Max Crosby Ashburn
LEWISTON – Max Crosby Ashburn, 83, a longtime resident of Lewiston, passed away on April 25, 2021 after a long illness.
Born on July 13, 1937 in Stony Point, N.C. to Russell and Bertha Ashburn, he was raised in the nearby town of Statesville, N.C. He left home at 17 to join the United States Marine Corps, training at Parris Island, Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton before being stationed in Japan and the Philippines. Upon being honorably discharged, his lifelong interest in drawing and painting led him to enroll in art school. He then found himself in Maine visiting a friend from the Marines, and decided to make it home.
Max began a career in public service and law enforcement in the mid-1960s, serving with the Freeport and Lewiston Police Departments and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department. As a school outreach officer he was affectionately known as “Officer Smiley” by a generation of students who loved his safety presentations that incorporated musical performances, quick-draw murals and martial arts demonstrations.
In 1979 he began a 15-year stretch as the director of security at Central Maine Medical Center before finishing his career as a family counselor and child advocate with Tri-County Mental Health Services. Throughout his career and life Max sought to contribute his time and talents to positively impact his community and the lives of others, especially children.
He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Annette; sister, Mildred and an infant brother.
He is survived by his brothers Paul (Juanita) Ashburn and Jerry Ashburn; children Michelle (Scott) St. Pierre, Dan (Misty) Boone, Max (Sarah) Ashburn and Adam Ashburn; and grandchildren Max, Daisi and Allie.
His family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris for their generous and compassionate care for Max over the last 18 months.
Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at: bit.ly/maxashburn.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Max’s name to:
Maine Veterans Home
477 High St.
South Paris, ME 04281
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