Sept. 26, 1935-Oct. 22, 2024
It is with great sorrow to announce that Amador Max Chavez, 89, of Apple Valley, Calif., passed away on Oct. 22, 2024.
Amador, known as Max, was born on Sept. 26, 1935, in Pagosa Springs, Colo., to Juanita Rodriguez Chavez and Jose Amador Chavez. He was raised on his family’s farm in Carracas, Colo. He was one of nine siblings. He graduated as valedictorian from Ignacio High School and afterward traveled to Utah to work in the mines. Shortly after, Max relocated to California in 1957, where he enlisted in the United States Army and served for four years. He landed a job at Proto Tool Company as a tool pusher and, later, a tool and die maker, where he met the love of his life, Patricia. Max and Patricia married on July 26, 1958, in Pomona, Calif.
Max was known for his love and dedication for the “underdogs.” While at Proto Tool he became a shop steward, where he advocated for his colleagues. This led Max to pursue a career as a union representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). Max fought so fiercely and successfully for the IAMAW employees in his district that he was elected directing business manager for the Machinists Union’s western territory and held this title until his retirement. Max retired from the IAMAW in 2000 after a career filled with countless achievements, accolades and commendations from the union and local and state government entities. Throughout his life, he worked closely with and contributed to many organizations, including the Guide Dogs of America, which held a special place in his heart. Max had a steadfast devotion for all animals, and he was known to stop on the side of the road to pick up animals in need, feed any strays he came across and give them the love they needed.
Max is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; his children Rick and wife Donna, Teresa, Andy, Katherine and husband Jesse; grandchildren Jessica, Davey and wife Maggie, Jasmine, Jeremy, AJ, Sophia, Tristan and Kaitlyn; great-grandson Oliver, brother Chris, and numerous nieces and nephews. Max is preceded in death by his son, Ronnie. Max is revered as a great man, a man with a heart of gold, infectious empathy and a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Most notable was his deep love for his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A funeral service preceded by a rosary in memory of Max was held at Our Lady of the Desert Church in Apple Valley, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2024. Burial followed at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Apple Valley. The family requested that contributions to Guide Dogs of America could be made in his memory in lieu of flowers.
