May 13, 1937 - November 17, 2020
Max LaVar Ficklin, age 83, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2020 in Spokane, WA. A - private service will be held for the family. Max was born in Gonzales, Ascension, Louisiana to Hilda Antoinette Gautreaux and Newton - Reno Ficklin on May 13, 1937. His family moved from Louisiana to Utah in 1943, then from Utah to Washington State in 1952, then to Utah in 1956. Max went to East High School in Salt Lake City where he held a longstanding field goal kicking record in football. He also attended Yakima High School in Yakima, WA where he earned a football scholarship to Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He married Linda Rae Johnson June 1958. They moved to Sunnyside, Washington in 1962. He became part owner of Johnson Fruit and Cold Storage where he later retired. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Margie Gayle. He is survived by his children; Celeste Bowman (Jeffrey), Holly Sansom (Mark), Wade Ficklin - (Twila), Toby Ficklin (Lisa), Lance Ficklin (Piedad). He is also survived by his siblings; Perry - Ficklin (LaVaun), Darlene Hart, Barbara MacBeth (Roger), and Chandra Bell (Verdell). He is - also survived by 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Max was an avid supporter of Boy Scouts of America, serving several years at the troop and - council levels. He was Wood Badge certified, and he attended the BSA World Scout Jamboree in 1987 held in Australia. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for distinguished service, dedication and self-sacrifice on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America. He had a testimony of Jesus Christ and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Max was a great artist, avid fisherman, funny magician, nature lover, excellent cook, and hard worker. He was a beloved kind, fun, patient and loving father and grandfather. Max was a great teacher and taught by example. All who knew him are better for it. He will be - greatly missed.
