Max Dillman

We are saddened to announce the passing of Max Dillman on February 24, 2026. Max was born April 5, 1953, in Middle Musquodoboit, NS to Murray and Marion (Foley) Dillman. He, along with his 3 sisters, were taught values of honesty, kindness and hard work from their parents. They had so many stories of mischief that they got into as children. The antics they and their friends would get up to during their youth made for a great story and laugh.

Through it all they maintained a close loving relationship even though distance separated them from each other.

Max attended school in Middle Musquodoboit and Dartmouth Regional Vocational school where he obtained his diploma in Masonry. He worked on various projects around NS, built fireplaces for family and friends. He also operated a crusher around the province.

In 1979, Max relocated to Yellowknife, NT. There he started his career as an underground miner. He met the love of his life, Bernice, and they married on August 15, 1981. They raised two children, Murray and Amy. Max loved his family; he set an example of honesty, hard work, and having fun. As a family they enjoyed camping, playing games, cards, sports, snowmobiling and quadding. They had many vacations to visit family in MB and NS.

Also many driving adventures to BC, AB, SK, MB, and ON. He was a proud father and celebrated and supported his children in their endeavors and their struggles.

Over the years there were many pets loved by Max. He was never a hunter, but he did love to fish. He spent many hours on lakes in the NT and MB. For a man allergic to fish, he caught many. He even got over his fear of boating to fish.

Max enjoyed sports. He was a die heart fan of the Blue Bombers, Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. He loved nothing better than a rivalry with family and friends. Max enjoyed playing sports both as a youth and adult. He played hardball, fastball and slo-pitch. He was a pitcher and had a deadly knuckle ball and hit many home runs. He bowled and traveled as a representative of the Legion to a couple of NWT/AB qualifiers. He golfed, played darts, pool, horseshoes and card games, his favourite being Crib. He was a good sport win or lose although he did rip up a deck of cards once.

Max worked at Giant/Royal Oak Mine until the mine closure; he had 25 years of service.

Over the years in Yellowknife, he also worked at Con Mine, Miramar mine, the Cocoa Cola plant, Nahanni Construction, and the Recycling Depot. In 2008 he took a position with Newmont mines at their Hope Bay, Nunavut project as a Warehouse manager. He learned new skills, the computer being his biggest challenge. He made friends with people from all over the world. Although this job took him away from his family for extended periods of time, it was a great adventure. He took up photography and captured Grizzlies, caribou, Muskox, Northern lights and landscapes. The company even created a calendar using his photos. Max retired from the mining world in 2012.

In 2014, Max and Bernice retired and relocated to McCreary, MB. He was not long in making friends and joining the Legion and the Agricultural Society. He landscaped their property, renovated their house, volunteered, played sports, camped, fished and took up gardening. He enjoyed gathering with friends and family for a barbecue, dominoes, and just hanging out. He enjoyed his great nieces and great nephews, tormenting, but also supporting them in everything they did. Many miles were traveled to hockey and ball games.

In March 2020 Max suffered a stroke and developed Dementia which prevented him from doing his sports and hobbies. It never dulled his sense of humor though. He spent the last year in care at various facilities in the Parkland region. His final months were spent in the McCreary/Alonsa personal care home. He died with his loved ones near him, listening to his favourite songs.

Max was predeceased by his parents, Murray and Marion (Foley), sisters, Edith Dillman and Martha Codner, his brother-in-law, Lawrence Butcher, In-Laws, Jim and Edith (Ackerman)

Murray, great nephew Gavin Murray and brother-in-law, Russell Contois.

Max is survived by his wife Bernice (Murray), Son, Murray Nanaimo, BC, daughter, Amy (Isaac), Brandon, MB. Sister Joyce Butcher, Chaswood, NS, brother-in-law, Patrick Codner, Yellowknife, NT. sister-in-law, Edna Roberts, brothers-in-law, Russell (Debbie), Keith (Betty) and Garth (Adele) Murray. He has 6 nieces and 7 nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, and 4 chosen grandchildren.

Max was a generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved to tease and torment his family and friends. He loved his family deeply and was loved by many. He will be missed.

A celebration of Max's life was held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm from the McCreary Community Hall in McCreary.  

In memory of Max please donate to a charity of one's choice, or help out someone who needs help - either by lending a hand, money or just your company. That's what he would truly have wanted people to do.

This service was live streamed for those who were unable to attend.