Max Allen Gurvich

Max Allen GURVICH Max Allen Gurvich, age 94, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2009, with his family at his side. He goes with the love of his wife of 56 years, Helen, and his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Born in Vancouver, BC in 1915, he loved to say that when he was two years old his parents moved to Seattle and he decided to come with them. A graduate of Garfield High School, he joined the Boy Scouts of America as a young boy and through Scouts he developed a passion for sailing and skiing. Max overcame a severe leg injury at age seven to become a member of the ski patrol at Stevens Pass and ran his eponymous ski school on Mt. Rainier back when they had a rope tow at Paradise. Max was the original self-made man. He started his own company in the 1940's by selling industrial sweeping compound door-to-door, making up the orders he took, and personally delivering them later that same week. He grew the company over the years into a thriving, multi-product leader in the industry. Equal to his delight in growing the business was his interest in contributing to the community: he served as Board President for both Ballard Hospital and Cornish College of the Arts, and served on many other boards and advisory committees. He was a devoted supporter of University of Washington, the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and many arts organizations. Max not only was an active philanthropist to these and dozens of other worthy causes, but he also shared his time and energy with many individuals, including college students and budding entrepreneurs, through his mentorship. He took great pleasure in engaging with and supporting artists, and helped bring to fruition several events and projects in the arts. His eternal optimism served him in every aspect of his life. When his building in Ballard burned to the ground and was uninsured, his response was "I guess we get to redevelop sooner rather than later." And he shared that optimism with those around him. He kept his jacket pocket full of Tootsie Rolls or other candy to share something sweet with everyone he encountered. He grew up surrounded by strong women - with four sisters who adored him and who prepared him well for life with another four women - his wife and three daughters, and even a female dog. In addition to his wife, Helen, Max is survived by his daughters and sons-in law: Lisa and Roger Anderson and their children Tia and Max; Tina and Chip Ragen and their son Ian; and Andrea and Jamie Lieberman and their children Jace and Julia. Two of his sisters, Ann Lewis and Clarice Wolfstone, also mourn his passing, as do his many beloved nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand nephews. The family extends its thanks to Max's wonderful doctors, especially Jon Younger; to Swedish Home Health and Hospice; and most especially to Joe Enriquez, who made these past months so much easier by his extraordinary care of Max and of the whole family. A memorial service was held on Thurs., June 18, 2009 at Temple Beth Am in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to the Jewish Federation, any arts organization or the charity of your choice. Sign Max's on-line Guest Book @ www.Legacy.com.