I met Max while I was working construction in San Diego, around 1983.  He was definitely a man God strategically placed in my life, never to imagine the impact he would have on it.  As I grew in my friendship with Max, he challenged me to join him a couple evenings a week to hang out with the sailors stationed at Miramar Naval Air Station.  He would invite them to get to know Jesus in a personal way.  His desire always being to help them grow in their walk with God, and maybe see them do the same one day.  This is when I learned to also share the great love that God has for us..."Jesus proved God's passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly." (Romans 5:8)

This time with him was life-changing!  As I embraced Max's vision for others, it became mine as well. I marveled at how simply and easily Max would share the Gospel message... Christ died for our sins, but triumphed over death, and how we just need to ask Him into our hearts, to be our Lord and Savior. God was using a "barber from Michigan" to help a "carpenter from San Diego. I will be forever grateful that God brought him into my life and I am certain Max was greeted in heaven with "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Rich R

I met the Weighmink family in the summer of 1983 after they moved back to the US after being in Germany. I met them on their moving in day. They lived across the street from my childhood home in San Diego near NAS MIRAMAR now known as MCAS MIRAMAR. I remember that I had met the eldest 2 daughters Marie and Mary Jo at first. Then after a few more days I got to meet the rest of their family.

I remember that I had gone to church with my friends in elementary school, junior high and senior high schools. I always believe that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. It was very hard for me to encourage my parents to go to church with me. My parents had gone to church growing up in their childhoods but we never went to church together as a family. I was so excited about having Marie and Mary Jo to help me with my walk with my faith. During my time I was also going to the Chapel on the military base at Miramar. I was able to get to know the Weighmink family really well. I found that they were very friendly, loving, caring, empathetic and very supportive family. I had come to know Max and Dawn to be very supportive of me. The entire family has always loved me and treated me like I was a part of their family.

Max always has been very kind to me. He prayed for me and always shown such empathy for me when I needed it.

During the years while Max and his family lived in San Diego I was attending Bible Study at their house for young single adults. Max was always there for me as another Dad when I had questions about my walk with Jesus and God.

I really enjoyed the stories that he shared with me about his family living in Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Germany. I have been able to keep my friendship with his family over 35+ years. In the recent past few years I have not been in contact with him and his family and I have been trying to find ways to rebuild my relationship with them.

Recently I have been reading my Bible and I have found these verses to share.

Scripture: This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. – Psalm 119:50

“Your promises are full of life. As my friends mourns the death of their Dad/Husband what they all need more than anything is your abundant life. Provide comfort in their affliction by helping them to meditate on your promises:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

“These are just some of the many life-giving promises that are in Christ. Grant the entire Weighmink family knowing you are comforting them today., tomorrow and always.

In Christ’s name I ask this, Amen.”

-Julie N

A Devoted Husband and Father.
Max embodied the essence of family. His love for Dawn for almost six decades was exemplified by a strong partnership and dedication. Their relationship was anchored in love, caring, respect, understanding, and steadfast support. He was a wonderful father of five beautiful children. I knew him to being loving, protective, patient and kind, always present for his children in times of need. He celebrated every achievement of his family with immense pride.

A Fountain of Wisdom.
Max had a unique talent for offering guidance without sounding condescending. His advice was insightful and grounded in personal experience.

A Man of Principle.
Max was a person of remarkable integrity. He held firmly to his values, choosing to do what was right even when faced with difficulties. His honesty and strong ethical framework shone through in every aspect of his life, from his profession to his professional or personal relationships. He demonstrated that integrity goes beyond honesty—it's about being true to one's values and self.

A Legacy of Resilience and Strength.
Max approached life’s obstacles with bravery and serenity, never allowing them to define him. His ability to remain optimistic and hopeful in challenging times was truly motivational. He taught me that true strength lies not only in physical ability but also in emotional resilience and perseverance.

Carrying On His Legacy.
Though he may no longer be physically present, his legacy endures in the principles he imparted to his family. I believe they will honor his memory by living with integrity, spreading love and kindness, and cherishing life’s simple pleasures. His impact is interwoven with their identities, and I feel immensely thankful for the time I spent with him and the friendship we shared.

In Fond Remembrance.
Reflecting on Max’s life fills me with immense gratitude. He was not only a remarkable father and friend but a wonderful human being. His love, wisdom, and strength continue to guide my path, offering comfort and inspiration. Even in his absence, his spirit resonates with those he influenced, and his legacy remains a part of who I am.

Max, I miss you dearly. I wish I could express the things I left unsaid while you were here. I hope that my thoughts reach you in heaven. Your life was a precious gift, and your memory will always be dear to me.

As I was reading the book of Winnie the Pooh, I am quoting a statement from the book. Thought you all would enjoy this statement as well as I do!

If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart… I'll always be with you."

-Julie N

I met Max in the Army Boot Camp in 1966. I noticed he bowed his head before he eat this food in the mess hall. We became friends and hung around together. We were at Fort San Houston at San Antonio TX. After 8 weeks in boot camp we got a weekend off. Most of our platoon went to Mexico to visit a whorehouse. Max & I also went to Mexico to pass out tracts on the street. Our lives connected because of our faith in the Lord. After our Army Training we started a Bible study call “Beginning with Christ” in our home with my wife Sue & Dawn. We would study a lesson and then discuss it when we met. One lesson the ladies did not complete their lesson. Dawn made a BIG IMPRESSION on Sue when she threw her Bible study across the room and said why do this if it’s not that important. That was the last time the Ladies didn’t complete their lesson. After meeting weekly for 2 years and attending conferences at the Navigators Retreat in Colorado. We started several Bible studies at our church 4th Reformed. Some are still meeting after 55 years. Several people including myself and Sue have been discipled for Christ thanks to Max & Dawn. My wonderful Wife Sue who passed 3 years ago will greet Max in Heaven.

Skip H.