Maximilian KOENIG

KOENIG, Maximilian Heinz
July 14, 1999 – Calgary, Alberta
February 12, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta
On a snowy night, in the middle of Stampede Week in Calgary, Alberta, Maximilian (Max) Heinz Koenig was born on July 14, 1999. Lynn (McKenzie) and Markus Koenig were the proud parents of "Cowboy Koenig" – Max's official nametag from the Rockyview General Hospital. Although Max's will to stay here with us was strong, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Max on Monday, February 12, 2018.
Max will be missed every day by his mother, Lynn, his father, Markus and his sister and confidante, Stephanie. Max was much loved by his grandmother, Anne McKenzie ("Nee") of Calgary, Alberta and his grandparents, Agnes ("Oma") and Heinz ("Opa") Koenig of Wyhl, Germany. Max was predeceased by his grandfather, Hugh McKenzie. Max will be forever missed by his aunts, his uncles and his 12 cousins in Canada and his four cousins in Germany. Cousin Max had a nickname for everyone in the family (whether they liked it or not) and the unique ability to "photo bomb" every family photo. Once in awhile though, Max would let his mother, Lynn, capture him in all his glowing, golden perfection as only she could.
Max will be missed by his friends and teachers from Elbow Park School, Rideau Park School, Connect Charter School, Bishop Carroll High School and most recently the University of Calgary, Faculty of Engineering. Max greatly enjoyed science and math. At Connect Charter School, Max's scientific bent was revealed at a Grade nine science fair competition.
Max will be especially missed by his friends and coaches at the Calgary Canoe Club (the "CCC"). Besides his official family, Max's real home was the CCC, where he spent most of his summers (the official family was occasionally granted a visit). Max was a good mentor for younger paddlers at the CCC and many happy hours were spent there working and training.
Max taught himself to play the guitar and had written some of his own songs. Max was also willing to teach others to play the guitar but the results of this were mixed at best.
Max and his father, Markus, shared a love of flying. This passion started with Markus flying baby Max in his arms through the air over everyone's heads (and sometimes coming pretty close to landing). No bigger smile was ever seen on a boy's face. Markus and Max continued their aeronautical studies with books on planes, remote-controlled planes and eventually flying actual planes together.
We will miss the years that were to come with Max, but we cherish every memory we have of the sweet, gentle boy and the man he became – intelligent, creative, handsome, thoughtful and so very funny. While these are fine qualities, it was Max's love for his family, his friends and his black lab Tina that truly made him great.
He was a truly beautiful person.
We love you, Max and we miss you.
Reception will be at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, 900 – 50th Avenue S.W. at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18. Please join us to celebrate Max's life. No denim please. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calgary Canoe Club.
If you cannot attend, please spend some time by or on the water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doSUVja8ojQ
Spend some time with him and Tina at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHsrPWcQecc&t=73s
In living memory of Max Koenig, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.