Max Cecil Martin

Max with be lovingly remembered by his children Karen (Bryce) Parker, Jesse (Michelle) Martin, Curtis (Eugenia) Martin, Shiela (Drew) Chipman, Dianne Millard and Dale (Axinia Doring) Martin, 27 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren.

Max is survived by his siblings Helen Davis (Ron), Don (Patsy), and Lloyd (Joyce) and his sister-in-law Beverly (Dave).

He was predeceased by his wife Annette, and infant son, Lee, his parents, William and Clarice (Tanner), his brothers Bill (Izetta), Betty (Lloyd) Olsen, Ernest (Edith), Pauline (Doug) Houghton, and Dave.

Max was born on December 16, 1935, in Cardston, Alberta to William John Martin and Clarice Tanner. He was the second youngest of nine children. On February 19, 1958, he married Dorothy Annette Lybbert and together they raised six children.

Max loved basketball. His basketball career spanned several decades.  In 1955 he was sent with the Hillspring Sr. Men’s team to the All Church Basketball Tournament held in BYU.  Max returned with the same team to the All Church Senior Basketball Tournament in 1961.  He was accompanied by his brother Don to both of these tournaments. In 1963 Max was drafted by the Indiana Pacers, however the salary was barely adequate, and he was required to move his family, and at that time, could not afford the move with 3 children with Annette pregnant with her 4th child.

Max played senior men’s basketball well into his 40’s, and often “got up” a team for local tournaments.  He played these tournaments with some of his sons, and even sons-in-law.  Later, when his shoulder made it difficult to make his famous “hook shot”, he took up the role as a referee. 

Max trained at Ricks College as a mechanic, and used these skills throughout his life.  He was knowledgeable in farming, cement work, construction (residential and commercial) and driving.  At one time, Max was even a security guard at Rick’s College to help support his family. He owned his own construction company for many years, employing his sons and teaching them how to work hard.  He drove cement truck and semi trucks in his later years.  Max could take a pair of plyers, duct tape, wire and baler twine and fix anything!

Max is a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Through His lifetime service, he served in the Sunday School, as Ward Mission Leader, and stake missionary.

Max and Annette served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Their first mission was served in the Manchester England Mission in North Wales. For their second mission, the Lord called them to serve in the Micronesia Guam Mission serving in the Marshall Islands, particularly Majuro and with some time spent in Yap. Their missions are particularly fond memories for both.

Max and Annette loved to go camping through the years, had many different trailers and RVs.  With an eye for bargains, Max purchased a Grey-Hound Bus, and later a school bus and converted these vehicles to a comfortable Recreational Vehicle Bus (RVB’s).

Max and Annette saw much of the Province of Alberta by camping, but also lived in various places in Alberta such as Hillspring, Red Deer, Raymond, Stirling, Calgary, Fort Macleod, and Lethbridge. They also spent some time at Rick’s College in Rexburg and Ogden, Utah.

Max will be remembered for his humor, laughter, his work ethic, his mechanical ability, and his dedication to family and faith.

Max never missed the opportunity to support children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved to spend time with them and loved attending their basketball games, or any other sporting event.

Max participated in the Drama Society in Lethbridge and enjoyed participating in plays and musicals. He and Annette sang in the chorus for The Music Man, Annie Get Your Gun and Evita and Guys and Dolls, and participated in many other smaller productions.

The family would like to thank those who cared for Dad over the years, including Dr Wallace Tollstrup and the staff at Prairie Ridge Good Samaritans.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints TAYLOR STREET CHAPEL, 221 North 400 West, Raymond, Alberta. Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 10:00 to 10:45 A.M. prior to the Service at the Church.

Please click this link to view the live stream of the service.

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