We are sad to announce that Maxwell Peter Low of Sooke, BC passed away after a long battle with cancer on February 5th, 2016.
Max was born in London, England. He moved to Christchurch, New Zealand when he was 11 where he grew up on a farm and developed his love for animals. He became a journalist after studying at Waitaki boys school in New Zealand. He took an opportunity to live in Iran for 2 years as a young journalist, finally emigrating and settling in Canada in 1969. Max spent the majority of his time in Canada living on Vancouver Island including Shawnigan Lake, Victoria, Sidney and finally Sooke.
In 1971, Max began a 26 year stint with the Times Colonist, first as a human interest columnist and then as a sports writer until his retirement in 1997. Covering sport at the high school, university, national and international levels, Max was known as the voice in print for soccer, rugby and field hockey. For bringing such a personal touch and passion to his stories and the athletes he covered, Max was inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
An avid tennis player, pet lover and family man, Max is survived by his brother Michael; children Kim, Rochelle and Jason; step children Chris, Laura, Diana, Susan, David and Peter; sons-in-law Cord, Barry, Rob, Kevin and daughters-in-law Roxanne, Vlasta, Katie and Satako. Max was very proud to be the grandfather to fourteen grandchildren. His grandson Charlie, in his best British accent, has mastered one of his grandpa’s favorite sayings “oh dear”.
He was predeceased by his sister Diane and wives Rhonda, Gay and Tine.
Max volunteered as a soccer and tennis coach for the majority of his life and was passionate about promoting active participation in sport, especially for children. Max also loved to travel and took many trips around North America, Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa over his lifetime.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the SPCA or Canadian Cancer Foundation.
A celebration of Max Low’s life will be held at the Sooke Baptiste Church, 7110 West Coast Road, on Friday, February 12th at 2pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
Sequoia Gardens Memorial
www.sequoiagardens.com
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Deb & Brian Vanallen
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William H O'BYRNE Thinking of you all at this sad time.O’Byrne/Reddan families in NEW ZEALAND.
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Janette Piquette We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you in this time of sorrow .
Janette and Marnie
We fondly remember our time visiting Max in BC. He was kind enough to put us up for a couple of nights in Victoria and to offer his holiday cabin in Qualicum. Max was a generous and warm soul, the latter needed as we headed out when it was snowing in his red BMW convertible with the roof down! It was a fun evening and this is a very strong and fond memory of our trip to Canada and our time spent with Max. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Much love – Deb & Brian Vanallen
Perth, Western Australia