The Primrose community’s efforts to remember Max Katz continues.

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Primrose CPF, Primrose SAPS, family, friends and colleagues gathered at his memorial service at Primrose Bowling Club to celebrate his life.

Max died on March 22 and he was cremated. He was deemed by many as a community stalwart and a veteran community philanthropist.

“The number of people who showed up indicated that indeed he was the man of the people,” said Sgt Styles Maome from Primrose SAPS.

He shared with the audience that ‘Uncle Max’ would be remembered for his involvement with Primrose CPF and its community.

“He invested his time and resources in people around him,” said Maome.

Debi Moroun, Max’s sister, said she was touched by the attendance of the crowd at the memorial service.

She knew Max had contributed a lot to the community but she had no idea the impact he made.

“I remember when we were younger my father asked Max what does he want to do with his life and he said he wants to save the world,” said Debi.

“He was always joyful and full of light. He was a free spirit and had a sense of humour like no other. Max was funny if not the funniest person I ever met,” said Debi.

She said he is survived by his siblings, Debi, and two brothers as well as his son who resides in China.

“His son watched the memorial service online from China,” said Debi.

“As a family, we are proud to comprehend the impact of this one man. He would always wear a lot of keys around his neck, he carried a walkie talkie and had four cellphones. He put everyone’s needs first,” said Debi.

Long time friends and musicians Eastleigh blues guitarist Nico ‘Smoke’ Lawrence and Tamara Tavares and Joey Louw performed at his memorial.

Max used to perform with Smoke in Soweto and Katlehong, Thembisa and surrounding areas. At one time they travelled with tourists from Argentina.

Smoke said in honour of Max they are introducing the Blues Starter Pack programmes to teach young people how to play musical instruments.

“This is one of the projects that were still in discussion with Max before he died,” he said.

The Edenvale Blues musician is a well-known travelling musician who has performed nationally and abroad.

He received musical equipment as a gift from Max weeks before he would be admitted to the hospital.

Tamara has been friends with Max for eight years.

“He will be dearly missed by his community friends and colleagues. He was involved in the Primrose CPF, Cleveland and Edenvale CPF. Musically he played the harmonica for the longest time,” said Tamara.

Tracy Enslin, Primrose CPF chairperson, said Max’s love for his community went above and beyond anything anyone could imagine.

“To this day I am learning about all that he did for individuals, organisations and communities, not only in Primrose but in our surrounding suburbs too,” said Enslin.

Matapa Ramodike, a colleague and mentee of Max, shared her fondest memories of Max.

“We lived in the same building. I worked with Max for the past three years. He always told us that this day would come, and I somehow ignored that. I dreaded this day,” said Ramodike.

“I spoke to him before he went to the hospital. He called me during his last week in the hospital and we spoke for 20 minutes. He was reiterating how proud he was of me for everything that I have achieved. He also gave me the assurance that he was doing well and receiving the best care. Again, he said he would come back. That same day, March 22, he died,” Ramodike said.

“Max was not selfish. From the minute I started working with him. I became his PA and he pushed me because he saw potential in me. He always had a smile on his face, and whenever I was having a bad day, I would run to his flat and he would always welcome me. He had a lot of stories to tell. He wanted to change the world and he took it one day at a time,” said Ramodike.

“Max left a legacy and built so many foundations for us. We just need to continue from where he left off,” said Ramodike.