Dr. Max Eugene Byrkit passed away Sunday morning after spending a quiet Sabbath with his wife Carol. Max was born on August 7, 1931 in Chadron, Nebraska to Ralph and Dorothy Byrkit. From the age of 3 Max lived with his grandparents, "Bear" and Hannah Rook in Norfolk, Va. Later, his grandparents became teachers on an Indian reservation in Nebraska, where Max grew up. They moved to Ohio, where he attended Mount Vernon Academy. At the age of 18, Max attended a tent revival meeting, and dedicated his heart to the Lord as a Seventh day Adventist Christian. Max continued his education at Washington Missionary College (Now Columbia Union College) in Takoma Park, Maryland and attended Loma Linda University School of Medicine where he completed his Doctoral degree in Medicine. He interned at Washington Adventist Hospital, in Takoma Park, Maryland, and began his practice in Williamsport Md. in 1958. As part of his practice, he administered Anesthesia for a number of years. In 1966 he was conferred a specialty in Family Practice. He was president of the Washington County Medical Society in 1977, president of the Potomac Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. Dr. Byrkit retired in 2002 after 44 years of practice in Williamsport Md. Dr. Byrkit was referred to by many because of his outstanding medical diagnostic skills. Dr. Max Byrkit was conferred the Community Service Award from the city of Williamsport, Md. in 1987 for his work in the community. He was later honored by the City for his "many years of service" by having a street named after him. After retirement Dr. Byrkit volunteered his services at Hagerstown Free Clinic until he passed away. He was an avid hybridizer of Rhododendrons and day lilies. His interest in these areas took him all over the world. His Rhododendron and Azalea gardens were visited by regional and national garden clubs. He enjoyed opening his gardens annually, for the pleasure and enjoyment of many guests. His interests in promoting classical music led him to become a board member of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, and generously donated a collection of American Indian Artifacts to the museum. He was an avid collector of postage stamps and developed many friendships through this passion. He was a teacher, Elder and board member at the Hagerstown and Williamsport Seventh day Adventist Churches. He was a member of MENSA which he joined on a lark. He was notorious for his sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol, his three sons, David of Bluefield, WV, James, of Salem, OR., and Mark, of Hagerstown, MD., and thirteen grandchildren. He was beloved and will be sorely missed by family, friends, and patients alike. The viewing will be held at the Minnich Funeral Home on 415 E. Wilson Blvd. on Wednesday, October 12. at 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 13, at 11:00am at the Williamsport Seventh day Adventist Church. The church is located at 16421 Lappans Road, Williamsport, MD. Pastor Franke Zollman will lead out in the memorial service.Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Williamsport, MD