Queen Anne resident Max Ryan Perlman passed away June 23, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, after suffering cardiac arrest, less than a month before turning 23. Full of love and a gentle yet wry nature, Max connected to people through his beautiful, searching eyes, ready laugh, and high fives.
In his wheelchair, Max covered just about every square inch of the top of Queen Anne Hill. He was also a frequent visitor to Magnolia, particularly Discovery Park, one of his favorite places in Seattle.
He faced far more than his fair share of challenges, including cerebral palsy, a year of cancer treatments, and hospitalizations for serious respiratory illnesses. He knew just about every department at Seattle Children's Hospital. Through his trials, Max illustrated an inner strength that helped him beat the odds time after time. After each health crisis, Max emerged, his cheerful demeanor intact.
Most of his days were happy times in which daily routines took on a special meaning and value. He also loved flying (soaring) to visit family on the East Coast. In Washington State, the Methow Valley was also a favorite place for Max and his family.
It is difficult to summarize Max's effect on others. Without the use of words, he was a teacher, a role model (and a roll model!), a source of inspiration, and a fun guy to be around.
Max is survived by his father, Martin Perlman; his step-mother, Lane Nothman; his sister, Lila Perlman; and his birth mother, Diana Kim Marino. Donations can be made to Seattle Children's Hospital.[[In-content Ad]]
