In Memory Of

Max Andersen

Apr 20, 1932 - Dec 28, 2023

Service

Tuesday, January 9, 2024
11:00 am
St. Matthew Catholic Church

Notice

For those unable to make it in person, the funeral service for Max Andersen will be live streamed from St. Matthew church. To view please visit https://youtube.com/live/TZwc72_vKIE

Obituary

Andersen, Max
1932-2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Max Andersen, in the presence of his loving family, on December 28, 2023 at 91 years of age.

Max is survived by his wife Mary, children Chris (Laurie), Glen (Janet), Runa (Joe), Martha (Byron), 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and predeceased by his daughter Verda (John).

Max was born near his family farm in Moose Creek, Ontario on April 20, 1932. He was the youngest of five and the first born in Canada. Max attended elementary school in Moose Creek and high school in Avonmore. Post secondary, he pursued a career in carpentry and was part of the construction team at a hydroelectric dam.

He moved to Alberta in 1953 to work construction at the Penhold Airport where he met his friend and future business partner, Mike Haener. They made their way to Yellowknife, NWT with the intent of working there for only one year. Max was employed as a carpenter at the Giant Mine in addition to working other jobs offsite.

While in Yellowknife Max met Mary and they married in 1954. Max and Mary celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in October 2023.

In 1958 Max and Mike started Haener-Andersen Ltd. Their first project was an office building for Wardair near their float base, down the road from the Wild Cat Café. Haener-Andersen Ltd also built St. Patrick Catholic Church in Yellowknife along with numerous residential and commercial buildings.

Max and Mary moved to Rocky Mountain House in 1964 where they raised their family of five. Max continued with construction and also farmed and raised black angus cattle near Crimson Lake.

Max had many interests including curling, golf, card games, reading, hockey, baseball, football, rodeo, square and round dancing, camping and trips in the mountains on horseback. Max enjoyed playing and coaching various sports at an accomplished level and experienced tremendous success. Max and Mary travelled throughout Canada, USA and Mexico and for many years spent time at their winter home in Yuma. Max was infamous for cooking hardy breakfasts for his family and friends and earned the name Grandpa Pancakes.

Family and friends were always forefront with Max. He loved us one and all.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday January 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

The family requests, in memory of Max and in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Compassionate Care Hospice Society (2016), Rocky Mountain House, www.cchs2016.com

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Sarah Cubby:

My prayers and condolences are with Mary and the family as you mourn the loss of Max. What a dear man - always ready for a chat and never without that wonderful smile. I’m glad to have know him.

Brad and Dianne Forsythe:

Sorry to hear of Max’s passing. Recalling many great times shared with Max and the Andersen family. He will surely be missed by all.

robert balsillie:

i knew max[my brother-in-law] since i was 8..he and mary were a big part of my life.always loved visiting the farm and seeing family already visiting...we had many incidents which we called "fiascos" that were always solved and we laughed about them for years after...he made great breakfasts to start your day and at nite we played cards..he was a hard man to beat in cards so it was a celebration to beat him..i will miss him
no pain and rest now max......

Earl Cuerrier:

So sorry to hear of uncle Max passing. I have fond memories of him from my time in Yellowknife as a child. Max and Mary were so kind to his sister Eva (my mom),and her children. The first memory I have of ever eating bacon and eggs with toast in my life is while sitting on Maxs' knee while he shared his with me at breakfast. I can remember thinking about how good that combination of food was. I still love to eat that and often think of uncle Max when I do.Thanks Max.

Jeannette Doroshuk nee ( Cadrain):

I’m so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. Sending my prayers to Mary and the rest of the family! Prayers for peace and strength at this time. Max was definitely a man of faith. Knew him and Mary for a very long time through Saint Matthews Parish. He was a Gentleman through and through. He will be missed. Wishing you all God’s blessings.

Suzanne Valstar :

Max was the carpenter that built our house at Crimson Lake. He did great work and we enjoyed our house for many years. He was a good neighbour and I am grateful for him and his family . Mary and family, he has stepped through the door to eternity and will be waiting for all of you. I pray for God’s blessing on each of you

Lowell and Marie Scott:

Our condolences to Mary and the family at this time. We have fond memories of Max (mostly in the hockey rink or a brief visit at the grocery store.) He was a caring and passionate man who was thoroughly devoted to his family.

Catherine Bolton:

So very sad to hear of Max’s final journey and so sorry to Mary and all the family! I pray for strength and courage and healing in the days to come

the Haener Family:

The Haener family is saddened to hear the news of Max’s passing. Our father Mike was best of friends with Max from the days of working construction together in Alberta, and that bond was there through the rest of his life. Our family has fond memories of the stories of the days of Haener Andersen Construction including projects, people they worked with, and fun times that were part of their daily lives. We are sending the family’s heartfelt condolences to the Andersen family. And we know that Mike would like to say rest in peace old friend.

