Max C. Huggins

Born Max Claire Huggins November 21,1939, to Theron Claire and Mary Dawn Huggins, eldest of eight. Early years were in Bear River City near cousins and numerous friends, attending Century Elementary. The family moved to Brigham City when he was twelve, near grandparents, more cousins and new friends.

A guardian angel was assigned to him at about eight; a friend nearly severed his ear with an ax (metholiade and tape cured) and mid-October 1953, while delivering newspapers, he was hit by bank robbers’ car traveling 80 mph on Main St. Max sustained severe head injury, blinded temporarily, deep groove to his femur and required steel stitches to his inner and outer leg where the foot long ’49 Mercury hood ornament had penetrated. Dr. pressed the need for amputation, but a very loving protective father refused. Max was resilient, participating in high school swim meet in January.

Sports remained paramount throughout high school. He received several scholarships as Utah State Wrestling Champion and contributor to 1957 Box Elder State Football Championship, playing across from Merlin Olsen.

Max had a strong work ethic; starting young helping his father thin beets then working fruit farms. By teen years, he helped at Smith’s first store and worked construction. He loved horses and broke many in the valley. After high school, he went to work at Thiokol as an Electrical Technician. He joined the Utah Army National Guard in May 1959, serving five years, completing boot camp at Ft. Ord where for many years, he held the physical fitness record. At Fort Sill, OK, his artillery unit won many acclaims.

In 1961, he was accepted on the Brigham City Police Dept. An offer to join the Las Vegas Police Dept. in 1963 brought relocation, for which he remained for the next 30 years. Max’s career in Law Enforcement was exemplary, earning him a 1985 Nevada Officer of the Year Award. As patrolman, plain clothes detective to undercover, he proved honest, authentic with leadership quality: frequently requested for special projects such as the Binion kidnapping and presidential security details.

Upon retirement, he and Dot moved to the mountains near Astoria, Oregon. The distance of family brought them to Brigham, where they built a small horse and cattle ranch.

Max assisted many ranchers with round-ups, branding and drove semis during fall harvest. He and Dot participated in a few community associations, volunteered for Meals-On-Wheels, ward dinners and Farm Bureau booth during County Fairs.

Much of his fabric was always helping. Some saw him as Santa Claus; true for neighborhood children and family Christmas parties. Mr. and Mrs. Claus distributed gifts in local nursing facilities for Donna and Dale Hamson’s annual charity.

Max enjoyed the outdoors and annual hunts. Together with Dot, they rode, fished, boated, camped, hiked or just an adventurous drive somewhere new. Wyoming, Dakotas and Alaskan cruises were favored travels. Rodeos and old westerns were favorites exceeded only by the good music of tenors, gospel, Irish ballads and older contemporary or country they could dance to.

Blessed with an extraordinary gift of personality and comportment, Max was a magnet to all, young or old.

He was imaginative, witty, selfless, and enormously generous. A very humble man, nonconfrontational and self-depreciating, forgiving with compassion, deeply kind with enchanting charm. Max knew and loved God and his son, Jesus Christ.

Max’s passing was preceded by both parents, a daughter-in-law, 3 grandchildren and James Little.

He is survived by his wife Dot, sons: Max K. (Sheila), Steven, Travis, Jason (Janilyn), 12 grandchildren, 17great-grandchildren; siblings: Linda (Kent) Beecher, Martha (Dennis) Bullock, Mildred (Noel) Bess, Dawn (Richard) Keller, Gloria (Reed) Hellewell, Mark (Kari) Huggins, Joe Huggins, John (Helen) Little, step-mother Ellen Huggins and numerous nieces, nephew and cousins.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Myers Mortuary-Brigham, 205 S. 100 E. Interment at Bear River City Cemetery. A lunch will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Brigham City Bible Church, 634 S. 200 E., Brigham City.

Thank you to the staff at Myers Mortuary, the Brigham Bible Church Family, and many friends and family near and far.

Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared with the family on his Remember Page:

https://www.myers-mortuary.com/obituaries/max-huggins-2025

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Brigham City.