Memorial service for Max Lee Rife, 84, Lawrence, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, at Plymouth Congregational Church, with the Reverend Dr. Peter A. Luckey officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Mayflower Room at the church.
Max Lee Rife was born November 9, 1927, in Harper County, Kansas, the son of Casper and Grace (Ford) Rife. He attended schools in Harper County and Anthony. In 1946 he joined the US Navy and served as a Submarine Serviceman until his discharge in 1948. Before graduating in 1951 from Southwestern College, Winfield, Max married Wilma Stratton on December 29, 1948. Max earned a Master’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1968. Max taught and coached in Geneseo and at Inman, where his team won a state championship in basketball. He moved to Lawrence in 1956 as head basketball coach, where he became the basketball coach with the most wins in LHS history including many league championships. He coached and taught history at Lawrence High School until named Associate Principal in 1968, serving in this capacity until his retirement in 1991.
As an athlete at Southwestern College he lettered in track, football and basketball. He was named by the Topeka Daily Capital as an All-CIC football player in 1949 and 1950. He received honorable mention on the Little (small college) All-American Football team in 1950. In 1994, he was inducted into the Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame.
As a coach, Max’s enthusiasm and determination inspired his athletes to succeed on and off the court. This influence is reflected in the many calls and letters he has received throughout the years. Because of his long tenure and service as coach and administrator at Lawrence High School, he was inducted into the Lawrence High School Hall of Honor in 2005.
Max Rife loved Lawrence High and (for the most part) Lawrence High loved Max Rife. He truly enjoyed the challenge of interacting with teenagers. For 35 years, Max counseled, disciplined, kidded, mentored and lovingly hassled the youth of Lawrence.
Max greatly enjoyed living in Lawrence and was passionate about KU Sports. His other passions were trading and sometimes modifying cars, organizing excursions in a great variety of recreational vehicles, water skiing, boating, camping, and country living with frequent trips to town. Among his greatest joys was conversing with friends, students, rivals, acquaintances, car dealers, barbers, restaurant servers, shop keepers, perfect strangers and his cats Blanche and One-Eyed Jack. His sharp sense of humor was a defining characteristic and his stories and conversation will be missed by family and friends.
Max is survived by his wife, two sisters Lois McKee, Anthony and Donna Coble, Severy. Other survivors include four children, Kurt Rife, Kansas City, MO; Joel Rife and his wife Nancy Coleman, Albuquerque, NM; Trish Rife and her husband Patrick Robinson, Greenville, TX; Libby Rife and her husband Ed Holub, Denver, CO. Other survivors include four grandchildren, Shannon Rife, Wilson Rife, Jacob Robinson and Sam Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughters-in-law Patti Rife and Gail Massey.
The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Lawrence Schools Foundation, or the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
A private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Wilma and Family,
I enjoyed Max and was amazed by his energy and love of LHS and life! As a teacher at LHS 1971-86, I relied on Max to be the stable force in the school and his leadership was always what was needed. Max was a good friend to so many. My sympathy to you and the family. We all miss Max.
I have enjoyed reading from the students of Max over the years.
Max and my older brother Galen were best friends all through high school and into college, and did they have a lively time!! I remember they had their hay rack stacked higher than any others in the threshing field, they had horse drawn teams working for Max dad threshing crew. Other times they would drive in the ditch to pass a slow driver who they knew. They went for a short cut to beat some cute girls in another car, unfortunately a neighbors flock of chickens just happened to be in the road, but they beat the girls, but their pick-up confirmed the battle with the chickens. What a time for a couple of farm kids on a Sunday afternoon.
We watched Max through high school, college, Navy, marry his lovely Wilma, raise his family, watched his coaching and teaching career, he always made us proud. My parents loved him like a son and that love was returned.
When I think of Max, I have a smile on my face and a smile in my heart. So glad to have been a part of your youth, you made it fun. You were the apple of our families collective eye.
Condolences to Wilma and family, how you will miss him.
My condolences to Max’s family. I am very saddened by the news of Max’s passing. I was one of many who played basketball for Max back in the 60’s. Yes, played for Max because he brought out the best in you. He was bigger than life for his players. He taught me much more than just basketball. Many years after high school, I ran into Max while visiting Lawrence and he could still talk about specific things that happened during a game and we’d get a big laugh about most of it. He touched so many young lives in so many ways and was always willing to teach life lessons to those that crossed his path. I deeply respected him and am a better person because he crossed my path during my high school days. He will be missed greatly.
