Max D. Weaver

Max D. Weaver

Orem

March 14, 1917—October 15, 2012

"TOGETHER AGAIN"

"Could it possibly be as beautiful in Heaven as it is here?" He often asked this question as he viewed nature's beauties. ("Oh what a beautiful morning" were words often heard by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren). He loved the natural beauty of his surroundings (especially, sun rises, sunsets, the clouds, trees, and mountains). And now he knows the answer to his question. Max Dickson Weaver passed peacefully in his sleep early on the morning of October 15, 2012, and we are sure he said "oh what a beautiful morning" as he joined his wife, son, siblings, parents, and friends who have already passed on.

He was born March 14, 1917 to David Christopher and Sophia Dickson Weaver in Layton, Utah. He was the fourth of seven children He attended school in Layton and often told stories of trudging through snow and rain to catch "The Bamberger Train" to school. After graduation from school in Layton, he attended Utah State University in Logan. Money was tight, and it is to his credit that he worked hard and sacrificed to attain the education he so dearly wanted. He brought food from home, and one winter he slept on a friend's screened porch where he often awakened to find his top blanket covered with the snow which had blown in during the night.

It was while attending Utah State that he found his vocation—he became an artist and prepared to teach art. He also found his very special love, Ruth Mabel Stoddard Kimball. They were married on December 20, 1938 in the Logan LDS Temple, and for the next 61 years they were a wonderful example of what a marriage should be. For the last three years he missed her every day. To this marriage were born 6 children: Max Kimball, Kurt Stoddard, Katherine Genee, Scott Dickson, Ed Wynn, and Ruth Kay.

Max taught at Helper Junior High and then Cyprus High School in Magna before serving his country from 1944-1946 in World War II. He left his wife and two small sons in Logan with her mother while he served. He was very patriotic and proud of his family members who have served in the military and who are now doing so. He served during the liberation of the Philippines and occupation of Japan. (1629 Engineer Corp). He received two bronze medals for his service in the Pacific and Asaic Theaters. Other members of his family who served at that time were: Louis D. (C Bees), William D. (England, Battle of the Bulge, D Day, wounded, purple heart), A. Grant (Navy), and Donald D. (trained for the Airforce; brother-in-law Melic Fadel. Son, Kurt served for 2 ½ years in intelligence during the Viet Nam War, and grandsons Logan Walker and Trent and Travis Weaver are presently serving in the Middle East.

Upon Max's return, he was hired to teach art at Logan High School. In 1957 College of Southern Utah (now SUU) hired him, and he became "the Art Department". In the Fall of 1961, the Weaver Family moved to Orem, Utah where this potter, painter, printmaker, jeweler, and craftsman would finish out his teaching career with 21 years at BYU. Max never quit creating and was very prolific. Toward the end of his life he gave many paintings, wood cut prints, and ceramic pieces to the schools of higher learning throughout the State of Utah as well as the Huntsman Cancer Center before dividing the rest among his children. He also spent two summers in Hawaii conducting workshops and teaching at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu.

Following his retirement, Max took his "forever companion" Ruth with him to Nauvoo where they served a mission for the LDS Church. However, he didn't quit creating beautiful works of art, he just used his talents as a missionary tool. As he talked about the Gospel, he would present a free woodcut print of Nauvoo to anyone who would listen to his 20 minute introduction to the Church. Many people returned to get another print and another missionary discussion. He also retouched 24 paintings that were in Nauvoo, repaired damage done to portraits of Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, and painted 22 pictures of Nauvoo. Upon his return from his mission, he continued creating, and he repainted or retouched the mural in the baptismal font of The Rock Church in Cedar City seven times (The last time was a little bit of retouching in 2012).

Max Weaver's passion was creating beautiful works of art, but he also loved his family, his church, and his country. He is survived by his children: Kimball (Janet) Weaver and Ed Wynn (Vickie) Weaver, Cedar City; Nancy Weaver (Kurt's widow), Cypress, Ca.; Katherine (Dean) Walker, Tooele. Utah; Scott (Ronda) Weaver; Ruth Kay (David) Merrell; 39 grandchildren; 104 great grandchildren; 2 great, great grandchildren; sister, Beth Fadel, Bountiful, Utah; brother, Don (Jean) Weaver, Layton, Utah; and sisters-in-law: Beth Richards, Salt Lake City, Utah; Maxine Crawford, Ogden, Utah; Katie Stoddard, North Ogden, Utah; and brother-in-law Darwin Anderson, Rupert, Idaho. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, his son Kurt S. Weaver, and his brothers: Louis D., William D., A. Grant, and Ronald D.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 27 at 10 a.m. in the Cherry Hills 5th Ward at 135 E. 2000 So. in Orem, Utah. Visitations: Friday: 6 to 8 p.m. at Sundberg Olpin Mortuary at 495 South State Street in Orem and Saturday prior to the funeral 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Church. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sundberg Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street in Orem, Utah.