Air Mshl KJ ‘Max’ Mathews RIP

 

Like the rest of the Marut family, was shocked to hear the tragic news of Max passing away two days ago.

Have memories of him from the Jodhpur days of the early ’80s, where I recollect a quiet, soft spoken gentle young person. Our paths crossed many, many years later at the first Marut get together at Pavanika in Dec 09. By then he was the second senior most serving Marut  officer, after Pramod Athawale. Yet he was the same – quiet, soft spoken and gentle – to which one could add a liberal dose of humility. Interacting with him was a pleasure. After that get together Max was instrumental in getting the Jodhpur do organised, thanks to the fact that he was then the Commodore Commandant of 10 Sqn based there and did all the heavy lifting.

What struck me most about Max was his brief speech at Jodhpur. Where all else were recalling their Marut days and the fun of the past & the present, Max made us aware of his immense kindness and sensitivity towards others. His talk was focussed on those retired officers who could not make it to the venue, maybe because some were not as fortunate as the rest of us. It was Max who reminded of us our duty to help those of our lot who were not as fortunate. That told me all I wanted to know about the man.

Max was also the Chief Guest at the Bangalore celebrations in June 2011. Those few days were the last I saw of him. We spoke a few times thereafter but it will always be my regret that after his retirement, I often thought of giving him a call and just shoot the breeze him with him for a bit. Alas I never did. Left it too late. He will be missed.

Our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Mathews and the family and God give them the strength to bear this heart wrenching parting. Rest in peace Max.