FUNERAL HOME

Lemley Chapel

1008 Third Street

Sedro Woolley, Washington

MAX ALAWAYS Obituary

Sedro-Woolley's very own "ecocentric" icon, Max Alaways, passed away at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley on January 22, 2013, 2 days after his 81st birthday.

Max was born in Sedro-Woolley and grew up on the south bank of the Skagit River on Route 9. He was the son of the long time shingle mill owner, Onias Alaways. Max dropped out of high school in his sophomore year to serve two tours in the Army during the Korean War.

He never married. After returning home from the war he successfully built two shake and one shingle mills on the property where he lived with his mother, Clara, who helped him run the mills. After her death, the mills declined and he moved into town to a one-room house and began his life as the city icon in 1990.

He became interested in publications on philosophy. Many of the books he obtained he reprinted as "Brought back to life my Max Alaways". He would give these books to anyone he met on the street. He thought the schools should have these books and would approach the school board with his ideas. He even ran once, unsuccessfully, for the School Board.

He helped many homeless by offering them a place to stay in a trailer on his property.

He was "independent, obstinate, opinionated and ornery", which made him someone the people of Sedro-Woolley will remember for a long time.

The Mayor said, "I'll never forget how news crews would somehow manage to find Max anytime Sedro-Woolley was featured on televison. With his death, Max's favorite bench in town will never be the same. I'll miss him".

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Marquart of Burlington.

He leaves two sisters, Jeanne Johnson of La Conner and Patsy Hogan of Kensington, Maryland; two brothers, Andy of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Del of Chico, California along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel.

Although there will be no public services, private inurnment will be at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley. To share your memories of Max, please visit their web page at lemleychapel.com.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Jan. 27, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for MAX ALAWAYS

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

He was one smart cookie i saw him every morning for his coffee and smoke we had alot of talks gonna miss you max.....safe journeys......

mishelle stafford

January 30, 2013

I worked for Max at his mill in the mid-late 70's where we began our friendship ~ he would always bring a smile to this face. Happy Trails Max

Glenna Tanzer

January 29, 2013

I would help Max print his books, he was very smart and was always up for some good debate or just a conversation. His dog was a sweet heart as well and would always be by his side. He always encouraged me in my study of music, he gave me a beautiful harmonica. Max was a nice person always interested in other people. He had the best of intentions and will be greatly missed. Love you max.

Carrie Curtin

January 29, 2013

my dad Ted Haussler and Max were good friends. Max and his dogs were pretty scary to me, but he would always say hello sweetheart and wink ! so long Max

marcy (haussler) Eschler

January 28, 2013

I will always remember Max,he is what my Grandma always called a 'Whippersnapper'he was ornery,but always treated me well.Goodbye Max.

Kathy Terwillegar

January 27, 2013

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in MAX ALAWAYS's name

Memorial Events
for MAX ALAWAYS

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Lemley Chapel

1008 Third Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284

How to support MAX's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor MAX ALAWAYS's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more