Here is a photo of him with me and Sam, another volunteer with Reach Out Malaysia NGO taken last year in 2011. Max was known for his generosity. Even though he was homeless and had no money, he would earn some money from massaging taxi and lorry drivers. Instead of buying food for himself, he would buy fish crackers or food for stray cats that lived near him.
Good bye Mr Max. You will be remembered for your love for animals and other homeless people around you. ♥
Max has been missing for a couple of weeks now. I last saw him on the 30th July and he did sometimes dissapear.
In early July he told me that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment.
He started to become very thin and a bit quieter but was still as polite as always.
Many years ago I met Max who had just been released from prison for drug offences. He was a user but determined to get clean.
We chatted for ages over a number of weeks and he was determined to beat the habit 'cold turkey'. I did offer help but he wanted to do it on his own.
He took care of stray cats and in fact took great pleasure in naming a mother and two kittens as 'Reach", "Out" and the mum as "Ray Ban" due to two dark patches on her white back.
We always gave Max food for the cats.
Max kicked his habit and lived out the rest of his life clean of narcotics.
He always watched out for us and came running down the street when he saw our cars.
He never failed to thank everyone who came out to see him and was a true gentleman.
I was informed tonight that he died in hospital on the 31st July.
I will miss him terribly as I am sure all who knew him also will.
My Saturday nights will be a sadder without him but I am sure he is in a better place because he deserves it. Rest in Peace friend.
I first saw Max a year ago in Pudu. Pete introduced him to a group of new volunteers. He stayed in a shack which he made for himself. In there, he was accompanied by a few cats - Reach, Out and Ray ban. Almost every week, I would see him, talking to us, saying thank you and waving good byes to us.
I knew that he was an ex-convict.
The facts that he was an ex convict, an ex drug user and poor did not prevent him from giving shelter and food to the cats, be respectful and be kind to everyone. This is why I respected him.
Wherever you are,
You will find peace,
You will find happiness,
You will find love
You will find joy
You will find rest
You will find shelter
And if there are cats and other animals there, continue to love, respect, shelter and cherish them like you did before.
Max,
if you are alone and sad, always remember that many people are touched by your kindness and will always remember your smiles, your cheerfulness and your kind acts.
Max,
The cats thank you
I thank you for showing me that kindness know no boundaries,
that it doesn't take much to show kindness
and that always smile in the eyes of problems and hardships.
Max,
Whenever I pass by your shack, I will remember YOU.
Jen