Edwin Kurland Obituary

It's funny how even when your over 50 years old and you have had a ton of experiences behind you, some experinces cling to you tighter than others. Just so with going to St. Pat's basketball games during my years, 1964-68 . The games would be sold out, tickets to away games were a hot commodity, the heat from the emotion and screams of youthful supporters used to make the metal roof beams sweat. And coach Kurland was always there, always stoic and calm when the gym was going crazy. He won many games, although trips to downstate escaped him. But in the end, God doesn't relish success, he loves faithfulness. Max, you were faithful and I'm sure that you are now embraced by our Lord. May we all join you at courtside when we meet again.

I played for Max at Blessed Sacrament in 1954.He was a great, great guy.My prayers to his family

My family wishes our sincerest condolences to the Kurland family on the passing of our good friend Max. It was just a short time since we met this wonderful, friendly, cheery man at the Casa, but he truly became one of Dad's better friends, talking of The Cubs, the War, etc... at dinnertime. He will truly be missed and knowing he is now with God, we are at peace, just as you should be. He seemed a true inspiration to many, many people, and we truly enjoyed his companionship.

My condolences to the Kurland Family. Max was a special friend to all of us and we realize what a distinctive friend we have lost. From the first time I met Max, when he asked me to try out for the basketball team in the late summer of 1959-he felt track was a better option for me-he made you feel good about your endeavours. He always had a quick smile at our adolescent humor and apperciated our striving toward manhood. When I would run into him after college he always remembered who you were, even if your name escaped him. May the sun always shine upon his face, may the wind always be at his back, and may God always hold him in the hollow of His hand.

class of 2001

My heart goes out to the kurland family, I never saw max without a smile on his face, he will be truly missed, but never forgotten among the shamrock community

Condolences to the Kurland family on the loss of whom I am sure was as much an icon in your family as he was to all the students, their families and the faculty at St. Pats. One of my brothers is an alum and it was there at some ball game that we met Max initially. He was an important part of my brothers' life and instrumental in his growth as a young man. Max was an intense man with an obvious dedication to his passion, being very much a part of the lives of past and present students and their families. I am sure the legend of Max Kurland will influence the lives of future students as well. You never heard an unkind word said about Max. In fact, just the opposite. His halo and wings were ever present even though his humbleness obliterated them from the common eye. You will be sadly missed Max.

My deepest sympathies go out to Max's family. When I think of Max basketball is always second to the life lessons he taught us.



Class of 81

My deepest condolences to the Kurland family. I had the honor of serving on the St. Ferdinand School Board with Max a few years ago. Although at the time, I was unaware of the "legend" Max was, I knew this man was something special. He was an incredible listener and such a kind soul. He was deeply devoted to St. Pat's, as shown by his mini "museum" of St. Pat's memorabilia in his basement. I know he will be missed by many. We can all thank God for giving us Max. May the lives he touched continue his wonderful work. God bless you.

Rest assured Max is in Heaven sitting courtside and collecting for the Missions. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Dear Max, keep your eye on St. Patrick High!



Larry Steiner '77

The accolades and tributes given to Max Kurland are the same traits that he and his family possesed from the very early years. And these are the years I remember.

I recall his father and mother, who to me were Uncle Max and Aunt Mary. They along with his brother John and sister Connie were 'stars in our family tree'.

Yes, Connie, Charlotte and their children are sadded by the physical loss of Max. Know that his life was a true inspiration of what it means to 'fulfill our purpose on this earth'. He will remain closer to many through his spirit.

My 18-year stint at Saint Patrick High School as teacher was greatly enhanced by working side-by-side with Max. That is why I never missed a game that Max coached during those years. Whether in Carbondale, Illinois or in the gym at St. Patrick, Max was truly a gentle man, in the best sense of that term. God bless!



-Christian Brothers International Headquarters

Our condolences to the Kurland family and the extended St. Patrick Family. May the Good Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.



