Word has been received of the death Wednesday, Sept. 15, of former Wayland City Councilman Maxwell Dow Monroe. He was 81.
Most recently a resident of Middleville, Max was born Sept. 16, 1939, and died just a day short of his 82nd birthday. He was a running and bicycle enthusiast.
Max was the first child born to Robert and Gloria Monroe (nee Ghastin), who added three more sons to the family over the next several years: James, Bob and Mark. Through a safe but adventurous childhood in Traverse City, Max learned to love the outdoors while hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping with friends and family.
As the oldest child, at an early age Max developed a strong sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of his brothers. Max attended high school in Traverse City where he participated in several activities including the gun and archery clubs. It was also in high school where Max met the love of his life, and wife of over 50 years, Sherry (nee Miller).
After graduating from high school, Max began pursuing a life of purpose and meaning for himself, Sherry, and their growing family. Over his lifetime, Max distinguished himself in multiple areas.
Max was a public servant. Max joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and served honorably for four years in multiple locations around the world. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Max continued to serve his country in the Naval Reserves where he served over two decades and achieved the rank of Captain.
In later years Max was an active member of armed service organizations, including the VFW and the American Legion. Simultaneous to his time in the Naval Reserves, Max served the U.S. Defense department in a civilian role, helping to ensure the security of the department’s most sensitive resources, retiring from that role. Max also served his local community as a respected member of the Wayland City Council for many years.
Max was a Spartan. After his discharge from the Marines, Max worked to broaden his education, which eventually led Sherry and him to Michigan State University, where he completed a master’s degree. Their time at Michigan State gave Max a lifelong passion for and loyalty to MSU in general, and Spartan sports in particular.
Max was an athlete. Max took great pleasure in testing his limits in all aspects of his life. This included pushing his body to its limits through athletic pursuits. He was an avid and accomplished long-distance runner, cyclist, swimmer, and triathlete, completing multiple marathons and becoming an Iron Man along the way.
Besides achieving personal goals, Max took great pleasure in the friendships these activities provided him over the years. It also gave Max great joy to mentor younger athletes, and compete against his peers.
Max was an outdoorsman. Max enjoyed few things more than being outdoors…a passion he possessed from the very beginning growing up on the Boardman River in Traverse City. With his close friend, Bob Meyers, his brother Jim, and others, Max spent any time away from school hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and hiking the woods or northern Michigan. His passion for the outdoors would extend later in his life to include scuba diving, kayaking and bike touring.
Max was selfless. Over the years, Max was sought out for advice, counsel, and support by many young people who were considering a military career. Although Max was profoundly proud of his service, he was aware military life was not right for everyone. His clear-eyed counsel was always about helping young people choose the best path for themselves in the moment. He gave of himself in many ways throughout his life, including risking his own well-being by pulling an elderly couple out of the burning vehicle along the highway, for which he received a commendation.
Max was a family man. Max’s commitment to his family was complete and unwavering, whether it was summer family trips to Traverse City, supporting Boy Scout and Brownie activities, attending and boostering for his kids’ sporting events – including youth baseball, softball, basketball, football and others.
Max and Sherry were either in the stands cheering on their kids or somewhere nearby selling food to generate funds to keep the sports going. In later years, Max would plan outdoor activities with his grandkids, including having one or more of the grandkids join him in an annual bike ride across the state of Michigan.
Max is survived by his son, Max Monroe and his wife Cyndie (nee Shaddix), son, David Monroe and his wife Jennifer Gates; siblings James and Bob Monroe and their wives Pat and Kathy and their children, grandchildren (Ryan, Corey, Seth, Keely and Kassie) and great-grandchildren (Remi and Cheyenne).
Max was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry (nee Miller); daughter, Anita Modreske; and brother, Mark Monroe.
Sorry to see that Max has passed on. He was a good friend and Realtor for some time. Always had a smile or a joke ready He will be missed.
What a fitting tribute to Max. He offered so much to do many. God bless his family as they celebrate him.