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Abraham Maxwell Obituary
Husband, Father and Grandfather, long time resident of Palos Verdes, CA and part-time resident of Palm Springs, passed away on the 1st of April, 2006. Jack came to California in the early 1960's with his wife of 57 years, June Maxwell and their three children. Born August 18th, 1928 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada. Jack was a Plastering Contractor and was responsible for the construction of many of the ornate buildings in the downtown Toronto area. When Jack picked up roots and moved his family to California in 1960, his ambition was to come to Hollywood to pursue an acting dream. The Maxwells first settled in Orange County, CA, where Jack performed on stage in local plays for the Orange Theatre Group. To make ends meet while pursuing acting, Jack and June were owners of a high end women's clothing store in Tustin, CA. The store catered to custom, top-of-the-line clothing, selling to such Hollywood starlets including Piper Laurie and Marilyn Monroe. During the 1960's Jack and June added three more children to the Maxwell clan. Jack's family of six children continued to travel back and forth from California to Toronto, until 1975, when they settled in Palos Verdes. He developed Maxwell's Food Company in Torrance in 1979, and sold Canadian bakery items such as Buttertarts and Shortbread cookies along with celebrity partners Alan Hamel and Suzanne Somers. Jack continued to keep family ties to Canada where they purchased and operated Bemaba Lodge in Dorset, Ontario, Canada. He spent the last 25 years splitting time between the peaceful beauty of the Lodge and its lake in the summer and warm and sunny California during the winter. Jack was a man of many talents and careers, Plaster Artisan, Carpenter, Actor, Salesman, Real Estate Developer, Business Owner, Inventor and most of all he was a character and a great story teller. Jack was very knowledgeable on current events. He read the newspaper every day and enjoyed explaining the world and its problems to those who would listen. Jack was most proud of the family he brought into the world and the love and closeness they share with each other. Jack is survived by his wife, June Maxwell of Palos Verdes; sister, Rachael Freitag of Ottawa, Canada; daughter, Karen Maxwell and her husband, Robert Tanega of Palos Verdes; daughter, Cheryle Maxwell of Long Beach; son, David Maxwell and wife, Michelle Maxwell of Redondo Beach; son, Jeffrey Maxwell of Hermosa Beach; son, Aaron Maxwell of Redondo Beach and son, Gregory Maxwell and wife, Linda Benjamin-Maxwell of Sherman Oaks. Jack is also survived by his grandchildren, Marissa Maxwell, Tyler Maxwell, Meredith Maxwell, Jacob Maxwell and Ava Maxwell. Services will be held in private.
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Memories and Condolences
for Abraham Maxwell
Sponsored by your son Jeff.
Carol Hunter
February 11, 2018
My condolences. Can you tell me if your father was related to an Edward Maxwell of Kirkland Lake or to Edward's daughter Lee Maxwell of Kirkland Lake. Am doing some genealogy research re Maxwell's of Kirkland Lake in the period before and during WW2. Thanks in advance.
Karen and Robert
October 3, 2006
Dear Dad,
Robert and I went to the Yizkor Service at Temple Menorah and I remembered when you dropped myself, David and Cheryle off for Roshashana and you backed up and hit Rabbi Ungers' wife's car. That is what you got for never attending service with us. I guess I am the only one who remembers that. We said the Mourner's Kaddish and the following prayer for your memory.
May G-d remember the soul of my father who has gone to his eternal home. In loving testimony to his life I will perform acts to help perpetuate ideals important to him. Through such deeds and memories, is his soul bound up in the bond of life. May these moments of meditation link me more strongly with his memory and our entire family. May he rest eternally in dignity and peace.
We miss you.
57 years of hand holding my mom and dad on his last day
May 2, 2006
Sue Segal
May 1, 2006
Dear Karen, Jeff, Cheryl and to all that loved Jack,
I am sorry for the circumstances that brought me to your dad, but in a short time I took care of him, I was able to get a sense of who he was. I really enjoyed hearing his life stores, his sense of humor, and always wanting his neck and back scratched, along with his feet rubbed.
When I would make him a meal he would always ask if I would join him. Those were the times he would share his stories and other times we would watch the old movies.
I send gentle hugs to all of you.
Sue Segal
TERRY DINAPOLI
April 30, 2006
I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH MY 30+ YEARS OF MEMORIES OF JACK. HE HAS ALWAYS TREATED ME LIKE I WAS PART OF HIS FAMILY EVEN WHEN I WAS HIS EMPLOYEE!
