Max was many things to many people, however I was one of three of the most fortunate people in the world who had the privilege of calling this beautiful man Dad, or Pops as we affectionately called him. Max was also the Principal of the College I had to attend and honestly, who would choose to grow up being the Principals daughter. Well Mum and Dad ensured that was a very special and wonderful path for me. You see as a Principal, Pops was a man of the people, a legend, revered and respected. Known for his warmth and humanity. Former pupils, as adults, became friends, as dad continued to stay in contact and take an interest in their ongoing achievements. Pops was described as "an amazingly rigid Totara, planted to provide vitality, shelter and protection, with a richness in style to match his unwavering stature". Knowing Max and his time with us, carved an indelible mark. Pops was fair, non judgemental, appreciative of everyone's uniqueness, honourable, caring,a rare and wonderful human being, a true humanitarian and I am so very very proud to be Max's daughter. You have provided me with comfort and love my entire life and I hope I have returned a small fraction. It has been the greatest honour Pops to hold your hand through our last days together, but when you needed to lean most heavily, my body was not strong enough to keep our mighty totara standing. Rest easy Pops knowing our darling Mum, your dear wife Colleen, is safe and settled in your new home and we are surrounded by the love of our beautiful families. I will continue to live by your commitment to that beautiful whakatauki - what is the most important thing in the world .. He tangata He tangata He tangata. I love you Pops as much as you loved me. Moe Mai Ra my beautiful Pops xxx

You were a great man Max may your legacy live on in your wife and children. And Grand children RIL Your student of The Kauwhata Collage Harold Falwasser may the Good Lord welcome you to his kingdom xo

Poppa, where do I even begin! You are an incredible man, full of love for everyone. Our lives wont be the same without you, but know your legacy lives on in all the incredible woman you helped raise, including Ramani who didnt get the pleasure of meeting you - but she will know you and all the greatness that you are, I promise! Thank you for all the incredibly memories. They will never be forgotten. And thank you for embracing Rych and his family into ours. I will be forever grateful for that. As devastated and heartbroken as I am, I know I am blessed to have had you in my life for as long as I have. You lived an incredible long, fulfilled life and that makes me happy. Please know we will take care of Grandma for you. Say hi to Raewyn and Lauren for us all! Rest easy Poppa, I love you and I’m so sorry I’m not there in person, I know you’ll forgive me though, as I will always be your favourite! Love Stacey, Rych, Mateo, Rico and Ramani

Dearest Colleen and Family, I am so sorry that I could not be at the celebration of Maxs life today 😪 i had to work. Max ( Mr Edwards) had a huge influence on so many lives. He was an outstanding Principal and treated us with honesty, empathy and fairness. Always in our hearts Sending Love and huge hugs to you all xx

We remember Max from our years in the mid 70's as teachers at Te Kauwhata College. We were a newly married couple and also relatively new teachers. We appreciated his leading and mentoring style . He was a personable and generous man and he had collected a brilliant if slightly eccentric teaching staff. We will always have fond memories of our time with Max and Te Kauwhata College. All our love to his family and fiends.

Loved catching up with Max and Colleen at Judies, both at Ahuroa and then in Warkworth. Max was such a lovely man and will be so sadly missed. Love to all the family xx

Sending our love to the Family

Fond Memories of You & Mrs Edwards at Te Kauwhata College.. Our many chats we had while I was sitting on the Green seat outside your Office. Always encouraging Students to be the best of themselves.. So thank you for taking time out for me, it's the little things that Count. May you now Rest In Love, Until we meet again. Moe Mai Ra Sir.

Max or Mr Edward’s as we called you 😀 Thanks for keeping me on the straight and narrow, showing me options to a successful life, being an awesome hockey coach and showing me the way to being a good one myself. You will and have always be part of heart and thoughts and will continue to do so. ❤️Jxo

Dearest Max What a wonderful friend you’ve been to us over so many years. Simply the best! Such beautiful memories to cherish. We will miss you so very much and will love and remember you forever. Rest in peace always our dear friend, till we meet again. Xxxxxx

Max, so many happy memories you gave us, and how much you taught us. You were a gem and will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace dear Max. xx