Max Dennis Coon

Max D. COON, PhD. On February 9, 2010 Dr. Max D. Coon, longtime resident of Seattle and in recent years Bellevue, went on his way. He was amid the company of family and friends with laughter and tears, and shots of his favorite scotch. A world-renowned expert in polar ice research, Dr. Coon explored the world from pole to pole. He was just Max to everyone he met, graciously sharing himself with all, inviting them to partake of all the wonders of life with his quick smile, twinkling eyes and irreverent humor. Max was born in 1937 in Lawton, Michigan to Lena and Jay Coon. Raised on the family farm he developed his formidable work ethic. He graduated from the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan and had a varied and wonderful career, best known for his work in the Arctic. Dr. Coon taught Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Universities of Michigan, Manchester, and Washington, and the Naval Postgraduate School. Dr. Coon's work included the Arctic Ice Dynamics Joint Experiment (AIDJEX) program, the Coordinated Eastern Arctic Research Experiment (CEAREX) and Sea Ice Mechanics Initiative (SIMI) research programs. His international work included Russian Ice Mechanics, Natural Disaster Reduction and Mitigation in China, and Denmark Sea Ice Dynamics Models. Dr. Coon's passion for polar ice research culminated in the creation of an idyllic research base for productive and enjoyable careers in earth science at NorthWest Research Associates. Max dearly loved his family which include his sister, Arlene Buell; son Brian (Liz) and grandsons Matthew and Christopher; daughter Leslie (Read) and grandsons Bryce, Devin and Colin; daughter Jennifer and grandsons, Justin-Michael and Myles. Predeceased by his youngest daughter, Sara Coon, July 24, 2009. Max was an easy person to love; he was known for his generosity of spirit, quick and easy smile and ability to put everyone at ease. He loved being around people and regaling them with a multitude of stories. The world is less lively and lovely without him.