William Haraden Maxwell, M.D.

I was so fortunate to have worked for Drs. Maxwell and Roediger in the mid 1970's as their personal assistant. They introduced me to a lifelong and rewarding career in medical education - which wasn't a recognized discipline then. I have fond memories of being part of their daily practice. I was the one who prepared those little blue index cards that they placed in their lab coat pockets to let them know the next day surgeries, meetings, office hours, conferences and more...long before PDA's! But, oh, what an amazing learning experience it was! I shall always think of Bill with a smile and deep gratitude. My condolences to family and friends. Ellen Whiting, Professor Emeritus, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Medical University.

Bill Maxwell, a devoted family patriarch, physician extraordinaire, entrepreneur, mentor and a best friend, you will be so missed by so many of us.

My professional interaction with Bill began in the mid-70’s when we both began our respective practices at MMC, with Bill freely sharing his many ENT tricks of the trade with those of us in the newly formed MMC Emergency Department. His mentorship, collegiality and friendship to all was always spontaneous, genuine and unsolicited.

Betsie Maxwell’s words about Bill’s leadership at Medical Mutual ring so true. My nearly 10-year association with Medical Mutual during Bill’s tenure was indeed a unique time of growth, innovation and dedication by physicians and staff working together as one. Bill’s unique vision paved the path to many new opportunities which so contributed to the success of Medical Mutual. Bill treated everyone with respect and personally set the tone for the family-like values which permeated the company in its early formative years. Yes, Sally and Bill’s yearly Christmas Party did epitomize the sense of unity we all shared, but that spirit was reflected daily at Medical Mutual. It was a special and exciting time to be part of a new venture with all pulling together for a common cause, to make a successful young company even better.

In recent years, although both of us have retired from medical practice, Bill redirected his energies to new innovative health care initiatives, as always, a step ahead of most of us. At dinners and in Belgrade, with Sally’s patient support, Bill would propose new ways of improving health care with the energy and enthusiasm of a 30-year-old firebrand few of his peers could match. Bill never lost his passion for innovation and new ideas.

Sally, we all share the loss you and your family feel with Bill’s death as we all feel he is part of our own family. Phoebe and my children have all texted me about Bill as they all have so many wonderful memories with you both through special Medical Mutual encounters. The love, respect and gratitude for you both will be part of so many of us forever. Thank-you for sharing Bill with us all in such a special way, we can only try to imagine your loss.

Sally and family I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Maxwell’s passing. I worked at MMIC from 1994 to 2015 and, in 1997 till he left, as his executive asst. While he was at the helm, it was a joy working there. MMIC and its staff were like an extension of his family. He was fair, tough, and generous. Company Christmas parties at his home were my favorite. Sally was always so gracious in opening their home. I will forever be grateful for knowing him and he will most definitely be missed by many.