Obituary for Max Killian Pike

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I was fortunate enough to know Max from UNI. I knew Max from the same major and being in Phi Sigma Pi together. I was Max’s Vice President and consider myself extremely lucky to have gotten the chance to know him. He was hands down one of the smartest, funniest, kindest, and dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I considered Max a dear friend and I will miss him very very much. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace my friend ❤️

You'll be missed Pike, a bunch of us students from last year have been talking, so much we wish we had said, you meant so much more than you knew to many of us even if we didn't often show it. You were a teacher, but not just for a subject, you taught us how to be okay with ourself and with who we are, that some people still are truly kind. You made so many kids feel like someone truly cared and that we could be more than our past. You were more than a teacher, you were a mentor, a friend, and for some, the closest we had to family. Many of us have made it this far because of you, You won't be forgotten Max.

I only knew max a short year my senior year at UNI.We didn’t have class together, hang out, or anything. However, we did work together at Maucker Union every night. Max was one of the most kind hearted, fun, kind, thoughtful, hardworking people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Even after I graduated he checked in on me to see how my first year of teaching was going. Max was truly a genuine person and you can’t find many people like that any more. Beardsley Boys for life Max, I always told you I meant it.

I first met max in middle school he was such a beacon of light always so nice to everyone he knew we reconnected back in high school it was such an honor to know him for the time I was able too you’ll be missed from the Roosevelt and Jefferson family max 🕊️💖

I'm not really sure where to start but here it goes. I can't believe he's gone. Taken from us all far too soon. Though he may be gone he will never be forgotten. This is evident in the posts I've seen since the days of his passing. He has touched so many lives and they're all better for having him in them. Mine included. When I think back to all of my memories of him I realized that a large majority of them were happy ones. He made me happier just by being who he was and I think that's something we all can learn from. So here are some of my fondest memories of him. I'll never forget meeting him for the first time. It was September 29th 2021 at what the students of UNI referred to as a preacher people rally. I remember that for me I had just gotten out of class and was looking for a spot to watch the rest of the shit show. That spot happened to be near him. One thing lead to another and we started talking to each other. After the gathering of bigots was done I remember we asked each other what our plans were. He said he had to go to work and I said I had to go to Glee Club. Being the utter gentleman that he was he offered to walk me back to wherever I was going until we had to go our separate ways. As we kept walking and talking we realized that we lived in the same dorm building. Little did I know that walk would've started us becoming friends. From there we started talking about how he and my roommate/friend Nick both had cats, and a few other general things. So I had asked him if he wanted to meet our cat. (At this point I was late for glee, but I didn't care because again I was simply happy to be with him). After he met Bumble and I went to glee I remember I came home later that night and Nick asked me if I just bring stray people home now to which we both shared a laugh. Fast forward a bit, but not long after that I told some friends that I met you and I thought we had a connection. So, that led to them trying to get us to hang out more. Which is why he got invited to our place for the weekend. I also remember that while he was with us he was a friend to my best friend when she was sick and needed someone there for her. Someone he barely knew but felt compelled to help because she was another human. Looking back on it now, I could never thank him enough for that. Over the years I also remember many snaps involving his cute and lovable cat Tink or as she went by many other names (which he could only call her 😂) like Tinkerbell or Stinky Butt. As well as many snaps involving making plans to see each other, words of love and encouragement, or just us being smartasses to each other 😂. Beyond that I know that life got busy for everybody so the two of us talking to each other happened fewer and fewer. But I now realize that even though we didn't talk that much we both still had love for each other. Despite everything that happened in life, and throughout all of my awkwardness (probably yours too) we were still friends. Again I couldn't thank him enough for that. I'm currently at a lose for words so I think I'll end it here. Over the nearly four years that I knew him he made my life joyus just by being himself. I know he'll always be with me like he is for all of us. As I also know we'll do everything we can to make him proud of us. I want to say thank you again for everything. This isn't goodbye, but see you later. So until we meet again on the other side. I love you. ❤️🕊

Max was truly one of a kind. They made connections everywhere they went, with anyone, and could radiate warmth in every room. Your love and joy will forever live on in the memories and love we shared. And will live in the hearts of everyone that got the opportunity to know your soul. Thank you for reminding us that we deserve to love and grow. My deepest condolences to the Pike family. Love you, Max.

Max had more style than anyone I know.

This has really hit hard for me and a lot of the students at Washington. Max helped me a lot just by listening to my rants of life and lending me advise. I remember after graduation and being bummed by the graduation of all the seniors. He listened and gave me a hug and that's all I needed. I felt so appreciated and understood by Mr. Pike. He will be missed and I will always remember him by his kindness and understanding.

Max was very good at music, and they helped us do tie dye in x-day at Summit. They always made sure all the kids had fun. They helped us feel welcome. I will miss Max and I’m thankful I got to know them.

My experience with Max as a coworker of mine at UNI was always a positive and welcoming one. Max was an incredibly hard worker and was always willing to help me and others at any time for any reason. Just an overall amazing and welcoming person that I wish I knew more. My thoughts and prayers go out to Max's family and friends.