Raymond Lee Maxwell of Forks passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, Nancy, and with his family by his side on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.
Raymond was born at Fort Lewis military base on Dec. 16, 1953, to Margaret and Raymond Maxwell. Known to the Forks community and his family as Max, Maxie, or Ray; he was raised in Forks where he grew up with his mother and stepfather, Sam Windle Sr., two younger brothers, and a sister.
During his youth, Max was devoted to playing sports, especially baseball. He loved telling stories of when he played Babe Ruth baseball as a kid. In high school, he played football and basketball and graduated from Forks High School in 1972. Immediately after graduation, he went to work logging and was a logger his entire life until a back injury forced his retirement at age 65.
He was a loyal employee, instilling in his five children (four sons and a daughter) the value of hard work, dependability, and honesty. Max enjoyed playing Men’s League Basketball and Baseball.
He was well known in the Forks community for his time devoted to coaching Little League sports. He coached baseball, basketball, and football collectively for 20 years, coaching even before his children were old enough to play.
He was a master coach, instilling a belief system in each of his players that they were an equal, valuable, member of the team. He coached with kindness, patience, and individual care.
He showed no favoritism to any particular player, regardless of their skill-set, including his own children. He had an amazing ability to make children feel they belonged.
On Sept. 2, 2003, Maxie married Nancy Karr. Together, they spent many happy hours traveling, watching Seahawks games, trying out new restaurants, going to movies, and hiking the beach with their beloved dog Carlee.
Everywhere Max went, Carlee was with him. Max was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. While Alzheimer’s slowly claimed Max’s memory, his family continued to enjoy his company and his great humor.
Max is survived by his wife, Nancy Maxwell; his children Joshua Maxwell (Nicole); Joseph Maxwell (Melissa); Jacob Maxwell; and Carrie Maxwell; his stepchildren Travis Karr (Aley) and Holly House (Mike); his grandchildren Carter, Corbyn, Jayden, Clara, Jack, Cooper, Celeste, Jersey, and Capri, and his sister, Terralyn Dokken (Bob).
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Jason Maxwell; his mother, Margaret Windle; his brother, Sam Windle Jr.; and his brother, Carl Windle. In respect of Max’s wishes, there will be no memorial service; instead, there will be a private family service.