Max Ditmar

1929 – 2024

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Max Ditmar on May 11, 2024 at the age of 94 years.

Max was born near Gronlid, SK.  He was predeceased by his parents Erika and Walter, his brothers Bodo (Vic), Tolly (Frank), and his sister Gladys.  He is survived by his sisters Benita Hamilton of Shellbrook and Esther Uhlenberg of Calgary.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His parents came from Estonia to Gronlid in the 1920’s and later moved to Sonningdale where Max started school. The family later moved to Sturgeon River where he attended school to grade 8.

After he finished school he worked for several neighbouring farms doing various tasks.  He moved to Ontario to join Tolly and found work there for a couple of years.  He then moved to Saskatoon to take a cabinet making course.  Then he also took a barbering course and also sold Electrolux vacuum cleaners door to door.  He was always up for trying everything.  He returned to Prince Albert and started into the corner store business.  First he rented the Handy Spot and then half a block away bought the Welcome Inn.  After selling the Welcome Inn he had numerous other business ventures and jobs and eventually bought the Mohawk IGA.  After selling the IGA he ran Max’s Grand Carwash, his final business.  Through all his business ventures he employed numerous people who became lifelong friends.  When he retired he left Prince Albert and moved to Shellbrook and put millions of miles on his vehicles, driving back to Prince Albert.  He was often meeting friends for coffee or attending church.

Throughout his busy life, he had a love for motorhomes and camping.  If he heard of anyone going camping he was always ready to go.  Being outdoors with family and friends was his favourite form of relaxation.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease late in life but never complained and refused to let it interfere too much with what he wanted to do.  In 2020 he was moved out of his house to Mont St Joseph Home in Prince Albert.  He loved his time there and of course made friends with staff and fellow residents.

We would like to thank Shellbrook Home Care and Mont St Joseph staff for all the care that he received.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Prince Albert Alliance Church, 2777 6^th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK.  Interment will follow at the Sturgeon River Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Max may be made to the Sturgeon River Cemetery.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/grays.html

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director and Mary MacWilliams.

• Date : 2024-05-11
• Location : Prince Albert, SK