Maxwell Lee Garrett

Maxwell Lee Garrett began his life adventure on June 4th, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in the nearby town of London, Ohio, where he met fellow high school classmate Patricia (Patty) Andrews. Patty became his partner, adventurer and true love for the remainder of his long life. His deep love of the outdoors led him to the Pacific Northwest, where he was hired by the Forest Service to work in Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest for the summer following his graduation from high school in 1953. He was stationed at the Lochsa Ranger Station, where he worked maintaining trails and manning fire lookouts. Upon returning to London, he purchased the family refrigeration business, which he operated while Patty completed her training as a nurse.

In 1957, the couple married in London and began their life together. But Max never forgot his time in Idaho and, in 1962, they sold the refrigeration business and headed west in search of a place to settle, enjoying great camping on the way. Patty grew to miss their family and friends back in Ohio, and they decided to return home. But fate intervened when their dog Snuffy was hit by a car while driving through Salem. During Snuffy's convalescence, Max found a job with a local refrigeration company, cementing their future in Oregon. Later, he co-founded his own refrigeration company and moved the family to a new home in rural South Salem.

The outdoors continued to figure largely in his life. He enjoyed many hunting, hiking and camping trips, as well as a couple of circuits around the US and a trip to Alaska with Patty in their faithful Dodge van.

His life was marked by an attitude of selflessness and a desire to be of service to others, participating in his children's activities and lending his time and expertise to the upkeep and maintenance of the churches he attended. Max so greatly enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their background and interests. His openness and caring towards others led to many wonderful relationships with the people he met throughout his life.

Max is survived by Patty, his wife of 68 years, sons Todd, David (Janet), Philip (DeAnne) and, grandchildren Corinne, Hannah, Justin (Serrina), James (Christina), Miranda (Thomas), Alicia, great-grandchildren Cameron, Makyla, Aiden and Julian as well as great-great granddaughter Adalynn.