HE WAS AN INTELLIGENT PERSON AND WAS QUITE THE PHILOSOPHER. HE ALWAYS GAVE ME ADVICE AND GUIDANCE AS HE DID TO HIS OTHER CHILDREN AND I TRULY DID APPRECIATE IT. WHEN I GOT MARRIED AND HAD MY CHILDREN, HE ALSO EMBRACED THEM AS PART OF HIS FAMILY. WE WILL EACH HAVE OUR SPECIAL MEMORY OF HIM. WE WILL TRULY MISS HIM. IN LATER YEARS HE HAD TOLD ME THAT HE ENJOYED TALKING WITH ME BECAUSE I WAS A GOOD LISTENER AND I DIDN'T JUDGE HIM AND I COULD UNDERSTAND HIM. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT!! AND I KNOW THAT I WILL LOOK OVER AT THE SEAT NEXT TO ME AND SAY, "WHERE'S JACK"
AND GUESS WHAT? I DON'T THINK THE PERSON WHO WILL SIT THERE NEXT WILL BE ABLE TO FILL THAT POSITION. LOTS OF LOVE ALWAYS.YOU WILL BE TRULLY MISSED xxx000xxx
Someone who cares
April 23, 2006
Though I will never have the chance to meet you Jack on this earth. I can say you truly were amazing and so very blessed. I can spiritually feel the love that was shared. If I may share these words of comfort to the Maxwell Family, which were shared with me in my time of lost: Your husband and father Jack has been called back to "Our Heavenly Father" because his job and time here has been gratefully blessed & fulfilled. Now God needs Jack and he is forever at peace. Jack I pray for your loving wife June and all your loving children, and your children's, children's and so on. My heart goes out to each and every one of you, God be with you all. In Jesus name Amen. Who in sprit is apart of God, like Jack is apart of each and every one of you Amen. He is still the same God no matter what. Lots of love, many blessings, and prayers.
Michele Maxwell
April 18, 2006
I'm grateful for the time we had to spend with Jack. He was one of a kind, and he is truly missed.
A little bit of Jack lives within all the Maxwell clan, and for that you can all be proud.
Good bye dear father-in-law. Until we meet again.
Picker
April 18, 2006
Jack,
you impressed me with your knowledge of skillsaws, I had no idea. I know you were proud of your kids. Make some space for us will ya.....
Picker
David Maxwell
April 16, 2006
Dear Dad
Goodbye old friend
You've had a great run
Rest your weary head your job is done
You made life happy,
You made life sad,
You made life fun
Thanks for getting me into this life
Until we meet again in the next one
Your first Son
Janice LeGrand
April 15, 2006
Good-bye Uncle Jack,
Thank you so much for the hospitality and generosity that you always showed me on my many visits to California, especially the condo in Palm Springs. The love you had for Aunt June and all of your children and grandchildren, was evident in the many stories you shared about all of their endeavours.
You truly were a "Jack of all trades". May you rest in peace, knowing that your legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all the good times shared with your many loved ones.
Love your niece, Janice
John J. Covas
April 15, 2006
Dear June and family,
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Jack was very special to you and so many people. We have known you and Jack for over 30 years and you have been our California parents the entire time. We are thankful you and Jack were a part of our life. We will miss him, but he will not be forgotten. His great voice, his smile and his way of telling a story was always special - and he told it like it was happening as he spoke. Jack always made me feel important and that I was always welcome whatever the circumstances. We use to talk about selling and how he use to sell just about everything - I learned a lot from him and we had a lot of fun and laughs telling stories to one another.
We will miss him and he will be remembered as a special person and friend.
God bless you and your family – our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marcee Katz
April 13, 2006
Jack,
May your spirt live on through all of your children and grandchildren. It was a wonderful experience to have you as my father-in-law. Please say hello to my mom Judy and my dad Norty when you are hagin out with the angels telling your stories...
You will be missed here on earth!!!
With loving memories,
Marcee
April 13, 2006
We have had Jack and June as our neighbors for the past 10 years and our deepest regards and sympathies go out to June and her family. Jack's kindness and company will be missed. He made all of us feel fortunate to be in his company and we were all entertained by him. Listening to his stories and sharing his families life with us has left a lasting impression that will never be replaced. He was kind and generous to all of us and the Casa Canyon community will not be same without him. We are here for you June and our deepest sympathies go out to all of the Maxwell's we have come to know through Jack.
Your Palm Springs neighbors.
Aaron Maxwell
April 12, 2006
Dad, you will be truly missed. Your character, intelligence, knowledge and humor will live on in all of us. Your family will remember the good times we shared and the love,joy and pride you showed for each of your children.
You will enjoy your eternity on the Lake.
Tyler Maxwell
April 12, 2006
Grandpa, I will never forget your stories and I will love you forever.
Your 1st grandson.
Tyler
Shannon Shepherd
April 12, 2006
These past few months, I was afforded the opportunity to hear almost daily, the stories Jack loved so much...He lived a beautiful life and will be dearly missed.
PAUL LEGRAND
April 12, 2006
Good bye Uncle Jack, You are in
a peaceful place now. The memories of you will live on in the hearts of us all. 22 years ago you and Aunt
June took me under your wings when
I moved to California. You thought
enough of me to always call me "son"
an endearment that meant alot to me.