Max Rife was my principle at Lawrence High back in the 80’s… He was a kind and caring mentor. I was always able to talk to him about my troubles and greatly appreciated his time. I havnt seen Max since 1991 but he came to mind frequently over the years. Our love and prayers are with his family. I know he touched many peoples lives and will be greatly missed.
Linda Rollins Wiseman
Lawrence High and the whole community are all far better off for the long presence of Max and Wilma Rife. They and their family made contribution after contribution to the betterment of our environs and I feel so fortunate to have worked with Max and Wilma through the athletic programs and the school system. Above all else, they did it with such a lilt and good humor that many they touched were not even aware of how blessed they were because of that relationship. Max, for all his modesty and “aw shucks” demeanor had an idea of how much he was loved and respected and this is to reinforce for Wilma and the clan the knowledge that many thousands appreciate their presence. They certainly enriched my life and that of my wife, Bev, in so many ways.
We are so saddened by this news. It was always a joy to work with Max. His sense of humor and laugh will be missed. Our condolences to Wilma and the entire Rife family.
Our prayers are with you and your family in your loss. Max impacted so many lives of students and parents alike over the years, he was truly a remarkable man. Each person he came in contact with knew only a part of the man Max was. May your family find comfort in the knowledge he is with God and is at peace.
Wilma, Libby, Trish and family – so sorry to hear this news. I have very fond memories of “Mr. Rife” both as my high school principal and as Libby’s and Trish’s dad. My thoughts are with you.
Kim
In the 1970s, Max was the ‘real’ principal of LHS. His style was so easy-going that it wasn’t appreciated enough. He had the innate ability to understand and defuse potentially volatile situations by talking to all concerned and somehow get them to a level of compromise. I appreciate that now more than I did then. We all had the notion that he’d always be with us. Somehow, he’s a symbol of an era in education and society that’s passed. But we’re all better for having known him.
Mr. Rife always had time and a smile (and time for discipline if needed) for every student at Lawrence High. He is my fondest memory of Lawrence High. I hope the Rife family will be comforted knowing that he was loved by so many people. Class of ’82
It was so easy to understand why Uncle Max and Aunt Wilma were so special to Richard and his family. Uncle Max was an inspiration to so many people, always encouraging them to do their best. We had so many good laughs together when he shared stories from his ‘growing-up’ days. Our sincere condolences to the Rife family. Max will always hold a special place in our hearts. Toni McKee
You will be missed, Max. Safe journey.
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Max Rife. He was a true asset to the Lawrence community and LHS students and faculty for many years. May you feel comforted by the love and admiration we all had for Max. He left a memorable mark on the hearts of many of us.
God Bless you at this time of loss.
Unlike most I remember Mr.Rife at Central in the early 60’s as my favorite teacher and the one I wanted to do the best for. My condolences to the Rife family and thank you Mr.Rife for all your help back then.
My deepest sympathies to the Rife family. Max was one of a kind. With so many stories, so many kind words. And for those who seem to get into trouble from time to time .. 🙂 getting to hear his many stories was quite a treat. He truely cared about his kids..well we thought we were grown, but he knew best. He was the Bright sun in the morning and the afternoon breeze as you left the school. He would always make a point to tell you what a great job you have done. And if he had to get on to you for something…It was because he did care. He did not want you to be just another number. And when you have had the Best ….. It will show in your life… Thanks Max Rife for making my life Better. ” 1979 ” was my grad. year…..
………………………………..
And I know Max LOVED my crazy mini Donkey “Bubba” that made all kinds of noise from dawn to dusk.. Across the street from them… And he at one time was thing of charging me road toll for all the people stopping on the road to see my little miniature horses…LOL I want to let you know Mrs. Rife you have such a wonderful family. I know it will be hard for a while. But as you look at your children and there children you will see his smile….you will see his twinkle in there eyes…. you will see all the good in him through them….
You Sun will alway shine Bright….And you afternoon will always have a warm breeze blowing along your tender face….You will know he is there…..
