Mr. Marc Russell Maxwell

      “And every else that there.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Mr. Marc Russell Maxwell, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him, and everything else that there.

       He was the son of Madalyn and Leo Maxwell. Raised in Portland and San Lorenzo, he was brought up to be polite and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Marc was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Marc was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Marc was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Marc also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. He had two brothers, Steven Maxwell and Matthew Maxwell. Marc was constantly involved in activities with his family. Marc and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Marc enjoyed learning. He always had a great time with classmates in school. Marc was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often enjoyed doing art. Good with details, Marc was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Mt. Eden High School in 1968.

      Most folks would say that Marc was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Marc was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences. Because of this, Marc best trusted those people that he truly knew. He was concerned about how those around him felt, and he always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view. The friends that he made, Marc kept. Later in life, he became friends with Tyra Light also staying friends with his first wife Gail.

      Love can't be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Marc. He accepted others feelings unconditionally. Although Marc disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times. He was always willing to help in whatever he could.

      Marc was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Marc was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Marc was very easy going. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to be able to adopt lifestyles. He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren; Ashley Pavao, Kirstin Maxwell, Alexis Maxwell, Brittany Carden, Danae Maxwell and Logan Armistead, and 1 great grandson; Isaac Delsie-Pavao.

      If you gave Marc a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Marc was always on task. Without hesitation, Marc could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was as a boiler room operator. He was employed for 10. During that time, Marc excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Marc was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Marc had at true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems.

      Marc liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Marc's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Marc preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing guitar, crossword puzzles, collecting cans, sleeping and playing cards. Marc was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just relaxing on the couch.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Marc knew that you could not rush him. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip historian. He would write postcards and take note of the best parts of the trip. His last vacation was when he went to Oregon and saw his grandmother that was 100 years old with his two daughters.

       His family was rounded out by his 2 parakeets; Max and Maxine. His cat Cheetah Bob, and Sheeba and Garsheebele. Marc was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      Marc passed away on January 3, 2008 at At his home in Hayward. Marc fought a brave battle against lung cancer. Services were held at Guerrero Mortuary in San Leandro. Marc was laid to rest in Lone Tree Cemetery, Hayward.

      It is said that some people can't see the forest through the trees. Marc was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Marc was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone could love. He was loving, kind and honest. Marc Maxwell was soft spoken with a gentle spirit. You always felt welcome with Marc. He will be missed.