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Born 10 March 1945 in Essex, at his first school, Max excelled at the three Rs, he was then sent to Summer Fields where his headmaster introduced him to the books of PG Wodehouse. He became a life-long devotee and something of an aficionado.
From there, Max passed with flying colours into Lancing where he made many friends and became very popular. His Housemaster, The Reverend Henry Thorold, encouraged him in what were to become his main areas of interest, architecture and design and the history of the two World Wars.
One of his great coups whilst there, was to become Keeper of Lancing’s Bees appointed by his Housemaster, who acknowledged and sympathised with his lack of sporting prowess, and indeed enthusiasm. Of course, in those days Lancing kept no bees, but this sinecure did enable Max to hold his head up high and avoid any form of sport.
After his father died life became more difficult and like many young adults of the early sixties, Max felt the need to earn a living. He left St Andrews where he was reading Law and worked in the City for a time. Having decided the City was not for him, Max forged a successful career in Public Relations. The company he set up, Carteret Communications became known for its professionalism and its high standard of work.
In addition to his PR practice, Max was an enthusiastic and hard-working member of his local conservation and preservation societies.
Max was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018 and given months to live, and its testament to his phlegmatic approach to life that he survived so long.
He died on Sunday 7 March 2021, while doing what he loved doing best, reading a book.
His death is a huge loss to his sister Virginia, to his brother Peers and also to his nieces and cousins and his many friends. He will always be remembered for his quiet dignity and courage.
Above all he was truly gentle man, and also a gentleman. We will all miss him enormously.
Peers de Trense