Max was a wise, generous, kind and loving man, and always a great father-in-law. The way he cared for his friends and family was a great inspiration to me. He was trustworthy and greatly respected by all. I will miss him.
What a special man. My most vivid memory of Max was a “gift” which he gave to me – insight about what makes a great speech. From a conversation over dinner, he suggested that the most memorable speeches are ones that enable the audience to see and hear themselves in the story. “Make it about them, not yourself.” Somehow, it seems apropos. He made his life about others, in his caring, nurturing and supportive ways.
Max, through his words and deeds shows us all the impact that true humility, humanity, dedication and commitment can have on the world. It was an honor to be a part of his life.
We did not know Max well, but we enjoyed the encounters we did have with him and especially loved knowing Phyllis and their children as friends during our years in Marin. We are sorry that distance and time have separated us and wish you all peace in knowing Max had a wonderful life, well lived.
Class Act. What else can one say? He was an amazing, gracious, forever-forward being. We need more of those like him. And we are all at a loss for his passing. Blessings to family and friends. twb
So many wonderful memories with Max…I always looked forward to thoughtful conversations with him. He really helped me ( and so many others as well) develop our critical thinking with his keen mind and good listening skills. He believed in our abilities and lauded our successes. He cared deeply for all us and I will miss his bright smile and warm embrace.
Grandmax you are such a role model and inspiration to me! Thank you for your faithful and steadfast dedication to our family. I hope I can live in such a way to honor your life and memory.
Short of my own parents, Max and Phyllis inhabit my earliest memories. Our families grew up together, spent long warm days by the pool, nights with the occasional Luau (chinese take out and grass skirts with hawaiian music in the background), playing Peter Pan in the creek and lots of skateboarding. Max was so kind and tolerated our fumbles yet encouraged our growth in so many ways. As we began to form ourselves as young people, Max was always asking that zinger of a question to allow your thought to flower….and then there was Max and hats. Something about hats opened up another window in Max and his sometimes serious demeanor would melt away revealing the twinkling prankster that was there all along.
When my family blew up in the late 1960s it was Max who was key in setting up my Dad’s estate, leaving my mother in the best shape she possibly could be given the circumstances. In a time when I was floundering, Max was there whenever I needed him. As years past and we all matured I could always be assured that Max would engage with me with genuine interest. I loved him in a profound sense that can only be found with someone who molded, shaped and developed the arc of my life. I will continue to listen for his voice that lives within me still.
Max was a wonderful supporter of a sustainable California population. Our sincere condolences – the staff of Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS)
There was only one Max. He could be gracious, charming and kind. He could also be fearsome, demanding and tireless. For those of us privileged to work for and with him, he made us proud to be members of the legal profession.
Max and Phyllis were extraordinarily generous as we were growing up and well beyond. It was a privilege to have known Max and his family; he will be thought of often.
Discussing an issue with Max was a learning experience. He was very reticent to give you his own opinions. Rather, he would continue to ask probing questions that would force you to re-examine your own conclusions, regardless of how closely you’d theretofore held them.
He must have been a great attorney. I’ll miss him, too.
Max-and-Phyllis, Phyllis-and-Max — one word in the Van Campen family’s lexicon. And yet both have flourished as individuals in devoted support of one another! In my infrequent visits with them, on my own or with members of our family, Max proved time and time again to be generous to a fault, sharing their mountains, their seashore, and their beloved San Rafael–wine glass generally in hand!
The biographical notes and phenomenal collection of photos available here in his memory add wonderful breadth to what I’ve known of Max, and indeed, of his loving, growing family, many of whom I’m delighted to have come to know better over the years. I feel extremely grateful to have shared “a few of the good times” with him and Phyllis!
Some years ago our dear, great Great Aunt Mildred looked up to find loved ones awaiting her eternal presence. I suspect she has since embraced a new member who will long be remembered well beyond the hills of San Rafael!
Memories. Each day I increasingly realize how very precious they are. Today especially, our hearts are filled with too few, but all the more precious, memories of times spent with, as Lynn Van Campen says, “Phyllis-and-Max” or “Max-and-Phyllis.” Our mother’s love of this special couple rubbed off on each of us way before we met them. Thankfully, eventually we had the privilege of making our own memories — and Max’s twinkle, consummate gentlemanly demeanor, thoughtful and learned conversation which tweaked the mind, love of travel and love of fun are things which immediately come to mind. I treasure the few but incredibly special opportunities I had to get to know him.
The photos here add even more my understanding of this very special man and family. I join all those who are so very grateful for the memories.
Max was a wise, generous, kind and loving man, and always a great father-in-law. The way he cared for his friends and family was a great inspiration to me. He was trustworthy and greatly respected by all. I will miss him.
