A Eulogy to Remember Max

I would like to first thank you for your presence here today.  I know that my father shared special times with many of you and that he left an imprint and you have a special place in your heart for him. 

Our beloved father peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on December 15, 2009. He was born in Santa Barbara on February 3, 1929 to parents Maximino and Luz Nevarez Martinez.  At the age of 5, he and his family traveled to Durango, Mexico where he spent 6 years of his life, while his mother Luz, worked as a teacher in different towns. 

After his father passed away, the family of 7 children, returned to SB in 1941 and they established their home and he was very proud to be an American Citizen.  These years were difficult and he always supported his mother and siblings.  Max was a 74 year resident and native of SB and considered SB his home and paradise.  He was the patriarch of the family and this role extended over 5 generations. 

Upon their arrival back in Santa Barbara, he began to learn English and attended Lincoln School, SB Jr. High and SB High School where he graduated in 1954.  He had many jobs in his youth including shining shoes, picking fruit, and working at the lemon packing house.  Later he worked fulltime at the Rexall Store on State St. and transferred to Milpas Rexall Drugs, and then to Isla Vista Rexall Drugs.  He welcomed and served his customers with a positive, friendly attitude.  His work ethic was that of honesty, integrity, and commitment. He knew how to win his customers and provided excellent customer service.  He was a true people person and treated everyone very nicely.  He devoted over 45 years of service to the community.

In November, 1957, he married his childhood sweetheart that he met in Durango, Soledad Ortiz and in 1958, their first child, Cynthia, was born, they welcomed their son, Steven in 1960.  Sandra was born in 1967 and then Sonya in 1970.  Max was a dedicated, committed father and would always make sure that we had a good meal every morning, especially the warm “avena” that was always, just right. Our school friends also called him “Uncle Max” because he too, cared and loved them. Our father took pleasure in the simple things in life and taught us to enjoy life, study hard, and appreciate the family and educational values.

He had firm principles and modeled the best character traits.  He was kind, courteous, respectful, responsible, gentle, considerate, friendly, caring, helpful, committed, and exhibited many more positive traits. Max had a cheerful sense of humor and always put a smile on your face.  He would share stories of his childhood adventures.  Many resembled scenes out of the “Little Rascals”. 

Though his memory failed him in his later years, he was able to capture and preserve many special moments through the lens of his camera for so many years.  He had a passion for photography and movies that we will treasure.   We love him for having captured our milestones, our weddings, and special events. 

Max would invite all family from afar and near, to visit.  We named the household: “The Grand Central Station”.  We were always surrounded by family and he enjoyed giving tours of the scenic coastline and beautiful views in SB and sometimes we made the mandatory trips to Disneyland with visiting relatives.  He welcomed everyone into his home and enjoyed telling story after story and making everyone around him smile. 

Over the years, Max was involved with the Union Civica Mexicana, Fiestas Patrias, PTA, the Catholic Churches and the Old Spanish Days.  He danced during fiestas in the 1940’s with Eligio Herrera Dance Company. He had a giving heart and was always helping others: he provided taxi rides, babysitting, kinder pick-ups, medical deliveries and trips to appointments.  He opened savings accounts for every niece, nephew and grandchild.  He always made himself available to all of his family, friends and colleagues.  He will be remembered as a family man, good role model, and mentor.  He knew a lot of history and information about the families of SB.  He also invested wisely in Real estate throughout the years to provide for his retirement and his family.  He was a true Ambassador to our community of SB.   

Max had a zest for life and for family. He was passionate about culture, language, antique furniture and cars and music and he loved to sing, especially when accompanied by a guitar.  His hobbies included coin collecting, taking home movies, collecting old cars (1955 Chevy, 1960 Volvo, 1947 Ford Truck) and spending time with the grandkids and taking them for walks.  His personal trademark that we will remember is his “loud clicking of the tongue”.  He did this until just 2 weeks ago.  It was always his way to get our attention, or to startle you. 

Max is survived by his wife of 52 years, Soledad, 4 children and 9 beautiful grandchildren:  a sister Lucy Martinez Maynez and brother Isaias Martinez who also suffer from Alzheimer’s.  He also has many numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

Max had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength that comes with character, the grace that comes with humility, and the humor that comes with wisdom.  But behind every good man is a Good Wife.  Max had a true gem.  Our mother, Soledad provided the care with dedication, dignity and love, through good times and bad.  Her loss is great, her grief is immense and She will continue to be the pillar of our family.  She is grateful for all of the love, support and kind words that everyone has shared with the family.  We also share her pride and grief and will be there to support her.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to all of you here today and to the staff at Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Santa Barbara who assisted Max, as well as those who have reached out with care and concern over the past years.  A special thank you to Dr. Agnew and Dr. Goodall.

 For the final years of Max’s life, his mind was clouded by illness. That cloud has now lifted. He is himself again, and he will never forget those who remember him.  Now he sees his Savior face to face.

And we look for that fine day when we will see him again, all weariness gone, clear of mind, strong, smiling and clicking his tongue again, and the sorrow of this parting gone forever.

May God bless my mother, Soledad and my brother Steven and my sisters and all of the friends and family that he truly loved.