Co-founder of the Lane of Fame dies at 89
Morris Civin was an accomplished Clarinet player.
The co-founder of the Lane of Fame at Cranbourne Centre, Morris Civin, better known as Max, died at his Lakefield home on June 1 aged 89.
The Lane of Fame came to life in around 1975 when Max, his father, Hillel, and his brother Joe, aka the ‘Civin Clan’, thought when the Cranbourne Centre was built that there was a chance to enhance the image of the CBD with an ‘Arcade of Accolades’.
The arcade was designed wide and long enough, from Cranbourne Avenue to Woburn Avenue, to immortalise the footprints and handprints of famous people in concrete with a bronze star.
Max was born on February 8, 1934, to parents Minnie and Hillel Civin. He attended Northmead Primary and Benoni High schools.
After matric, he went to Wits University to study mechanical engineering. He also studied accountancy and later did a property valuation course.
According to his wife, Delia, Max was well-known in Benoni because his father and brother were awarded the first Volkswagen agency on the East Rand.
“Max excelled on the tennis court and was a member at Northmead and Benoni. He played league for the first team and represented SA at the Maccabi Games in Israel,” said Delia.
In addition, the Benonian was a clarinet player and was part of a band.
He was also involved with the local Amateur Musical Society, including the Star Timers and the Comedy Players.
Max made many records, with one recorded in his garden in Alphen Park.
“He lived a full and happy life and gave many people a lot of pleasure with his talents,” Delia said.
He is survived by his wife, sister, Ruth, his daughter, sons and grandchildren.
Also Read: Benoni pioneer Joe Civin dies at age 100
Also Read: Joe the Benoni pioneer turns 99
