Peter A. Maxwell

Peter Anton Maxwell was born Aug. 11, 1986, in Corvallis, Ore., to Anne and Bruce Maxwell. Within an hour of his birth, his 4-year-old brother Tyler crawled up on the bed to hold his new baby brother and our family was complete.

Peter immediately filled our lives with joy and excitement. He smiled at 6 weeks with those sparkly blue eyes and never stopped until his death Monday, March 10, 2014. Early on, he seemed to have a "presence" about him. He was exuberant, energetic and so intensely loving.

In Oregon, he spent the first three years of his life learning the ways of "Maxwell men." He backpacked and climbed tall mountains snuggled in his father's backpack, but soon toddled up trails spurred on by M&Ms hidden by fairies up ahead. He learned the ways of rivers on marathon river trips, easily napping in the bottom of the old Coleman canoe. His skiing adventures started as an infant as he learned the feel of solid smooth turns nestled close to his father's heart. Later, of course, he strived to keep up with Tyler even learning how to "tuck" – although that probably wasn't necessary since he was only 3 and already close to the ground.

On the coast, Peter chased crabs, dug for clams, and his vivid imagination and curiosity kept him busy for hours.

The family moved to St. Paul, Minn., where Peter's unique personality continued to unfold as did his bond with his brother. Exploring the wonders of museums, live theater, art and music seemed to spark Peter's imagination. He questioned everything and would not stop until he had an answer sometimes for days on end. When he was 4, the family enjoyed a week in the boundary waters in northern Minnesota. Peter was curious yet a little concerned when the howling of wolves filled the night. He loved all the animals in the zoo across the street. He especially liked Sparky, the seal that would talk to him in the microphone.

The family moved back to their beloved Montana and Peter started kindergarten at Irving School in Bozeman. His unique ability to make deep, enduring friendships started at this time. Yearly, we looked forward to parent-teacher conferences when "outside sources" confirmed we had an engaging child with a unique ability to connect with all of his peers, be sensitive to those who were struggling, and in his quiet manner was always a leader. In Montana, he was surrounded by the love of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He enjoyed alpine ski racing, he was an accomplished kayaker and could be found with his brother Tyler "playing" on river waves at high water. He enjoyed the family traditions of hunting, fishing, goofy hockey games and skateboarding.

Childhood was rich with activities and adventures. He became an accomplished guitarist. His Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell taught him to pan for rubies, sapphires and gold and to challenge his mind with card and board games. Summers at Flathead Lake were full of mischievous adventures overseen by Grandma and Grandpa Soko, and Aunt Betty B. Oh, the stories we have of Peter and his best friend and cousin, Ben. Together they terrorized the other cousins, laid secret plans, and presented the infamous "magic shows." They went to "horse camp" in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, completed NOLS wilderness school in the Wind River Range and rafted the main Salmon River. They communicated with a glance and a giggle, always knowing what mischief the other was thinking and never divulging their secrets.

His junior year of high school, Peter had surgery on his foot. Skiing was out for the winter so he went to the Galapagos Islands with a group of students and studied green sea turtle nesting biology. He graduated from Bozeman High School in June 2005 and to no one's surprise, was voted the senior with the best smile and best eyes.

Peter attended the University of Montana. His freshman year, he met the love of his life, Madeleine Hoyt. This Cleveland girl stole his heart. They soon became inseparable; their love was palpable. Madeleine soon learned to love everything Peter loved. Her athletic abilities allowed her to ski the steep and deep with him, he taught her to roll a kayak and fly fish. Madeleine introduced Peter to four wheeling, motocross and even ice skating. Madeleine and Peter spent seven wonderful years together, and looked forward to spending the rest of their lives together. They lived in Missoula with their black lab, Gary. Madeleine's Cleveland family and friends became a part of Peter's life. We are so grateful for their enduring love and support.

Peter graduated from UM in business marketing. Before finishing his degree, he started a landscaping business followed by owning and running Garden City Recycling. An entrepreneur at heart, he established a firm foothold in the Missoula business community, and won numerous business awards. He became an avid surfer on the Clark Fork River and could be found most afternoons perfecting his riding skills.

During this time, he learned that he had another wonderful ability following in his brother's footsteps to teach and connect with children, especially those who loved to "ski fast." He shared that passion at Montana Snowbowl and most recently at Discovery Basin coaching their ski teams. In truth, he created a presence and reputation with ski racers and coaches over the entire Northern Division of USSA. His humor, antics and ever-present ability to have FUN attracted kids to him like the pied piper and "Peter" stories abound among the kids.

Peter died in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in a remote area on Monday, March 10, 2014. Peter died doing what he loved most and was surrounded by close friends. Peter is survived by his incredible girlfriend and constant companion, Madeleine Hoyt; his dog, Gary; his brother Tyler (Bozeman) with whom he had an incredibly special bond; his mother Anne and father Bruce (Bozeman); grandmother Barbara Sokoloski (Missoula); Uncle Don and Aunt Michelle Sokoloski (Missoula) and their children Ben, Lauren and Maddy; Uncle John Sokoloski (San Diego); Uncle Joe Murphy and Aunt Deb Bakke (Helena) and their children Kiefer and Jamul Hahn; and Uncle George Murphy and Aunt Arlene (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) and their children Nathan and Kim.

There will be a celebration of Peter's life at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Caras Park in downtown Missoula. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Peter Maxwell Memorial Fund (First Interstate Bank) to be distributed to development of the Max Wave and a WSSA Northern Division Scholarship. Please post memories on Facebook (Remembering Peter Maxwell page
Read Peter Maxwell's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.