MAXWELL READER SOUTH BURLINGTON — The Reverend Maxwell Reader passed away in his home in South Burlington on May 16, 2008. Max was born the youngest of three children to James and Martha Reader of Bloomfield, Newfoundland on Aug. 13, 1918. He grad-uated from school at the age of 15. After taking course work at Memorial Univer-sity in St. John's, Newfoundland, he became a licensed teacher. He taught at Charlottetown in 1933 and the following year on Flat Island, both in Newfoundland. After teaching, Max decided to enter the ministry. As a candidate for the ministry, he became a licensed lay preacher. He spent over two years in a marine mission called Hillview, operating a 30 foot craft called the William Swann. He would navigate around an arm of Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, conducting services in 14 outport communities and their churches. In August of 1940, Max traveled to Montreal to continue his studies where he earned a B.A. from McGill University. Throughout the war years he supported his schooling by working at various jobs; including, assembling airplane radio sets which were used by the RCAF. It was during this time that Max met Ruth McEwen. They married in Georgeville, Quebec, on July 24, 1943. The next years saw Max and Ruth living in Montreal and beginning a family while Max continued to study and supply in Montreal, Quebec, as well as Morrisburg and Ottawa, Ontario. In 1949, Max was ordained a minister of the United Church of Canada. He continued his studies and was awarded his Divin-ity Degree from the United Theology School in 1950. The United Church of Newport offered him a position in 1951, and he came to reside in Vermont. In 1961, he earned a Master of Arts degree from UVM. During his career Max was pastor in several churches. After Newport he served parishes in Essex Junction, Lake Park, Fla., and South Hero. At his retirement ceremony from the South Hero Congregational Church, Max was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus. Even in retirement, Max was called upon to supply, baptize, marry, and conduct funerals for many years. Max was a talented craftsman who worked with wood. In addition to home projects, he built passenger boats and, also, many pieces of furniture. He designed and constructed, with meticulous detail, over 40 large model ships. His model of the steamship Anthemis, is on display at the museum of The Historical Society of Georgeville, Quebec. Max was also a gifted dowser. he “witched“ numerous wells for people in many communities. He almost always found water; and usually in great quantities. Many times the downward pull on a forked apple branch, gripped tightly, would be so strong that the bark would peel off in his hands. It pleasured Max, greatly, that all of his immediate family resided near him in Vermont. After 57 years of devoted marriage, Max was predeceased, by his wife, Ruth, in 2000. Max is survived by three children and their spouses; Todd and Sheryl Reader, South Hero, Chris and Linda Reader, Highgate Center, and Lynn and Craig Russell, South Burlington; he leaves behind five grandchildren, Oreste Reader and his wife Beth of Bradford, Heather Dumeny and her husband Todd of Franklin, Brent Reader and his wife Misty, St. Albans, Nicholas Boudreau and family, South Burlington, and Tyler Russell of South Burlington, who also provided kind and loving care for his grandfather throughout the last year of his life. Max also leaves four great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Rachel Dumeny and Emmeline and Morgan Reader. Max nurtured many wonderful friendships in his life and the family especially wishes to recognize two very dear friends and close confidants, Dr. Malcolm Paulsen, Max's family doctor for most of his adult life and his traveling partner af-ter Ruth's death, and Father Philip Branon, who conducted the renewal of vows at Max and Ruth's 50th anniversary celebration in 1993, and the service of interment at Ruth's graveside in 2000. As Max often said, “all anyone needs to be complete is to have someone willing to lend an ear.“ In remembrance of a wonderful father, grandfather, teacher and friend, the family asks that you take the time, everyday, to listen. Growing up in a family of Newfoundland fishermen, Max often heard the phrase, “going out with the tide.“ In later life he would come to use this in reference to the passing of people from this life. And so, Max, you as well have gone out with the tide. God speed. In accordance with Max's wishes, a private, family graveside service will be held. Contributions in Max's memory can be made to the Camplain Valley Agency on Aging, P.O. Box 158, Winooski, VT 054040158. Arrangements are by Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St., Essex Junction, VT, 05402.
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