Albert Maxwell, Jr.

On Thursday, August 25th 2016, Albert “Bud” Maxwell,
at the age of 94, peacefully walked on in life, at his
log cabin on Lake Nettie in Hawks, MI. The son of the
late Albert and Albena (Bertrand) Maxwell, Bud was
born in Detroit, MI on May 25th, 1922.

After graduating from Cooley High School, Bud enlisted in the U.S. Navy,
where during WWII, he served as a Submariner Quartermaster in the
South Pacific Zone, on the U.S.S. Cabrilla (“Cabrilla Gorillas”). Being
a genuine outdoorsman and talented craftsman, he designed bows
alongside Fred Bear, and lived with Fred and his wife for two years. He
later moved on to Ford Motor Company, where he worked as a Claims
Representative for many years.

Growing up, Bud spent a great deal of time up north in Hawks, MI, with
his grandparents, the late Charles and Leah Bertrand. He fell in love with
the beautiful area and surrounding woods, and after serving his time in
the Navy, he purchased property on nearby Lake Nettie. That is where he
built his log cabin, cutting the cedar logs with his own two hands. Bud
resided on Lake Nettie during the warm months, and lived in his house

in Redford, MI during the winter. No matter which home he was in, he
was always surrounded by family, laughter, love and the many crafts
he made,

One of the most important things that defined Bud was his strong ties to
his native roots. A proud Algonquin, he was also a respected elder of the
Waganakising Odawa Tribe, with close ties to Petoskey, Lower Michigan
and Canadian Tribes. His love of his native traditions and way of life
was enthusiastically taught to younger generations. He strongly believed
in giving back to his communities, and over the years, he made many
donations to Native American Indian schools, He enjoyed attending all
the jingtamoks (pow-wows) in the area, and was honored at a jingtamok
at the Nautical Festival in Rogers City, MI. One of his most prized
possessions was his tipi, which he built with the help of his son, Frank,
and set up on his land behind his cabin, Bud was a true Anishinaabe – one
of the people.

He loved his granddaughters, family and friends deeply. He always had a
lesson to teach about the traditions of his culture and his unique views
on life, His laughter was infectious, and his lively sense of humor and
wit, and his love for telling tall tales, always kept everyone entertained,

Bud is survived by his son Frank “Frankie” Wabanimkee of Pellston, MI,
his granddaughters, Tashina and Kristin Wabanimkce of Pellston, MI and
his daughter in-law, Susan Keller (Wabanimkce) of Cross Village, MI.

He is also survived by his older sister June (the late Jim) Pfalzer, his
younger sister Barbara (the late Edward) Higle and predeceased by

his younger brother, the late Richard “Dick” (the late Shirley) Maxwell.
He is the loving uncle to the late Donn Pfalzer, Karen (Tom) Kish,
Nancy (the late Clifford) Hild, Marsha (Kevin Murphy) Higle-Murphy,
Tom Higle, Paul Higle, Cathy (Sandy) Hadley, Margaret Maxwell-Wren,
Rick (Mary Lou) Maxwell, Tim (Martha) Maxwell, Doug Maxwell and
their families, Bud is also survived by cousins and their families, and
many friends.

A spirited man, Bud Maxwell lived a life that reflected his profound
respect for nature. In his passing, he has embarked on a new journey.

In the Native American culture, there is a shared belief that “there is no
death, only a change of worlds” (Chief Seattle), Bud forever lives on,
loved by all who know him.