Max William Burke

Published 8:12 am Friday, December 13, 2024

May 12, 1990 – November 18, 2024

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, partner, and friend, Max William Burke. He passed away on the morning of November 18th In Bend, OR at the age of 34. Max died from an accidental fentanyl overdose. He was the happiest he’d ever been and at a moment in his life that brimmed with opportunities and joy. His death is a devastating reminder of the dangers posed by this unpredictable and lethal substance. Even the most successful, smart, caring, and careful people – like Max – can fall victim to its deadly potency.

Max was born in Phoenix, AZ on May 12th, 1990. In 1991, his family moved to the lofty mountains and fragrant juniper trees of Central Oregon, where he lived for most of his life. At age three, Max and his family moved to Metlakatla, Alaska, a tiny town on a small island in the middle of a national rainforest. There, he was homeschooled alongside his sister. They spent most of their time playing on the beach, or in the woods, which almost certainly sparked his lifelong love of the outdoors. He returned to Bend as an 8 year-old and though he left a few times during adulthood, he always came back.

In Bend, Max attended Sunriver Preparatory School, Cascades Academy, and Mountain View High School. He wrestled for Mountain View and played for the Bend Roughriders rugby club. He even worked for the Pine Tavern for many years (as a dishwasher, server, and bartender).

He left Bend first to attend college at University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA), then again to attend college at Oregon Institute of Technology (Klamath Falls, OR). In 2015, he left one more time to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and climb many of the peaks in Northern California. During his trek, he gained the trail name “Poet” after writing a moving poem about his feet titled Left Foot, Right Foot. His trip also inspired him to move to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University (NAU). His stubborn persistence paid off and he graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

He returned to Bend and began working at HWA, Inc. as a civil engineer. His career was thriving and he was preparing to take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam next month. He enjoyed being part of the rock-climbing and dance communities, living with his dad, and spending time in nature and at festivals with his girlfriend, Anna.

In addition to his engineering skills, Max was a talented artist (creator of drawn characters Chub-Chub and Flub-Flub), author of fanciful stories (including a children’s story about the Flubs), chef (winner of best appetizer award at a Super Bowl party for his Ahi & Naan dish), dancer (West Coast Swing, Zouk, Salsa, Bachata, and more), and mathematician (first place winner at the Central Oregon Math Contest in 2004). He could backflip off a cliff, sail a sailboat, and write poetry.

Max loved to dance, rock/mountain climb, snowboard, and travel. He listened to all types of music but especially liked gangsta rap and hip hop, and even had a tattoo of his favorite artist, Mozzy. When it came to sports, Max was always the most knowledgeable person in the room. His all-time favorite team was the Oregon Ducks. He also rooted for the Green Bay Packers, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Seattle Mariners.

Max also loved to laugh. His laugh was a genuine, pure joy that lit up the room. His humor was both witty and playful and radiated warmth. He had a unique ability to make others feel seen and cherished. He loved children, animals (especially his dog Carson, raccoons, all the dogs and kitties of his life), and people with disabilities. Max was forever a champion of the perceived underdog. Most of all, he loved his family and friends.

Max is survived by his mom Jamie McAllister, dad Matt Burke, favorite sister Callie (caca, caki) Burke, brother-in-law Savant (cuñado) Shrestha, cutest niece in the world Juniper (Juni-P, “the chubbers”) Shrestha, step-dad Ray Gertler, and good dog Carson (carson boy, bubby, car, also “the chubbers”). He is also survived by his sweet girlfriend Anna, step-siblings Liza and Eli, eight loving aunts and uncles, multiple cousins and extended family members who he absolutely adored, a few very best friends/brothers and many other friends, coworkers, and colleagues who he cherished. As one friend said, “Max was a heart walking around as a person.”

All people die, but not all people live. Max lived. He lived a life full of love, brilliance, and deep connection. He lived a life full of partying and adventure. He was only 34 but his life contained the richness of generations.

Max, you were an irreplaceable part of our lives. Everyone who knew you will forever be grateful for your light and energy. We will hold you deep in our hearts and our memories.

We will be holding a celebration of life for Max on December 28th in Bend. If you’d like to attend, please reach out to Callie Burke for more information (calliejamesburke@gmail.com). Flowers are welcome, but the family also asks for donations to the Humane Society to honor Max’s love of animals and where he found his dog, Carson.