We sadly farewell another great man from our quarrying fraternity. Keith Max died suddenly on 03 April 2011, aged 71.
Keith was a great family man who spent most of his life in and around Wellington associated with the quarrying industry. The early part of his life was spent working with his brother Merv Max’s company at a quarry (metal pit) at Maymorn Upper Hutt. Keith was a qualified mechanic and a skilled machine operator.
His abilitities as a grader driver were evidenced by regular contract work maintaining the shape of the many country roads around the Wellingon area.
In the mid 1980’s he joined forces with Cliff Irwin’s Construction Services Company as Quarry Manager operating Dry Creek Quarry, Haywards Hill (near Silverstream Wellington) as a Quarry Manager. He continued this role when Downer Mining Ltd took over in 1991 until it ceased operating as a quarry in 1995.
Keith and Dry Creek Quarry were always associated with ICI Explosives – Keith was entrusted to maintain the register of explosives and detonators for the Wellington region.
Keith was a Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying. One of the things he will be remembered most for was organising, in 1992, how best to mount a piece of limestone containing a scallop shell fossil from Pakipaki Quarry in Hawkes Bay, on a wooden base. This was done for ICI Explosives, to commemorate the first Chairman of the IOQNZ, Dick Hassed – RD Hassed Memorial Trophy.
Keith was known by his quiet spoken, unselfish nature. Nothing ever seemed too hard and he was one who would often “go out his way” to help someone in need.
He will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to Melva and the family.