indio, on the way back from "The River". I spent the week playing with Max's ham radio set and playing snooker with him at the Cathedral City Elk's Club.

I enjoyed the stories of Max's youth -- especially how he and his friends hopped freights to California and other destinations. I remember the stories of his Army days, during and after the war. He supplemented his income, when stuck in the Philippines, by betting that he could role dice and hit two through twelve consecutively. He proved that he still could do that on my dining room floor!

Max was a mechanical genius. I'll never forget the first time I saw his garage door opener in Downey in 1966. I don't know if it was the first garage door opener to exist, but it was the first one I ever saw. It was something to behold -- with its wooden pulleys and a washing machine motor. Another memorable invention was Max's shooting gallery. It had wooden ducks crossing the gallery on a belt (driven by a "rescued" electric motor). To keep score, if you shot a duck with a BB, a little lever on the fallen duck would hit another lever that, in turn, would toggle a set of two-decade wooden counter wheels to the next number. We would spend hours in his patio in Cathedral City shooting BBs at that shooting gallery.

Max's ingenious creations are too numerous to mention here. The garage door opener, the shooting gallery, earthquake detectors, as well as his ham radio electronic keyer levers and antenna control units stand out in my memory of the most mechanically gifted man I have ever personally known.

I'm proud to have been part of Max's life. He has been an inspiration to me on how to lead an ethical, family-oriented life and I look forward to seeing him again when it's my turn to join him.

 

-- Sister-in-law, Margie Wittrock

I remember your dad as a quiet gentleman in contrast to the "noisy" Wittrocks. He was always kind and thoughtful to another "in-law". I know you will miss him.

 

-- Mildred's Cousin, Kay Buelt Davis

We were very sorry to hear of your dad's death. We never met but from the things you have said of his strength in dealing with your mom's illness, I can tell he was a strong but gentle man.

 

-- Mildred's Cousin, Rita Molletta and husband, Joe Mallet

Max was the tall, silent type, soft spoken and always pleasant when we visited. You didn't have to know him very long to realize what a brilliant mind he had. He many times showed us his very clever inventions, many that were later commercialized by others.

The first one we remember was his garage door opener. He had a lock on a telephone pole in the alley (when they lived on Samoline in Downey). He would stop his work truck, insert and turn a key in the lock and when he got to the garage the door was open. He had also wired the coffee pot to begin brewing so coffee was ready automatically at breakfast time.

In Cathedral City when we visited one time Max excused himself because the mail had come. Joe asked how he knew and he showed him his light panel that alerted him when certain things happened, i.e., the mail was in the box.

Your parents were wonderful dancers and we had gone to the Elks Club in Cathedral City with them. They went each Friday evening for dinner and to dance until they were well into their 70s. They were such a handsome couple. As a young couple we were in awe of them. They had three beautiful children and were such a nice family and well respected in the community.

 

-- Second Cousin Juanita (Niter) Pappe Sutterfield

It is so hard to lose a parent. When that parent is also your hero, the loss is just indescribable. Even though he will constantly be with you in heart and thought, you will long to hear his voice. Sharing such remarkable memories (as you have with us) will eventually replace tears with laughter, joy, and amazement at all he has accomplished in just one lifetime. What a wonderful legacy of love! It's also sort of nice to realize that now, no matter where you are, you can always share the same beautiful sunrise or sunset with your dad. You are in our prayers.

 

-- Brother-in-law Cletus Wittrock and wife, Loretta

Max will always be remembered as very kind and loving person and hard worker. He will always be remembered by everyone....

 

-- Second Cousin Sandra Pappe Terell

I know that it is very difficult, but what a blessing that not only was [Max] ready and passed peacefully, but that you had a chance to visit with him and say good-bye. I know that he was special and that you will miss him deeply, but hang on to and embrace all the wonderful memories, and let those memories bring you comfort, for in that way he will always be with you....

 

-- Daughter's friend, Ron Dodge

Never having met your dad, I know of him only through your eyes and words. And what a fine person he must have been for you to speak of him with such reverence and love. I have come to believe we go on in the warm hearts and loving memories of those left. Your dad lives on and ever so fully.

 

-- Cousin George Edward Pappe's widow, Dawn Pappe

I was sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Hopefully he did not suffer.... Your dad is gone but not the memories and he will always be with you in your heart.

 

-- Niece Brenda Wittrock Porter

Thinking of you during this difficult time, may God give you peace as you remember all the wonderful times shared with your father.... I still remember when your Mom and Dad came to Oklahoma City for family visits. We always had such nice times with your parents - both tall and slender, immaculately dressed and very nice.

 

-- Cousin's Bill Jersak's widow, Nell Jersak

I have such wonderful memories of Max and Mildred's visit with us at our lake home. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find in all your memories a constant source of comfort.

 

-- Niece Carla Wittrock Hathaway

So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Max. I have very good memories of visits fro Uncle Max and Aunt Mildred. I always felt very comfortable around Uncle Max seemed to have such a nice, quiet strength about him with a twinkle in his eyes that made me think he was a lot of fun.

 

-- Mildred Pappe, on their Golden Wedding Anniversary

Max, Sweetheart, I am so happy I met you when I did (at the tender age of sixteen!). Fifty-six years have gone by all too fast. We have had a wonderful life together and we're very fortunate to have raised a wonderful family. I hope we have many more happy years together.... You have been a loving and devoted husband and I love you very much.

 

To all our thoughtful friends and family who expressed their deepest sympathy to us at this sad time and had such wonderful things to say about our dear father -- Thank You.