Laconia---Harold Max Wakeman, Jr., 78, of 63 Ledges Drive and also a resident of Venice, FL, died in Venice on January 26, 2007 after a brief illness. A native of Laconia, Max was a well-known banker and civic leader in the Lakes Region.
Max was born July 15, 1928 in Laconia, NH, the son of Mabel (Hanson) and Harold Max Wakeman, Sr. He graduated from Boston University in 1950. He then worked for a time as an accountant for the Federal Milk Market Administration before taking a banking position in 1952 in Laconia. He worked his entire 36-year career in banking at the same bank. Max was the epitome of a professional, yet home town banker and treated his customers with that same philosophy. He retired in 1988 after fifteen years as president of Laconia Peoples National Bank and a director of First NH Banks.
Max was elected for 22 years as Belknap County Treasurer. He was twice the Campaign Chairman and served on the Board of Directors and as President of the United Way. Max also served on the Boards of Directors of the New Hampshire Community Technical College, the Lakes Region General Hospital and the Laconia Country Club. He was also President and a Director of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce for ten years and was awarded the prestigious James Irwin Community Award in 1982. Max also volunteered as President and served on the Board of Directors of the Taylor Community and as Chairman of the Red Cross in 1968. He served as President of the Laconia Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Max believed in being involved as a caring member of his community and was especially interested in the future of its young people. Max was a member of the Laconia Congregational Church.
Professionally, Max was a Director of the New Hampshire Bankers Association from 1974 to 1981, serving as President in 1978. Max also served on the Leadership Council of the American Bankers Association in Washington, DC from 1981-1982.
Youngest son of Harold Max Sr. and Mabel Wakeman, he was predeceased by five siblings. His family includes Virginia, his wife of 56 years, with whom he enjoyed many years of active retirement. Max’s daughter is Beth W. Poulin-Smith of Swanzey, NH and his son is Brian H. Wakeman of Midlothian, Virginia. Max was very proud of his five grandsons: Seth, Eric and Jake Poulin and Conor and Gareth Wakeman. Max especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 2, 2007 from 6:00PM-8:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 11:00AM at the Laconia Congregational Church, Veterans Square, Laconia, NH. The Rev. Dr. Warren H. Bouton, Pastor of the Church, will officiate.
Burial will be in Bayside Cemetery, Laconia, NH
Contributions in his memory may be made to Community Health & Hospice, Inc., 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or to the Laconia Kiwanis Club, PO Box 757, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements.
