Alan MAXWELL Obituary

MAXWELL, Alan. 1926 - 2021 Aucklander Alan Maxwell was a man of science and citizen of the world. He died August 22, in San Diego (California), aged 94. Born in 1926 to Arthur and Ellen Maxwell of Northcote Point, Alan excelled early as a musician. At 16, he gave a precocious first organ recital at Auckland Town Hall. The teenager played regularly for St John the Baptist Church (Northcote) and in St Mary's Cathedral (Parnell). After Mt Albert Grammar, Alan studied physics at Auckland University. In an emerging science, he pioneered detection of radio waves from sun spots. His 1949 thesis was the school's first in the field of radio astronomy. Graduate Alan completed his PHD under Sir Bernard Lovell at University of Manchester's Jodrell Bank Observatory. Harvard University (Boston) soon tasked the New Zealander to establish a radio astronomy station in Fort Davis, Texas. A 30-year migration between Texas and Massachusetts ensued. Teaching Harvard classes, Dr Maxwell nurtured many young scientists. He eventually retired, as Professor Emeritus, to continue a life of travel. He gave generously to educational and musical causes. The high point of his year was a New Zealand vacation. Stranded in San Diego by the pandemic, he was faithfully attended by Marriott Hotel staff. After 18 months, a sudden illness required his hospitalization. Alan's earthly travels ended peacefully at Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego. The wanderer will be sadly missed by family, including Diane Dempster, Heather Falkenstein, Anne Maxwell, John Maxwell, Susan Maxwell, Reg Dempster, Tony Falkenstein, John Skinner, Carne Maxwell, Allan Horsfall and Scott Parkins. Per cousin Alan's Wish, there will be no funeral. Just memories of a long life lived -- and ended - exceedingly well.

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Published by The New Zealand Herald on Aug. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan MAXWELL

10 Entries

Janet Binns

September 20, 2021

Thinking fondly of my teenage years and the great influence that Alan Maxwell had on my young life during the time he stayed with us in Wilmslow Cheshire during his time at Manchester University. He introduced me to the pleasure of listening to classical music and provided me with a great background for appreciation by taking me to see the Halle Orchestra under the direction of sir John Barborally. Unforgettable times , deepest sympathy to all who loved him and miss him, Janet Binns.

Joe & Pat Sproul

August 31, 2021

We looked forward to your annual visits and sometimes twice a year to San Diego and grateful for all the years you were part of of our lives. Our son is your Godson and also namesake and feel blessed to have spent your 94th birthday with you at your favorite restaurant in San Diego!

Arthur and Ellen Maxwell's house, Northcote Point

Susan Maxwell Skinner

August 30, 2021

Susan Maxwell Skinner

August 30, 2021

Susan Maxwell Skinner

August 30, 2021

Alan was a force of nature! He saved my life when I nearly drowned at Campbells Bay as a little girl and never mentioned it since!
We will miss him, as we sadly miss all of his Northcote Point generation at family gatherings. So glad that after 94 years of decent health, Alan's decline was so brief; and that he passed away so peacefully in a safe and well-tended place. All's well that ends well... Susan

Julie & Peter Windram

August 29, 2021

We were saddened to read of the passing of a very dear friend Alan. We looked forward to his yearly visits and his phone calls letting us know what he was doing, where he was and to see how things were going here in NZ. He was a very special, clever, interesting man who we will sadly miss.

Jacqui Brook

August 29, 2021

We will miss Alan and his annual visits to see his Kiwi family in NZ. He was larger than life, very intelligent and an interesting man to talk to. He showed a keen interest in his extended family, even his distant cousins :)
Rest well Alan XX
Jacqui, David, Tom, William and James Brook

August 29, 2021

We will miss Alan and his annual visits to see is Kiwi family in NZ.....he was larger than life, very intelligent and an interesting man to talk to, showed a keen interest in all his extended family including his distant cousins :)
Rest well Alan x
Jacqui, David, Tom, Willam and James Brook

August 30, 2021

MAXWELL, Dr Alan. Born October 19, 1926. Passed away on August 22, 2021. A dear cousin to Heather Falkenstein and husband Tony. Alan will be greatly missed. Christmas days wont be the same without him. A pioneer in the field of radio physics. NZ messages to [email protected]

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Alan MAXWELL Obituary

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