Memories of Max (James) Christie Maxwell Jr., (1955 - 2021)

July 12, 2021

I've known Max since high school, with all the crazy stories you'd expect. Here's one.

Back in the 70s Max invited me up to Newton to hang out in the three story Victorian he was taking care of for his aunt. There was a big snowstorm, but I wasn't going to let that interfere with getting away from my parents for a weekend.

So I arrived by train in Boston the day after the Blizzard of '78. Max was waiting for me at the station and together we caught the very last trolley of the night out of Boston to Newton.

We got off at the Woodland trolley stop and proceeded to walk to West Newton through waist-deep snow. At one point Max said, "Let's stop off at this house over here. They'll give us a cup of tea to warm up." The older couple there were very nice. They made us some tea, lent me dry gloves, and sent us on our way.

And that's how I met my future in-laws, before meeting my future wife. A lot of people can claim to have introduced you to your future wife—he did that too—but few to have introduced you to your future in-laws

July 11, 2021

I have had the privilege of calling Max my friend for 42 years. To Mark, Barbara and Brad no words I can offer say how much Max meant to me. Ever since that awful day in March when Mark called me not a day has passed that I have not shed a tear. Even now as I write this, I've tried many times but just couldn't get through it. Max and I first met back in the 1970's. I remember joining him as a lowly student willing to learn about architecture. We shared this love of the art. We teamed up and in 1979 we designed our first house together and Architectural Concepts was born. We worked as a team in Boston then eventually moved Architectural Concepts to Natick. Max always had the amazing ability to match colors and details and conceive a design quickly. "If I have to look at it, it should be pleasing to my eyes!" Max had many loves in his life. His architecture was right behind Mark and his family. I kind of hoped that I was nearby on the list. His soul mate Mark was fortunate to have him and Mark graciously shared Max with me. Max was always there especially during a very difficult time in my life. His compassion and understanding was always appreciated especially during a transitional time in my life. I tried his patience, but he never broke. When we shared a house and worked together I tried his patience, but he never broke or showed displeasure. Max, I valued our friendship. It is still priceless. I'll always remember the long nights during my thesis. I will never forget our many European vacations, dinners in Rome,Venice, Paris, London or Amalfi. As I remember you now, I cry. I can still see you at the ruins in Rome. I will treasure the moment I received my Bachelor's degree with you by my side. I couldn't have done it without you. So I can't say goodbye to our Max. I truly believe we will meet again, so I'll only say see you later and be on time. With love and a broken heart, I miss you terribly.

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