Obituary of Maxwell "Max" James Herron

Obituary It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, Maxwell James Herron, on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, but comforts us to know he has reunited into the loving arms of mom. Max was born on March 17, 1938, in Saltcoats, SK, to parents James and Annie Herron. He was raised in Bredenbury, SK, with his seven younger siblings. Max began school and graduated in the small schoolhouse in Bredenbury and was proud of his accomplishments during a time of financial hardship for his family. After high school graduation in 1956, he left home with a cardboard suitcase and a promise to himself he would never be poor again. Max found himself heading to Drayton Valley, AB, to begin his career in the oil and gas industry. He found himself working as a rig hand for Peter Bodin Drilling until 1958. He then went out to be a battery operator for Pacific 66 and continued to advance to field superintendent positions in Edmonton, AB, and Fort St. John, BC. After a 21-year career with Pacific 66 he took a General Manager position with a pipeline construction company for two years. In 1981, Max went to work for Remington Energy as a Production Manager with one of his greatest career accomplishments being the construction of the Sikinni Gas Plant. After many years in the industry, it was time to step away and he retired in 1998 and moved to Grande Prairie to be closer to his grandchildren. Max and Terry split their retirement years between Grande Prairie and Parksville, BC, which they loved. Max met the love of his life Terry in Drayton Valley and stole her heart with his handsome looks and a promise to love, honor, and cherish her. They married on October 7, 1961, and spent 61 years of bliss together. He spoiled her rotten, dragging her around to the small communities of where his jobs took him, from Consort, Fox Creek, Spruce Grove, to Fort St. John, never once did she complain. She loved her man. In 1963, he was thrilled to welcome his first and only son Bradley James into the world and was blessed with a daughter Noreen Catherine in 1965. Although he worked long hours, he was always there for his kids, coaching sports teams, driving them to events, and providing them knowledge to become good people. Max taught his kids to be hard, dedicated workers, the value of a dollar, and the difference between wants and needs, which have flowed down to the teachings to his grandchildren. He enjoyed his time fishing out at Prince Rupert, golfing, curling, hockey, and camping with family and friends. He loved traveling Canada and could tell you he has been to the furthest points of Canada from the east to the west. They traveled across Canada a couple times, Alaska a couple times, through the U.S and England, as well as Ireland and Scotland to see the birthplace of his mother and meet new family members. He would meet people everywhere he went, always kept in touch, and had many friends and associates over the years. Max was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Petroleum Club in Edmonton and Fort St John. He was also the Justice of the Peace in Fox Creek, and now to think about it, it’s kind of funny thinking of him marrying anyone! Max will be sadly missed by his son Brad (Michele) Herron of Fort St. John, BC; daughter Noreen (Bob) Rolls of Grovedale, AB; grandchildren: Nicole Penner, Cassidy (Kyle) Wardlow, Josh (Carley) Herron, Amy Collinge, Shelbe Herron, and Jessica Bauer; great-grandchildren: Alyvia, Graycen, and Rohnyn Penner, Kallen and Maddex Wardlow, Sophya, Jaxxon, Nixxon Collinge, and Miller Herron; brothers: Glenn (Marg) Herron, Ed Herron, and Dave (Gloria) Herron; sister Sheila Keeler; sisters in-law Pauline Hopkins and Toni Shubert; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Max was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years Terry; his parents Jim and Annie Herron; mother and father in-law Louis and Victoria Grudecki; brothers: Donnie Herron, Lorne Herron, and Mark Herron; brothers in-law: Joe Shubert, Victor Getz, Steve Grudecki, Chester Grudecki, and Gordon Hopkins; as well as sisters in-law Karen Herron and Annie Getz. Dad our hearts are broken without you, but your memory will be with us always. We love you more than words can say. “God Bless” A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 2:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.). Interment to follow at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84th Ave and 112th St.). Following the interment, friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon at Oliver’s Funeral Home. A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Max’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (100-119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6), to Alzheimer Society of Alberta and NWT (102, 9823 116 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 4B4). or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com Services Funeral Service Monday July 17, 2023 2:00 PM Oliver's Funeral Home 10005 107 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V1L8 Interment to follow Monday July 17, 2023 Grande Prairie Cemetery 84th Avenue and 112 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6H8