Max Crosby Ashburn
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Max's obituary
Born on July 13, 1937 in Stony Point, North Carolina to Russell and Bertha Ashburn, he was raised in the nearby town of Statesville. 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, he enrolled in art school. He regularly 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 donate 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 James 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 eighteen months.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Max’s name to Maine Veterans Home in South Paris:
Maine Veterans Home
477 High Street
South Paris, ME 04281
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found a sketch that Mr. Ashburn drew on a place mat at a restaurant dated10-15-01. He had drawn it for me and I really…
found a sketch that Mr. Ashburn drew on a place mat at a restaurant dated10-15-01. He had drawn it…
found a sketch that Mr. Ashburn drew on a place mat at a restau…
I have just read up on the incidences on the Elan School and I am truly enlightened. Mr. Ashburn is a beautiful example…
I have just read up on the incidences on the Elan School and I am truly enlightened. Mr. Ashburn is…
I have just read up on the incidences on the Elan School and I a…
Just found out that "officer smiley" had passed while researching the Elan school.A truly incredible man who would stic…
Just found out that "officer smiley" had passed while researching the Elan school.A truly incredibl…
Just found out that "officer smiley" had passed while researchin…
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