Love Your Old Neighbor across the street,
Melody McKenzie & Tabatha
Lawrence,Kansas
A piece of my heart broke when I heard the news about Max’s passing. I taught at Lawrence High School for many years and Max Rife was the reason that LHS was exceptional for students and teachers alike. I will always remember how supportive he was, how he always “listened to my tales of woe”, before he chuckled and found a way to remedy things. He truly liked people and his “friendships” just in Lawrence would be too many to count.
My deepest condolences to Wilma and her family.
Pat Nemchock
Stuart and I want to send our deepest sympathies to Libby and the entire Rife family.We had the pleasure of meeting Max at Libby and Ed’s wedding. My daughter Casey and I also enjoyed Wilma and Max’s hospitality at their home, as we were heading back east several years ago. I remember talking and laughing with Max.
Susan Hartman
My deepest sympathy to Aunt Mimi and family. I remember visiting Mimi and Max in Lawrence when I was growing up. He was so much fun – like a kid himself. Later when I moved to Lawrence to go to KU, it was a comfort to have he and Aunt Mimi nearby. They often invited me over for dinner and checked in on me. A lot of people from Lawrence that I came to know during my time there remembered “Mr. Rife” with fondness and they always had a funny story about him. I am glad I do too. You will be greatly missed Uncle Max.
I had the honor of working for Max at LHS from 1986-1991. It was such a treat to work for him, and he definitely was one of a kind. To say he was entertaining is an understatement, and he taught me that work could be downright fun due to the people with whom you worked. I consider myself so lucky that I had the opportunity of getting to know Max. He will be missed by literally thousands of people who grew up in Lawrence and knew him as Mr. Rife, or more often, as simply Max.
My condolences to Wilma and family.
My sincerest condolences to Aunt Mimi and the entire Rife family. Though we were not able to get together often, we always enjoyed visiting and laughing with Uncle Max. As a kid I was always just a little bit scared of him, and I think he enjoyed that.
My condolences to the Rife family. I remember Mr. Rife during my time at LHS he was a great principal very understaning and he cared about his students.He left a lasting impression on me. I moved away from Kansas, but would go to LHS when I was home for visits, just to chat with him God Bless the Rife family during this time of sorrow.
My condolences to the Rife family. Mr Rife was my basketball coach in 1961-62. I always respected him. He was a great man. I’m a better person for knowing him. I’m sure he will be missed by many.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Max’s passing in the LJWorld this morning. My condolences to Wilma and the entire Rife family. He will be missed.
He was hands down one of my most favorite customers. Although I have only known Max a short while (as one of his bankers), I will miss him greatly! Our bantering back & forth with one another, was always fun. I will never forget the first story he ever shared with me during our introduction, it nearly moved me to tears. It was the story of him and his wife, Wilma, running off to get married while he was a student at KU.
Thank you Max for sharing with me your wonderful stories and for giving me my new nickname at our branch, ‘Awesome’.
God Bless
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Rife (favorite English teacher ever), Kurt, and Joel. What a wonderful family. Max was so full of heart and gave his work at Lawrence High School his all. I was telling my husband about Max; he said he didn’t remember his high school principal. We benefited from his leadership, wisdom, irony, humor and sense of purpose. He was extraordinary and that is why we remember him so well. May our Lord Christ be with you all during this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Retha Nightingale
My condolences to the Rife family. Mr. Rife was one of the best Division Principals at Lawrence High School. I remember one time my dad (Walter Hicks) figured that the best way to get a message to me was to go through Mr. Rife instead of the office. When I got a call slip that he wanted to see me in his office I about fainted, not knowing what it was I could have done that he wanted to see me. To my great relief it was just to give me a message to call my dad… He will be missed!
To the Rife Family,
Your father was larger than life. He was in many ways the heart of LHS. Everyone knew that even though he could be tough, he was a big, soft hearted man through and through. He knew when to use the “carrot” and when to use the “stick” to motivate kids. It is a rare gift of being able to “read” kids and know when to be compassionate and when to be firm. Your father was loved by us all and he will be missed. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are sorry for your loss. Max Rife played a large part of our family from the 50s when he was my History teacher at LHS and also during the years our three children went to LHS and he was principal. He and Wilma’s two daughters were regulars at our home and our girls to theirs. He will be sorely missed. Please tell Trisha and Libby the ‘Big Bird of the North’ has assured him a safe and gentle passage….
