Max

My brother Max was my hero all my life. He was 15 months older than I, but wise beyond his years. At an early age he faced many difficult times. He was also the smartest of all my relatives.

When we were little and living on the dry farm with grand parents, A man came and ask me where Grandpa Lake was. I told him I didn’t know but my brother Max knows. I thought Max knew every thing.

When Max was only 5 Dad was working at the grain elevator and one night just didn’t come home from work. He hitched a ride on a freight train and went looking for work. Mom couldn’t pay the rent on the little house they had rented or make payments on the furniture, so the store came and took it back and we moved in with Grandma and Grandpa Lake.

Months later, when Dad got a job, we moved to California and lived with relatives, for a long time. This was an easier life for Max. When we moved back to Idaho, in 1935, Max, age 12, was expected to work as a man. We all worked hard on the farm but Max also milked the cows. Max was only 12 when he graduated from 8th grade and so little he had to sit on books for graduation picture, to make him even in height. Yet he was 2nd highest in grades and took third in the county Pentathlon. Five events in which you received points by age., 50 yard dash, broad jump, shot put, high jump and basketball throw.

When Max was 16 he and Dad disagreed and Max left home and hitchhiked looking for work. He about starved before he returned home.

Max was attending Ricks, when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Max tried to enlist and scored high and they signed him in. Because of his age his parents had to have his parents signature and his Dad wouldn’t sign because he needed Max on the farm. When he was 20, he took a bus to California and was allowed to enlist. He came close to being killed a couple of times but the Lord was watching over him and he was protected.

Max was 40 years old when he started taking classes at Ricks. He knew the farm wouldn’t give his family the advantages he wanted for them. They moved to Provo in 1964 with five kids. He would get up at 4:00 am. And work until 7:00, he carried a full load of classes, spent many hours in the library, and would go back to cleaning buildings at night. In three and a half years he earned his Associate, Bachelor and Master Degrees. With 6 kids, he earned his degree and started his teaching career. First at Reform school and later at Ricks college.

He gave outstanding church service and raised a righteous family constantly serving in church position, and many in leadership callings