Harry Maxwell

As we reflect on the extraordinary man that Harry Maxwell was, we can all agree that we have said goodbye to a man who touched our lives in a significant way, yet we also find comfort in knowing that this is not our final goodbye. Harry was a man of integrity whose life centered on family, his beloved Michigan State University, and the United States Marine Corps. He was the life of the party wherever he went and with his outgoing, fun-loving, and warm personality Harry drew others to himself with ease. A man of faith, he took an active role in the community he called home for much of his life, leaving a footprint that will surely withstand the ebb and flow of the tide.

Nestled within the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties was the year 1924 that boasted of the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the founding of the IBM Corporation, and Walt Disney's creation of his first animated feature. This was a year to remember in the lives of one young couple from Flint, Michigan, for a much different reason as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on April 30th. Baby Harry William was welcomed into the hearts of his parents, Harry Sr. and Mary (Weir) Maxwell, and was their only child. He was raised in a multi-family home in Grand Blanc and as the trying years of the Great Depression enveloped our nation throughout the thirties, several branches of Harry’s family tree lived under their one roof. The family grew their own food and Harry made his own toys. Because of the circumstances around him, he learned to be self sufficient as a young boy. He attended local schools and became a star athlete as a member of the football and track teams at Grand Blanc High School. Harry was also a Genesee County tennis champion.

After graduating from high school in 1942, Harry enlisted in the Marines. During his time in the military he spent 14 months serving on Engebi in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. A man of great inner strength and determination, Harry built up his 125 pound frame so that he could lift 100 pound bombs into aircraft all on his own. His base was a dangerous place to be as sniper fire was a common occurrence. He engaged in action against the enemy, and he fought with valor. With the end of WWII, he went to gunnery school in Florida and became part of a squadron of 10 planes that flew on a mission into the Bermuda Triangle. Tragically, five of the planes never returned. Just before his time in the Marines was fulfilled, Harry earned his wings. His time in the service greatly defined the character traits that he carried with him for the rest of his life. Harry learned who he really was during this time, overcame tremendous challenges, and put his life on the line for his country. He always proudly recalled these days.

Once again a civilian, Harry went to the University of Michigan on the G.I.Bill where he studied pharmacology. It was there that he met the woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Marguerite Burnett and they met at a gathering with some neighbors. After falling in love the couple was married on April 12, 1947.

After completing his junior year at the University of Michigan, Harry transferred to Michigan State University and went on to graduate with a degree in business. With his degree under his belt, Harry secured employment with General Motors. With a thirst for knowledge, Harry earned his MBA from Michigan State University in the late sixties.

While he was busy building his career, Harry and Marguerite were blessed with the births of

three wonderful sons: Tom, Mark, and Dan. His family was always his first priority, and it has been said that his boys were the reason he lost his hair! Education was stressed in the Maxwell family, and Harry and Marguerite sent their boys to private school all the way through high school. Harry was proud to be the first in his family to graduate from college, so it was important to him that his boys follow in his footsteps as well.

In 1975 Harry and Marguerite moved to Portage where Harry took a position as the comptroller for the Fisher Body plant in Kalamazoo. By the time he retired in 1985, he had spent 35 years with General Motors and he had attained the position of regional comptroller.

There were so many things that enriched Harry’s life. It is a bit of an understatement to say that he was a follower of Michigan State sports as there were times that even his family took a backseat to Michigan State! Harry enjoyed his season tickets to football, and he also made substantial donations to the school. He was a member of St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church and a more recent member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an active volunteer and advocate for the Portage Senior Center. Harry was also a longtime member of the VFW post in Portage where he served as commander for a time. He was a Master Gardener as well as a lifetime Bridge Master. Harry was into genealogy and was proud of his Scottish heritage and many of the culture’s traditions. He had an award winning 1967 Camaro, and he was proud to drive in the Woodward Dream Cruise in the Detroit area in 2010. Known for his sharp mind, he also loved to keep up with what was going on in the stock market.

Throughout his life Harry treasured the many people who meant so much to him. He was loyal to both family and friends, and he was known as someone who always kept his word. When grandchildren joined the family Harry couldn’t have been more proud, and he was one of the most loving and giving grandfathers around. He cherished every relationship he had and was the sort of man who would do anything for anyone. In 2005, he began a special relationship with Nancy Lewis, who was his close companion and confidant until his passing.

A man of honor, integrity, and compassion, Harry Maxwell was a joy in the lives of so many within his reach. He was serious and wise with a sharp mind, yet he seized every opportunity to truly live, too. A genuine patriot, Harry served his country during a time of need and always remained true to the core beliefs that shaped the man he became. Life will never be the same without him here, but our memories of Harry will remain forever in our hearts.

Harry W. Maxwell of Portage died November 22, 2011, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Harry’s family includes his sons, Tom (Patricia) Maxwell, Mark (Sherry) Maxwell; daughter-in-law, Karen Maxwell; grandchildren, Amy, Matt & Kellie, Anne, Mike & Rachel, Bryan, Jevin & Katie, Ryan, Trent, and Parker; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb, Morgan, Hudson and Ella. Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite, in 2003 and son, Daniel Maxwell, in 2008. Visit with Harry’s family and friends and view his life story film on Saturday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A Funeral will be held on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. the same location. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory, sign his memory book online, or make a memorial donation to the Harry & Marguerite Maxwell Education Fund , the American Heart Association or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).