Max Park

Max Park, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on November 16, 2023, at the age of 81. He was born on May 18, 1942, in Orem, Utah, to John Jex Smith Park and Lois Mary Williams Park.

Max is survived by his wife, Gayle; children, Christie Lynn, Sheri (Sean) Bromley, and Marie (Asay) Park; 9 grandchildren, Breg Bromley, Jaret (Marisa) Bromley, Navie Bromley, Jex Bromley, Isaac Asay, Parker Asay, Andrea Asay, and Susannah Asay; brother, Clinton Park; sister, Annette Larsen; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Park. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lois; grandchildren, Colton D. Lynn and Colby John Lynn; sisters, Sharol Whitaker and Lois Kathryn LeCheminant; and brothers, Michael W. Park and Wayne Phillip Park.

As a toddler, his father called him the nickname "George basher putt-putt" because he had no fear and would bash and bang into anything and everything. As a young child, the family lived in Lakeshore. Having a house with no plumbing or electricity, he entertained himself for hours playing outside in the dirt. When he was 9, the family moved to Vine Street in Murray. Here, they lived on two acres, one of which was a family vegetable garden. There, Max developed a strong work ethic and a great love for gardening. He carried his love of gardening throughout his life and always had a beautiful and plentiful garden everywhere he lived.

At 18 years old, Max enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and served in the 140th Artillery Battalion until he was honorably discharged September 6, 1966. During his service, Max was deployed for the Bay of Pigs/Cuban Crisis in 1962. His commitment to defending his nation was a testament to his unwavering patriotism.

After serving his country, Max dedicated two years to serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern England Mission, sharing his faith and spreading love and positivity to others.

Following his mission, his sister, Sharol played matchmaker, arranging a blind date that introduced him to the love of his life, Gayle. He married Gayle Kathleen Bawden on October 7, 1966, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Max and Gayle joyfully shared 57 years of marriage.

In 1965, Max went to work at the Deseret Press as a printer. He worked there for his entire career until retirement, spanning nearly 40 years.

Max cultivated many passions and hobbies throughout his life. Max always had a deep appreciation for nature. He loved to fish, hike, hunt, camp, and explore. As an adult, he often served in the Boy Scouts. He loved spending time with his scouts and teaching them all he knew about the outdoors. While serving in Boy Scouts, he met his best friend, Harry Webster. They served in Boy Scouts and Elders Quorum together for over 30 years.

Max was an avid card player. On any trip he took, there was always a deck of cards to play a game. Max taught all of his kids, grandkids, extended family, and friends how to play dozens of card games. Some of our family's favorite games include Shanghai, Sequence, and Five Crowns. Many grandkids brought dates and friends over to play games with Grandpa. After retirement, Max and Gayle joined a Canasta club with their friends. They played every month for approximately 10 years.

Max had a strong desire to traverse the landscapes of America by car. Countless Sundays were devoted to exploring the vast expanses of Utah with his family in tow. Remarkably, he ventured through 48 of the 50 states in the USA, with only Ohio and Louisiana left to explore.

Max is loved for his humor and practical joking. You knew if you weren't home and your door was unlocked, you might have missing shoes and remotes or have a bicycle up in a tree.

Max hated the seeds in raspberry jam, weeds in the garden, and when the Utes lost.

We celebrate a life well lived and a man who brought joy to those around him. His kindness, warmth, genuine spirit, and "gummy bear heart" will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

There will be a viewing on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Highland 14th Ward Chapel, 6050 West Chapel Drive. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the same location, with a viewing prior to the service from 9:45-10:45 AM. The interment will be at the Highland City Cemetery.

We would love to hear your favorite stories, memories and/or photos of Max. Please go here:

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Please click on the link below to watch Max's funeral service via live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88411913790?pwd=cEY3L1FvUGUrRUlQcUhySkZsbHQ0dz09