Obituary of L. Max Bastian

L. Max Bastian, 89, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, formerly of Richfield, Utah, returned to his Heavenly Father on June 30, 2016 surrounded by family. It gives us comfort knowing that he was united with “his boys”, sons Kelly, Rock and Grandsons Kyle and Lane. We smile thinking of the reunion with his family that has gone before and his joy in being united with his mother and father. Loving Husband of 65 years to Yvonne. Beloved Father to Toni (Paul) Kingston, Kimberlee Schreiber, Yvette (Orson) Merrell, Anecia (Beau) Sisneros and Robyn Bastian, 24 Grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren. Brother to Ilene McBride, Brent Bastian and Charlene Hunt. Proceeded in death by sons: Kelly Bastian and Rock (Melanie) Bastian. Grandsons: Kyle Bastian and Lane Bastian. Brother Garn (Shirley) Bastian. Visitation 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2016 with Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016 (viewing one hour prior to Service), at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4955 Meadowland Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. Burial will be at the family Cemetery in Larkspur, Colorado with Army Military Honors. Max was born on March 2, 1927 in Vermillion Utah to Glen Bastian and Laura Kane. Laura passed when Max was 3 years old and Glen remarried Berniece Cushing, who raised Max into adulthood. He was one of five children. The family moved to Sigurd Utah where he spent his childhood working on the family farm. During High School, Max participated in softball, track and football. He excelled at all sports especially football. He was placed on the Varsity team as just a sophomore. He graduated from Richfield High School in 1945. Max married Yvonne Swindle on August 23, 1950 in the Manti Temple. Over the next 12 years they had 7 children together. During their 65 years together they lived in many states, to include Utah, California, New Mexico and Colorado. His retirement was spent in Colorado Springs. Max loved horses, fishing, hunting and all outdoor activities. He was an excellent marksman. His career spanned the fields of service station manager, welder, equestrian center manager and race horse trainer. He enjoyed and spent most of his years as a race horse trainer and owner. During his racing career he won over 500 hundred races. He was awarded the status of Leading Trainer numerous years at La Mesa Park in New Mexico. Max was especially proud of his military service in the Army. He served two years and was quickly promoted to Staff Sergeant. He was offered the opportunity to attend Officer Training, but Yvonne desired to return home. During his military service, Max boxed competitively and won many matches. Max assisted his daughters at their Mountain Man retail store by providing handmade items for sale. He went from country cobbler to skilled craftsman. This experience led him to start building birdhouses. He loved giving them as gifts to family, friends and neighbors. Yvonne often assisted him. Every great-grandchild received a handmade birdhouse or race car at the family reunion celebrating Max and Yvonne’s 65 wedding anniversary. Max’s favorite pastime was story telling. The grandkids and family loved hearing stories of his life and adventures. His memory was truly amazing. Max was most proud of his family and he loved hearing the activities of his grandchildren. He followed with enthusiasm their sports, academics, music, careers and families. Max was known and respected as an honest and hardworking man, loyal friend and committed to his family. His love for his wife Yvonne is a shining example to his children and grandchildren of his commitment to family values. Max was a faithful man and this is his Testimony dated October 2007. “I feel like the Lord took a big part in Yvonne and I getting married. Our personalities meshed real well and we have had a wonderful life. I feel the Lord watches over us every day. I think the big part He plays in my life is helping me make decisions. So many times I have needed help and I didn’t quite have the knowledge and all of a sudden, I have the answer. I think He has protected me in different instances and even saved my life. I pray and ask the Lord to help me in many ways. I never ask Him to help me to accomplish the impossible. I try to ask Him to help me do things that I feel like the Lord and I can accomplish together. If I meet Him half way, I know the Lord will be there. I feel like He watches over all of us, all the time. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” Service Information