by on 2016-02-25

COLTON >> Max Lofy, 87, of Colton, passed away on Feb. 6, 2016. He was born in Houghton, Michigan, on April 6, 1927. He was married to his wife Natalie at the time of his death and was a City of Colton legend. He served in the Army from 1945 to 1947, held several different community positions over the span of many decades and was a member of the City of Colton’s Sports Hall of Fame. Lofy’s specific accolades include being the recreation director for the City of Colton, serving one term as Colton City Councilman after winning every precinct in the city, formulating several youth organizations, some of which he sustained for 37 years, establishing the Hutton and Peter S. Luque Community Centers, negotiating a daily Senior Lunch Program, starting a girls’ softball program that he ran exclusively for 11 years, serving for 22 years as a manager and coordinator of the Pony and Colt Leagues, serving 15 years as a manager in Little League and 31 years as an accredited C.I.F. Baseball, Softball and Basketball official. Lofy was also given the honor in 2012 of being named by State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod as one of 11 “Men of the Year” during her annual “Man of the Year Awards Luncheon” at the Pomona Valley Masonic Temple. He also cooperated with Loma Linda University Medical Center in making an extensive Social Services Program a reality. He is commemorated with Max Lofy Park, which was named after him for his work and contributions to both the youth and elder generation. Lofy is survived by wife Natalie; daughters Elayne Dowling, Christine Jolicoeur, Lynda Bradley and Syndi Tate; son-in-law Mark; grandchildren Trisha, LoRittia, David and Dennis; and great grandchildren Brandon and Ava. His service was held at Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery on Feb. 19, where four speakers celebrated his life, including Dr. Robert Percy, D.D.S., a family friend of Lofy’s, who gave a eulogy. Max Lofy a Pillar of the Community Interested in reading more about Max Lofy? Check out some other local stories he is featured in: Max Lofy a Pillar of the Community Annual Event Recognizes Local Sport Icons 1954 and 1956 Little League All-Star Teammate and Friends Reunion Pony Baseball Opens With Food, Fun Stan Sanchez Stays in the Game Sports Legends Inducted into Colton's Hall of Fame Former Little Leaguers Document Colton's "Road to Williamsport" [END] • Basic Information o born April 6, 1927 in Houghton, MI. (found on families obituary online) o Passed on Feb. 2 2016 at the age of 87. o Survived by  Wife Natalie  Daughters Elayne Dowling and Christine Jolicoeur, Lynda Bradley, and Syndi Tate (might be Cyndi according to family obituary?)  Four grandchildren, Tricia, LoRettia, David and Dennis  Great Grand Children Brandon and Ava. • Career: o Lofy served in the Army 1945-1947 (family obituary) o City of Colton’s Recreation Director o Served one term as Colton City Councilman “he won in every precinct in the city, including south Colton. He was especially proud of that.”-Margie • Recognitions: o Max Lofy Park, named after him for his work and contributions to both the youth and elder generation, the Colton City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission and the School District PTAs and Youth League Representatives honored Lofy in naming a prominent City park in his name. The park contains the Ken Hubbs Baseball Field and has a picnic area. o On Friday, June 29, 2012, Lofy was given the honor of being named by State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod as one of 11 “Men of the Year” during her annual “Man of the Year Awards Luncheon” at the Pomona Valley Masonic Temple in Pomona, California o Member of the City of Colton’s Sports Hall of Fame. o “The State of California has commended Lofy on two separate occasions, including an extensive resolution prepared by the Honorable Ruben S. Ayala”-Margie (Unclear what the recognitions are precisely for. ) • Involvements/ Accomplishments o Youth organizations, some of which he formulated and many others that he sustained for thirty-seven years. o established the Hutton and Peter S. Luque Community Centers o Negotiated a daily Senior Lunch Program o Brought into reality an extensive Social Services Program in cooperation with Loma Linda University Medical Center. o Lofy established and maintained an outstanding working relationship with the Colton Joint Unified School District Administrators on the use of school facilities for year round recreational activities, which was recognized by the state. o He started a girls’ softball program that he ran exclusively for 11 years. o Lofy served 22 years as a manager and coordinator of the Pony and Colt Leagues o Served 15 years as a manager in Little League o Served 31 years as an accredited C.I.F. Baseball, Softball and Basketball official o Instituted a comprehensive student government day involving cooperative efforts for the student body and the administrative staffs of the school district and the City Hall. • Quotes o “If you know how to treat people, you can expect the same thing back,” said Lofy o “I had an open relationship toward the city with the school district, and I was most proud of that. I thought we had accomplished a great deal,” said Lofy. • Things to know: o When he came to Colton & how many years he was a resident o Confirm Military Career and what he did? o Exact recognitions by State of California. o Any gaps in Career? o Any other recognitions occurring after Margie’s piece.