You will be missed by all who knew you and those that you coached, and by those of us that played against your team.



Two son's attend Pat's Class of '87 and Class of '96.



May you rest in Peace. God Bless

My deepest sympathies to the Kurland Family. Please be assured that Max was a inspiration to all that knew him. He was what God wanted him to be and I am sure he is with Him now.



My deepest sympathnies.



Tom Quinn St Pats 1965

My thoughts and prayers are with the Kurland family and the St. Pat's community. Max was truly one of the kindest and most caring people I have met. He will always be a part of what makes St Pat's so special. God Bless you Max!

On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to send my deepest sympathies to the Kurland family and his extended St. Patrick family. I came to St. Pats in 1977 because of Max. My experience playing for him and coaching along side him will enrich me for the rest of my life. When I think of him, basketball is only secondary to the life lessons he taught me. I am so grateful to him for always being there for me. Mark Pytel, Class of '81

Class of 1961

My deepest condolences to the Kurland family and OUR St. Patrick family. You will be missed Max, but I can assure you, as you look down on us from heaven, you will never be forgotten. I presented you the "Flying Eraser Award" at our class reunion of 1986. Now you can fly into all of our lives at any time you think "we need a little coaching from above." I will not forget the many talks we had during my high school days at St. Pats. May you rest in peace, and celebrate your eternal victory from this life with the Head Coach and His Staff. Lovingly submitted - Jim S.

I always wished I could have been coached by Max. He always had a kind word and a smile. I saw him at many non-St Pat's high school games, and at the alumni b-ball tournaments. His winning record, although great, is secondary to his success in mentoring the many students which were part of his life over the years. He is "Max", he is "Coach" and he is "Mr. St. Pat's". We should all be proud to have him associated with our school.



Thoughts and prayers to his family.



Paul A. Hollis, Class of '67

A living legend among Shamrocks, Max was an inspiration both on and off the basketball court. His gentle presence will be sorely missed. My condolences to the Kurland family.

-- Bill Golden, '66

My deepest sympathies to Max's family and his extended family at St. Pat's. Max was my basketball coach for two years at St. Pat's. The lessons that Max taught went far beyond the basketball floor. Although his knowledge of the game and skill as a coach are unquestioned, the real lessons that he taught were hard work, self-discipline, respect, honor, integrity, the will to succeed, love of life and love of God and man. His example as a follower of Christ stands as a testament to his life's work as a teacher of and guide to young men trying to find their way on the path. I know that his personal advice to me during my developing years has not been and shall never be forgotten, and I am equally cetain that the memory of Max shall remain with all of us until we also make the passage home.

My deepest condolences to the Kurland family and the rest of our family at St.Pats.



For the four years you attend St.Patrick High School you hear about the legend of "Max." However most of what you hear is not about Basketball. It was about his love and dedication he had for each student at St.Pats.



The walk, the talk, the smile he had every Wednesday brought the students to a realization of what life should be about.



It seemed that every Wednesday you would see the students making the effort to stop by and give "Max" a simple hello, or just to stop and chat with him.



His Legend and Smile will never die in the heart of St.Pats.

Rest in Peace, Max

Max touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with at Casa San Carlo. He was still a coach-teaching all of us by example how to live a gracious, faith-filled, joyful life. We have been truly blessed to have Max as part of our community for the past year. It has been an honor and priviledge, Coach.

My condolences to the Kurland family.

Connie Kurland: Send you a big hug from Mexico.

With love and gratitude,

Jesus Moises Garcia

A bilingual mexican thanks to MAX !

My condolences to the Kurland family and his extended St. Patrick High School community.



For over thirty years Max has been in the McGoverns life. My earliest memory of Max were the summer basketball games at Loyola or Margate Parks; because we were only living minutes from these parks, he would drop by and visit with my parents for a couple of cocktails.



During my four years as a Shamrock - Max never taught me or coached me - and yet I still learned from Max. He was a good man who was respected for many qualities other than coaching basketball.