Cpl. Max William Donahue was remembered Friday as a respectful, compassionate, fun and strong Marine who stood up for the little guy and would go out of his way to help others.
Donahue, 23, of Highlands Ranch, died Aug. 6 from injuries suffered in an explosion in Afghanistan. Family, friends and fellow Marines remembered him in a service at Cherry Hill Community Church on Friday afternoon.
“I knew you as the young man who along with your brother paid for an older man’s gas when his credit card was declined, I knew you as the man who along with your brother and stepbrother pushed an elderly couple’s car to the gas station when it broke down,” wrote Donahue’s mother, Julie Schrock, in a letter read aloud at the service by KOA radio host Steffan Tubbs. “I can still see you declining his attempt to pay you, and his blowing kisses through the car.”
Donahue was a Marine police dog handler who served with the 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment for more than four years.
Greg Donahue, Max’s father, said they corresponded by letter frequently ever since his son became a Marine. He wrote Max one last letter and read it to him during the service. Greg Donahue said he loved how his son always stood up for someone in need.
“When you were growing up all the little kids used to like to hang with you because they felt you were safe, you wouldn’t let anyone or anything hurt them. You were their hero,” his letter read. “Most of all I’m just going to miss you — your laugh, your passion, your compassion, and your love for life — you literally lived it to the max.”
Two teachers at Max Donahue’s high school, Daniel C. Oakes, read notes from teachers and those who knew him in high school. He was described as always smiling and having a positive attitude, and never saying anything negative.
“Max was a good student and an even better person,” one wrote. “As a teacher I was fortunate to have him in my class, but I was even more fortunate to have him in my life.”
Schrock wrote she still has the last message Donahue sent saved on her phone.
It read “Good night momma. I love you.”
Schrock ended her letter, “Well good night Max. I love you too.”
Bianca Davis: 303-954-1698 or bsmith-davis@denverpost.com