TO THE FAMILY OF MAX RIFE,
I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH I RESPECTED MAX AS A TEACHER,ADM. AND COACH. MAX AND (MY HIGH SCH. COACH) PETE PESTINGER PUT A GOOD WORD IN FOR ME FOR AN OPENING AT WEST JR. HIGH SCHOOL IN 1973, FOR A POSITION OF TEACHER AND COACH.. I APPRECIATE THAT CONFIDENCE TO THIS DAY. I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU.
SINCERELY,
BOB SEBREE
Max Rife was my principal for one semester. Fine man, fun school administrator. My condolences to his family, he will live on the memories of many of us who were lucky enough to be his students.
Wilma,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Although we haven’t seen each other over the last few years, I think of you often. You–and all of the Rife family–will be in my thoughts during this sad time.
my thoughts and prayers are with Max and Joel and family. a very good man who mentored myself and countless others through those struggling teenage years. so glad i got to spend some time with him at our 30th class reunion. after my drive through the hallways, he found me in my second hour class, motioned for me to come out and join him in the hall. i was scared to death that i might be joining the next years’ graduates. Instead, he stared down at me for what seemed an eternity and said, “pretty cute”. i guess forgiveness was one of his traits as well. thanks Max
I wish to express my sympathy to the Rife family. Max Rife was my coach at LHS in 1968, and Wilma Rife was a teacher of mine at Central Junior High in 1963. Coach Rife worked us hard in practices, and — looking back on it — he made us better players and better people because of it. He was highly respected. I have thought of him often over the years.
My condolences to the Rife family. I am very sorry for your loss and do know that Mr.Rife changed the world for many students at LHS and I was one of them. I will never ever forget the support he gave me being a member of the graduating class and student body president of 1974.
I will continue to pray for you all and know that I am sure the Angels are with him and he is now in perfect Peace.
Fondly,
Mr. Kim R.Wrench
I am very saddened to hear of Max’s passing. Sincere condolences to the Rife family and friends.
For many of us, Max was only in our world for a few short years. There are a few people outside of our families who touch our lives in a significant way. Max was one of those people. Max could be tough and inspiring and funny and firm at the same time.
He was dedicated and serious about his work and he did it very well. Even with those he had very little in common with, he found a way to reach them, and to inspire them to think, and to find a positive path in life.
He did that in my life and I will be forever grateful.
Thanks Max and know that though you will be missed by many, your life is celebrated by those who knew you.
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE MAX RIFE FAMILY. HE WAS
THE BEST HISTORY TEACHER. I GRADUATED IN 1965
So sad hearting of Max’s passing. I cannot imagine Lawrence Kansas without Max Rife. He will remain immortalized in the LHS yearbook standing in a hall with sports cars…his hands on his hips with that famous Max look…but for those of us kids who really knew him, he cared about us, worried about us, and helped us to be better people. As an adult and one of generations of people who have been lucky enough to have known Max, I will miss his greetings, the twinkle in his eyes, and the lifetime of smiles that I have had the priviledge of experiencing thanks to the gift of the life of Max Rife. All my love and prayers to the family..Trish,I am thinking of you.
About eight years ago I drove out to the Honda dealership where Mike Shurtz just started to work as a “greeter.” I pull up in my Model A and surprised Max with the ah-oo-ga horn. We went inside and he told a very funny Notre Dame joke to Mike and me. When you see me I’ll tell it to you.
My family send thier condolences to the Rife family. My husband Alan and I are 1973 graduates when Max was at Lawrence High. He will be missed.
so many years he was a fixture, so many memories with him. our prayers are with family.
ken wertzberger
My deepest sympathies to the Rife family. I always liked Mr. Rife so much…his sometimes gruff facade didn’t do a very good job of concealing his actual nature, which was that of a gentile giant. He had a wickedly funny streak…I still get a lot of mileage out of the story about the used Buick he hated. The “B” in “Buick” was missing on the truck, so he went to the hardware store & bought and adhesive silver-plastic “P” of approximately the same size, & re-christened that bomb, “The Puick.” Max was the best.
My condolences to Tricia and the Rife family. I was LHS class ’76 and Max was my division principal. He was a wonderful man and will truly be missed.
My condolences to the Rife family. Mr Rife was a legend at Lawrence High School.