Max Berkeley Irvin
Max B. Irvin never met a stranger - he looked for the good in people and only saw friends he had not yet met. Max was recognized for this trait throughout his life, by being voted ‘friendliest’ by his high school graduating class and by his many friends across the country and around the world.
From growing up as one of seven children with many chores on a small farm in Crockett, Virginia during the great depression, Max learned the value of a dollar and the strength of an education – from school and from life experience. Bolstered by his naturally clever and adventurous spirit, from a young age Max transformed challenges into opportunities to learn and expand his horizons. This quest for knowledge was a constant theme in his life as he continuously read books, was intent on expanding his vocabulary, and learned from genuine connections with people.
Max took great pride in serving his country for over 20 years in the United States Air Force as a decorated fighter pilot and B-52 pilot. Over his career he flew many models of fighter planes and was stationed at several bases in the United States, Europe and Asia. He flew over 180 B-52 missions in the Vietnam war. He was highly respected for his aviation prowess and was viewed by his commanders and crew as the man you wanted with you in good times and bad. Max was one to ‘stand up and be counted’, by having courage to do what he believed in, even if difficult.
Max loved to travel and experience life from different perspectives. Some of his favorite memories and stories came from the Prospect of Whitby pub in England, a swimming pool in Guam, a survival course in the Black Forest in Germany, an advanced off-course skiing instruction in the Swiss Alps, rafting the New River, landing in a blizzard in Maine, and many adventures in Morocco. He also made many memorable cross-country road trips in the United States to visit friends and family and introduce some of them to the joys of travel. During his travels he picked up local expressions and regularly sprinkled them into conversations whether they were comedic French phrases or elaborate Thai love songs.
Max was known as a community supporter, often volunteering for Veterans and regularly appearing in local parades driving a vintage army jeep or pulling a float behind his tractor. Over the years, a common hobby was enjoying a wide array of vehicles, including building his own dune buggy and riding motorcycles in the mountains of Colorado and Virginia.
Max’s first and failed attempt at making biscuits at his job as a railroad chef at the age of twelve was met with diners flinging the hockey puck-like discs in a field. This reaction inspired a lifelong zest to master culinary skills. He evolved into an accomplished cook who delighted in preparing dishes ranging from the depression-era favorite of beans and cornbread to his celebrated pork green chile enchiladas.
Max left Crockett to explore and while he lived in many places around the world, he always returned home to the rolling hills of Crockett, to fresh spring water, and to a more familiar life, surrounded by good people.
Max, the adventurous boy, the dashing fighter pilot, the loving father and devoted friend, passed away in Virginia on October 11 at the age of 90. He was cherished by his parents, Melvin Tate and Verona Mae Irvin, and his siblings, Evelyn, Melvin, Janice, Sam, Jack and Keiffer, who will greet him in heaven. He is loved and survived by children, Rebecca, Patrick and Kristina, many nieces and nephews and extended family who will remember him for his strength of character, sound guidance, sense of fun and down to earth humor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation by visiting www.virginiaveteransservicesfoundation.org.
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