Max B. Lewis 1918 ~ 2006 Max B. Lewis, age 88, passed away peacefully April 10, 2006 of causes incident to age. Max was born February 16, 1918, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Jack and Hannah Beesley Lewis, the second of three children. It was in Rexburg where he completed his elementary and high school education. He attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1940. Max was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and served as Interfraternity Council President at the University. Max won several national debating championships for the U. Also, representing the U, in a somewhat more questionable area, he was the national collegiate billiard champion in 1940. Max graduated from Harvard Law school in 1947. His legal education was interrupted by six years of service in the Air Force. He was released from Air Force service as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1946 having served as Claims Judge Advocate for the then 76 Southeastern Air Force installations and as Judge Advocate General for Hill Field. Max practiced law actively for 58 years, specializing in taxation, estate and financial planning. He developed a national reputation as a speaker, author and practitioner. Max was proud of the fact that although his vocational field involved aggressive planning and the defense of family futures, he never had a client subjected to court procedures. Max was an active believer in the involvement of wives and family members in the estate planning process. In addition to special people, Max loved trees, dogs and fly fishing. He enjoyed the streams, the forests, the mountains and the grandeur of Utah, Wyoming, Montana and his home state of Idaho, particularly Mack's Inn, Island Park. He was also a devoted golfer and tennis player. Max married Virginia Erdman on December 10, 1942. Max and Virginia shared 56 wonderful years fly fishing together and traveling around the world, but always enjoying the west the most. He also loved his profession of estate planning, which he described as a "true act of love and caring," but only when validated by "those who care enough to act." Max belonged to the Salt Lake Country Club and the Alta Club. He served on many boards of charitable organizations. He was deeply devoted to the University of Utah, a long time Crimson Club member and creator of the Max B. and Virginia E. Lewis and Karen L. Freed Endowed Loan Fund in the School of Medicine at the University of Utah. He was also honored as Chairman of the President's Club, Chairman of the National Advisory Counsel of the University and selected as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University. Max was predeceased by his wife, Virginia, parents, and a brother, Myron. Survived by his incomparable daughter, Karen L. Freed (James), two wonderful grandchildren, Angela H. Carter (Ray) and Andrew L. Howell (Candice), and two adoring great-grandchildren, Grace A. Carter and Thomas L. Howell, all of whom Max truly loved and referred to as "the greatest experiences of my life." Also survived by a brother, Leonard J. Lewis, extended family members, and his loving care givers, Liliana Vigo, Jose Gomez, and Juan Vallejo. The family wishes to thank Dr. James Pearl at LDS Hospital and Dr. Thomas Caine, Dr. Stephen Bekanich and the Palliative Care Team at the University of Utah for the time they dedicated to helping Max. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Max B. and Virginia E. Lewis and Karen L. Freed Endowed Loan Fund in the School of Medicine at the University of Utah, c/o Health Sciences Development, 540 Arapeen Drive, Ste. 120, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108. Our amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, better known as "Papa," will be profoundly missed, but we know he continues on in the legacy of his family. He frequently shared his philosophy for living which was, "the three most important things in life are someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for." At Max's request, there will be a private family service.
Obituary: Max B. Lewis
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