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Max Eliott Larsen

ESCANABA — Max Eliott Larsen, 18, passed away the evening of May 5, 2017. Born July 20, 1998, in Green Bay, Wis., Max was a lifelong resident of Escanaba.

A private memorial was held by the immediate family the afternoon of May 14, to honor Max and to recall the love and light he brought to the lives of those who knew and cherished him.

Throughout his life, Max had actively pursued the myriad of interests and talents with which he had been blessed. He played baseball on numerous teams (including travel team and all-stars) from age five to 13 as a switch hitter and lefty pitcher, until a misdiagnosed broken elbow and ensuing surgery ended his dreams of becoming a major league pitcher.

Max also participated in football, basketball, track, and cross-country, and entered every fundraising run possible throughout the Upper Peninsula. The collection of medals he had earned throughout the years spanned an entire wall. Max also enjoyed non-competitive sports, such as downhill skiing, fishing, golfing, and biking. His quiet pastimes included birdwatching, hiking, writing poetry, creating artwork, playing acoustic and electric guitar, and exploring his culinary talents.

Max sang tenor in chorale, one of the pursuits of which he was most proud and enthusiastic, and had received awards for his contributions at SATB State Honors Choir and Region D Honors Choir. He enjoyed the melding of vocals and acting that theatre offered and was honored to have been a cast member in “Guys & Dolls.” He was also proud to have been a percussionist in band since sixth grade and had participated in Solo & Ensemble. Max was to have earned his high school diploma in May and had intended to attend journeyman school later this year, in pursuit of a career as a lineman.

His faith was the core of Max’s existence; it lent him strength and courage for the battles he would face within the span of his brief life — from fighting his way into this world two months premature to the many triumphs he experienced as an athlete, musician, vocalist, and student. As a soldier of God, he marched through his brief life with all the exuberance and positivity for which he was admired. Max was a kind, gentle, and honest soul who loved and respected nature and had deep appreciation for all living creatures.

Anyone who knew Max knew that he was forever meeting strangers only to part as friends. There was nothing he would not do for someone in need. He reveled in long conversations about yesteryear with elders; he was fascinated by U.S. history; he assisted in the Wheelin’ Sportsmen program; he mentored troubled youth; and, he was a champion for the underdog time and again. Max found something redeeming in everyone he met, and his bright smile and kind eyes will forever continue to warm the hearts of all who fortunate enough to have known him.

Max is survived by his mother, Jillian Jamison of Boca Raton, Fla.; his father, James Larsen of Escanaba; his brothers Jed and Ben Larsen of Escanaba and Sam McAnallen of Melbourne, Australia; sisters Angela (Efraim) Davidi of Boca Raton, Fla., and Rachel Larsen (Tyler Johnson) of Escanaba; maternal grandmother, Sharon Slapp of Mountain Home, Ark.; paternal grandmother, Phyllis Larsen of Escanaba; maternal uncle, Todd (Susan) Slapp of Green Bay, Wis.; maternal aunts, Ann Anthony, Gwenn McNew, and Megg (Ted) Spieker, all of Mountain Home, Ark.; paternal aunts, Karen (Terry) Tratt of Kalamazoo, Mich., Mary (George) Briere of Bark River, and Jane (Jim) Pratt of Escanaba; niece and nephew, Daniella and Moshe Davidi; and, his great-aunt, Lynn LaPorte (Bob Derouin) of Escanaba.   

Max was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, John D. Slapp, and paternal grandfather, Oscar Larsen.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: 903 S 14th St., Escanaba, MI 49829, or e-mailed to jillian_jamison@yahoo.com or lars754@sbcglobal.net.