Kelty Grant:

I am so sorry to hear of Max's passing. My dad (Bruce Grant) and I spent a week, many years ago, travelling through the mountains on horseback with Max and his grandson on a camping trip. Dad knew Max from their time on the farm together back in Avonmore, Ontario. That was the trip of a lifetime! I remember Max as a family man with a twinkle in his eye, kind heart and love of adventure. He has always been spoken of very highly in the Grant family. Sending my most sincere condolences to Max's family.

Annette Gray:

The sincerest condolences come from me and the entire Gray family. Max was admired by all.
God bless.

Larry Holkestad:

To Mary, Chris, Glen, Runa, Martha and all of your families. I send you all many, many hugs and my sincere condolences on hearing of Max's passing. I remember Max as a kind soul and for love of life and family. He loved all sports, , mainly hockey where he coached the midget and Rams teams back in the 70's. Mary and Max were always there for family and for all of their friends that came with it. Mary, and to all of the family, I hope all the memories you have of Max as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, as well as friend, are kept close to your heart moving forward during this difficult and somber time. He was a gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. He is now upstairs, looking down and smiling with Verda upon your family. R.I.P. and God Bless.

Rhonda & Rick Reynaud:

Mary & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Mary, you and Max created a beautiful legacy with your children and grandchildren. May these memories help during difficult days.

Karin Nijenhuis:

My condolences to Mary and her family.

Darcy and Janet Semeniuk:

Our deepest condolences to all of you. A kind soul is how I remember Max. Always smiling that special smile and welcoming all that came around. The Balsillie family will certainly miss Max.

Keith Murray:

Sorry for your loss you have my condolences. He will be greatly missed.

Ron and Claudia Schieve:

So sorry to hear of Max's passing. He was a real gentleman and always enjoyed our conversations when we ran into each other. Our sincere condolences to Mary and all the family.

Brett Tippie and family:

My sincere condolences to all of my Uncle Max’s family and friends and especially my Aunt Mary. I will always remember my Uncle Max for having a big smile and a strong hand shake. He and Aunt Mary hosted many Balsillie family reunions on their farm in Rocky Mountain House and I had many firsts in my life there like my first horse ride, bicycle ride, and hay ride. Uncle Max’s famous breakfasts were legendary and he raised a wonderful family and had many friends. Loving memories and RIP to Uncle Max from the Tippie family.

Doug & Gail Cooper:

Glen, Janet, Taylor, Jordyn & Andersen Family
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Max. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

laurie & bruce andersen :

i was fortunate enough to meet Max many years ago through bruce he was always kind and had a smile when he seen me and i’m sure bruce has many more memories of him along with max’s brother gunner andersen may max rest in peace and im sure he’s smiling now that he with verda and the rest of his family it was a pleasure knowing max .

Delores Bird:

Mary and family,
So sad to hear of Max passing. Our families were linked mainly every winter when Max and Forrest curled together. Good memories always. May you all have beautiful memories that help you through a difficult time. My sincere condolences to the whole family.

Evelyn Zuberbier and Bill Butler:

We share your sadness with the loss of your Max. What an amazing friend you both have been for so many years. Roy and I played many rounds of golf, were involved with the Rocky Hockey Booster Club helping to promote the games while Max coached. We followed the Rams all over the country. We danced with you both and had numerous fun outings together. All wonderful memories. He certainly didn’t waste a minute of his life. It’s been quite a trip. I am happy that Bill got to know him as well. We send Mary and all the Andersen family our deepest sympathy and we know how much he will be missed. With our love and warm hugs to all of you. Bill and Evelyn

Georgia Howard :

My earliest memories of Max are when he coached the Rams and my Dad was secretary/treasure of the club. Through the years Max and Mary welcomed me as though I was family. From doubling up in Marty’s room to flopping in the bunk room. Always waking up to that famous breakfast. He giggled as we rehashed the previous night’s exploits. Max introduced Martha and I to golf. He encouraged us to play when he and Roy went out (they played 18; we played 9lol)
I was one lucky girl to have such an incredible person in my life, he will be missed by those that knew him.

Brenda Ritchie:

I am heart broken at the loss of such an amazing person. He always had a smile on his face and warm greetings for all.
Wishing the family peace at such a difficult time.
Sadly, we will miss the funeral as we will be out of the country.
Aunt Mary - hope to see you at the farm sometime soon! oox

Darlene LaBerge:

Dan and I wish to pass on our deepest condolences. I will remember Max as having the widest smiles and always welcoming. He lives on with the warmest memories for all.

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