Until we meet again,
love your nephew, paul
A big responsibility at just 38 years old
Jeff maxwell
April 11, 2006
Since you lived with me the past 6 months it's been hard to watch you pass from this world into the next. I am finding it hard to believe I will never speak to you ever again. Death is so final .I still say goodnight to you as I pass your room and I can smell your cologne. Good Bye Dad and thank you for caring so much about your family. I will love you always.......Jeff
Skip and Stephanie Reed
April 11, 2006
Our deepest sympathy,
BILL AND GABRIELA RUBIANO
April 11, 2006
JACK WAS A VERY GOOD MAN. HE WAS ALWAYS READY TO TELL A GOOD STORY. HE WAS ALWAYS READY TO GIVE ADVICE. JACK, THANK YOU FOR THE STORIES AND THE ADVICE. OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO JUNE, DAVID, KAREN, CHERYL, JEFF, ARRON, GREG AND THEIR RESPECTIVE FAMILIES.
Bruce Wallerstein
April 11, 2006
My deepest sympathies to the Maxwell Family. It was a great obit.
Danny & Joanna Cordero
April 11, 2006
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest condolences during these difficult times.
Danny Cordero and Joanna Camacho
Sue Miller
April 10, 2006
We have dear memories of good times we shared with Jack. He was gifted with many talents and had great pride in his family. We, as mutual grandparents, will always have a special bond. Our love to the family, Sue & Don Miller
Marissa Maxwell
April 10, 2006
Goodbye Grandpa, Your memory will always live on in my heart,
rest in peace, I love you
<3Marissa
Ede,Jack, Zach,Dave, John, Anita Armstrong
April 10, 2006
Jack was a great storyteller,as I mentioned in our card, Zach & I really enjoyed him & he will always be in our hearts, till we meet again,Your KIndred Spirit,Ede
Robert Tanega
April 10, 2006
Dear Jack,
You were like a father to me . You would right me when I was wrong and I would right you when I was right . You took me into the family and I 've never been able to escape!!! I learned to love your stories and would listen with patience at the repeats and smile as if it were the first time out. I will never forget you and I'll miss you everyday of my life. I will always hold you in my heart. As Shakespeare so eloquently put it "good-night sweet Prince".
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Russillo
April 10, 2006
Our prayers are with you.
The Russillo's
richard kim
April 10, 2006
Jack was an entertaining individuals. He always had a funny story to share with me. He was the father of my best friend.
Michelle Missaghieh
April 10, 2006
Thank you for sharing your father's story with me. I wish you and your family a time of healing and rebuilding.
My love,
Adam Button
April 10, 2006
I only had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Jack once, but even from that brief encounter, the great pride he took in his family was very apparent. Best wishes to the extended Maxwell clan.
Gina Miller John Garcia
April 10, 2006
Maxwell Family -My deepest condolences are with you. I am sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
Alex & Gaby Gonzalez
April 10, 2006
May you rest in peace... and god bless your family.
Ellen Wiley
April 10, 2006
It has been an honour to know Jack during his years in Dorset, Ontario. I first met him on a plane travelling from L.A. to Toronto in 1980 - where we both discovered, we were heading to the same place .... beautiful Kawagama Lake. He was happiest telling stories to all who would listen and was a true character in his own right! You will be missed Jack but certainly not forgotten!
Baird Family
April 10, 2006
Our best to the Maxwell's and may God fill you all with peace and joy as you remember your father.
Raffaele Boccanfuso
April 9, 2006
I had never had the opportunity to meet yuor dad, but if the fruit never fall to far from the tree. I can beleve that he was a special person. My sympathy to all your family.
Todd Thicke
April 9, 2006
I spent countless hours around our family's kitchen table entertained by Jack's wit and colourful stories about his experiences in show business. He was a major influence and an inspiration to me as I began my own career in Hollywood. My sympathy to the Maxwell family.
Dean Mixon
April 9, 2006
I wish I had had the opportunity to know your dad better. Quick wit, marvellous raconteur. He obviously loved his family and they, him.
chuck bennett
April 9, 2006
June Bug, I'm so sorry for your loss, but to all of you, just remember that a piece of Jack is in every one of you kids, don't forget that, take care and be well
Kathryn Wright
April 9, 2006
Good-bye Uncle Jack. Thanks for the memories and good times.
Love, your neice, Kathy.
Karen Maxwell
April 8, 2006
May the dreams and plans that held close to your heart for the the family you loved become a reality.
May you rest in peace.
Your loving daughter,
Karen
The Boccanfuso's
April 8, 2006
We're so sorry. We know yur father is smiling down on his family.You have our love and prayers.
Aparna Srinivasan
April 8, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Colleen Maxwell
April 8, 2006
Many happy memories...of a life shared with us all. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to those who will dearly miss the man with a smile that could light any room.
Cheryle Maxwell
April 8, 2006
I would just like to say to my family, Im sorry for all of our loss,there will be a empty space in our family unit,but there will always be a place in our hearts, and a seat at the table for our father.
Greg Maxwell
April 8, 2006
Good bye my father......may you have godspeed.....
Love
Greg
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