Max Biggs Giles

Our beloved Father and Grandfather finished his mortal journey here on earth January 31, 2024. He has now been reunited with his sweetheart of 68 years of marriage. Max was born in the front room of his parent’s house on April 4, 1934 to James Albert Giles and Ellen Biggs Teasdale. Their marriage was a his, hers and ours. He was the 9th child born out of 10 children. He has lived in Springville his entire life, growing up only 5 blocks away from where he was currently residing. Dad met Mom after being set up on a blind date by his brother Earl. They started dating in May of 1953 and dated almost every day until they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 28, 1953. He was always a gentleman to Mom, holding her hand, opening doors, and going on many walks. Together they had 2 boys and 2 girls. He has left a legacy of 85 family members.

Dad graduated from Springville High School, where he played basketball for 3 years. Later on he went on to learn welding and diesel mechanics at Utah Trade Tech for 2 years. He first worked for Waldo Jackson Tractor Sales and Service, then worked at Ruff’s Garage and later hauling milk and bread for Robbins Trucking. He also drove truck for Federated Milk Company. He then pursued a career as a purchasing agent for Poleline, AmFac/Royal Wholesale Electric for 27 years. 

Dad was a very creative and talented person. Max was a self taught handyman who could fix anything. He built his own garage, added 2 bedrooms and a basement to their home. He also built his camper shell, camping trailer and ATV trailers. Some of his many other talents include welding, plumbing, electrical wiring, cabinet and desk making. Many shelves, cupboards and vanities were built for his home, his children and grandchildren. Max enjoyed a life full of family trips, camping, hunting, fishing, riding wheelers, water skiing, playing a variety of games and playing cards such as Nerts and Canasta. Who can forget trips to Yuba, the High Unitas, the sand dunes and Fairview Canyon, just to name a few. Family holidays and gatherings were very important to him, Easter, Thanksgiving and especially Christmas. Grandpa and Grandma spent many hours preparing, setting up, cooking, shopping, for hosting the memorable events. We as a family will always treasure these forever! He once snuck into see a BYU basketball game which was being played at the old Springville High School Gym, but later on paid to see them play in the Marriott Center as a season ticket holder for more than 30 years. 

Dad was a simple man when it came to eating food. He loved meat and potatoes, just tolerated spaghetti (just for Mom) …. but pizza definitely was a NO. He called pizza “garbage food”. Dad was somewhat stern, but fair and loving. He “told it like it was” ...so to speak. His garage was organized to a “T”, his house, garden and vehicles were as neat as a pin. Dad was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings, including basketball coach, Scout Master, Bishopric Counselor, Executive Secretary, and a very faithful Home Teacher. He also took his wife to the temple often. Max was always serving others, especially his neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents and siblings: Ruth (Jim) Diamond, Bill (LuWana) Giles, Amy (John) Murdock, Edith (Harold) Miner, Berniece (Dwight) Bartholomew, Melvin (Elaine) Teasdale, Earl Giles, Kenneth (Zella) Giles. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Marlin &Mary Giles and sister-in-law Val Giles. Also, his children Dennis (Gayle) Giles, Sherrie (Steven) Robinson, Russell (Bonnie) Giles and Maxine (Lynn) Bartholomew. His family includes 30 Grandchildren, 43 Great-grandchildren (with one on the way) and 4 Great, Great grandchildren. 

Because of the love he showed to us, Dad will be missed by so many. The scripture that fits him so well is “We love him, because he first loved us”. (1 John 4:19) On behalf of our Dad and the entire family, we express our appreciation to those who helped in any way. We thank all of the Home Health workers, the staff and doctors at Utah Valley Hospital, I Care Hospice, Stonehenge Care Facility, Heritage Gardens of Springville staff and workers for their love and tender care given to Dad. We also appreciate friends, neighbors and especially family members who also assisted in many ways. We love you Dad! We love you Grandpa Giles!

A viewing will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Springville 9th ward East LDS Chapel located at 878 West Center Street, Springville Utah. The funeral services will be held at 1:00pm in the same building. Interment will be at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery following the services.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to join us in person, you may view the Services via YouTube on Saturday, February 10th beginning at 1:00 pm at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/HI59L3qgDzs