What a special man. My most vivid memory of Max was a “gift” which he gave to me – insight about what makes a great speech. From a conversation over dinner, he suggested that the most memorable speeches are ones that enable the audience to see and hear themselves in the story. “Make it about them, not yourself.” Somehow, it seems apropos. He made his life about others, in his caring, nurturing and supportive ways.
Max, through his words and deeds shows us all the impact that true humility, humanity, dedication and commitment can have on the world. It was an honor to be a part of his life.
We did not know Max well, but we enjoyed the encounters we did have with him and especially loved knowing Phyllis and their children as friends during our years in Marin. We are sorry that distance and time have separated us and wish you all peace in knowing Max had a wonderful life, well lived.
Class Act. What else can one say? He was an amazing, gracious, forever-forward being. We need more of those like him. And we are all at a loss for his passing. Blessings to family and friends. twb
To know you, was to love you. I knew you. And will miss you so. <3
What a wonderful man, and a dear friend and walking partner to my father. I was honored to have known him.
So many wonderful memories with Max…I always looked forward to thoughtful conversations with him. He really helped me ( and so many others as well) develop our critical thinking with his keen mind and good listening skills. He believed in our abilities and lauded our successes. He cared deeply for all us and I will miss his bright smile and warm embrace.
Grandmax you are such a role model and inspiration to me! Thank you for your faithful and steadfast dedication to our family. I hope I can live in such a way to honor your life and memory.
Short of my own parents, Max and Phyllis inhabit my earliest memories. Our families grew up together, spent long warm days by the pool, nights with the occasional Luau (chinese take out and grass skirts with hawaiian music in the background), playing Peter Pan in the creek and lots of skateboarding. Max was so kind and tolerated our fumbles yet encouraged our growth in so many ways. As we began to form ourselves as young people, Max was always asking that zinger of a question to allow your thought to flower….and then there was Max and hats. Something about hats opened up another window in Max and his sometimes serious demeanor would melt away revealing the twinkling prankster that was there all along.
When my family blew up in the late 1960s it was Max who was key in setting up my Dad’s estate, leaving my mother in the best shape she possibly could be given the circumstances. In a time when I was floundering, Max was there whenever I needed him. As years past and we all matured I could always be assured that Max would engage with me with genuine interest. I loved him in a profound sense that can only be found with someone who molded, shaped and developed the arc of my life. I will continue to listen for his voice that lives within me still.
Max was one of a kind. He would have been outstanding in any field of endeavor. We will all miss him.
Max was a wonderful supporter of a sustainable California population. Our sincere condolences – the staff of Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS)
There was only one Max. He could be gracious, charming and kind. He could also be fearsome, demanding and tireless. For those of us privileged to work for and with him, he made us proud to be members of the legal profession.
Max and Phyllis were extraordinarily generous as we were growing up and well beyond. It was a privilege to have known Max and his family; he will be thought of often.
What a brilliant mind!
Discussing an issue with Max was a learning experience. He was very reticent to give you his own opinions. Rather, he would continue to ask probing questions that would force you to re-examine your own conclusions, regardless of how closely you’d theretofore held them.
He must have been a great attorney. I’ll miss him, too.
Max-and-Phyllis, Phyllis-and-Max — one word in the Van Campen family’s lexicon. And yet both have flourished as individuals in devoted support of one another! In my infrequent visits with them, on my own or with members of our family, Max proved time and time again to be generous to a fault, sharing their mountains, their seashore, and their beloved San Rafael–wine glass generally in hand!
The biographical notes and phenomenal collection of photos available here in his memory add wonderful breadth to what I’ve known of Max, and indeed, of his loving, growing family, many of whom I’m delighted to have come to know better over the years. I feel extremely grateful to have shared “a few of the good times” with him and Phyllis!
Some years ago our dear, great Great Aunt Mildred looked up to find loved ones awaiting her eternal presence. I suspect she has since embraced a new member who will long be remembered well beyond the hills of San Rafael!
Memories. Each day I increasingly realize how very precious they are. Today especially, our hearts are filled with too few, but all the more precious, memories of times spent with, as Lynn Van Campen says, “Phyllis-and-Max” or “Max-and-Phyllis.” Our mother’s love of this special couple rubbed off on each of us way before we met them. Thankfully, eventually we had the privilege of making our own memories — and Max’s twinkle, consummate gentlemanly demeanor, thoughtful and learned conversation which tweaked the mind, love of travel and love of fun are things which immediately come to mind. I treasure the few but incredibly special opportunities I had to get to know him.
The photos here add even more my understanding of this very special man and family. I join all those who are so very grateful for the memories.