OBITUARY FOR MAXIMO MACANAS:
Maximo Gordon Edward Macanas, 37, of McKinleyville, passed away tragically after being swept into the ocean on January 31. He was recovered on February 3. Born on April 26, 1988, in French Camp, California, Max was the son of Brian Macanas and Anna Macanas. He graduated from Galt High School and then promptly made his way to Humboldt County, where he spent the rest of his days fishing, hunting, and providing for his family.
Max graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in Wildlife Biology and spent most of his career in private wildlife consulting with Tanner Environmental Services. During the off-season, he also worked at Humboldt Pawn in Eureka. Max met his wife, Hannah, in October 2010, and they were married in 2015. They began fostering in 2021, welcomed their youngest son in August 2023, and adopted their oldest son in July 2025.
Max’s love for the outdoors began in childhood and grew into a lifelong passion that guided where he lived, worked, and how he raised his family.
Max lived his life exactly how he wanted to: rooted in the outdoors and devoted, above all else, to his family. A fisherman first, he moved to this area because of the rivers and the ocean. He loved fishing Redwood Creek, the Trinity, the Klamath, the Smith, and the Mad River. The Mad River became what he called the “family river,” with many outings to the mouth, the hatchery, and countless spots in between.
Max also loved deer hunting, as well as upland and waterfowl hunting. He enjoyed training and taking his bird dogs out for grouse, quail, and literally anything that was in season (and no, his good hunting spots will not be disclosed). If he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he was mushroom hunting, hiking, and exploring this beautiful place.
While doing all of that, he was also a deeply present and devoted father. He loved storytime, playtime at the park, taking the boys fishing, and so much more. He showed his boys what devotion meant in all aspects of life, especially to family. He was a true partner and loving husband. There are no words to describe the void left by his passing. Max was funny, loyal, and loved everyone so deeply.
Maximo Gordon Edward Macanas is lovingly survived by his wife, Hannah Macanas; their children, Moses Reed and Samuel Gordon Maximo Macanas; his parents, Anna Macanas and Brian Macanas; his siblings, brother Aaron Macanas, sister Briann Stea, and brother Henry Macanas; his nieces and nephews, Alianah, Tristan, Hudson, Maverick, and Violet; several foster children (current and former); and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Maximo Santos Macanas, Diann Macanas, and Suzanne Vlavianos; his great-grandparents, Gordon Henry Eggert, Patricia Eggert, Mary Janet Vaughn, Isidoro Macanas, and Julia Macanas; his aunt, AngElla Macanas-Dobson; his cousin Brettnee LeAnna Rubsam, who passed as an infant; and his beloved hunting dogs, Daisy, Sadie, and Boy.
Max was incredibly knowledgeable and capable, and he held a deep respect for the ocean. In his memory, the family asks that everyone respect the power of the ocean and practice water safety at our local beaches. Sneaker waves are unpredictable and can affect even the most experienced outdoorsmen.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 3:00 p.m. at the Moonstone Beach House. All who cared for and respected Max are welcome. Please join us for light refreshments and remembrance. If you have photos or stories of Max you would like to share, they may be posted to https://everloved.com/life-of/maximo-macanas/ or emailed to [email redacted]. These memories will be deeply meaningful for the boys as they grow and learn about their dad.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider buying a fishing license and think of Max whenever you go fishing. For those who have asked how to help, a fund has been created to support Hannah Macanas and the children at https://gofund.me/3bcba0d30.
Max is a beloved son, husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be remembered for his deep love for his family, his passion for fishing and the outdoors, and the way he showed up for those he loved. His love lives on in his children and all who knew him. He is deeply missed.
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UPDATE:
With heavy hearts, we share that Maximo Macanas has been found. We are deeply grateful to this community for your support in spreading the word during our search and for keeping local fishermen vigilant. Max was discovered by a local fishermen just off Whaler Island this afternoon, Tuesday, February 3rd.
Thank you for your kind messages and posts; your compassion means the world to us.
As we begin to prepare for services, we find comfort in knowing that Max is now back with his family. We truly couldn’t have navigated this without your support.
For those who wish to continue offering support, our Go Fund Me page will remain active. The funds will assist with funeral services and help Hannah and her boys as they begin this next chapter in their lives.
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This past Saturday January 31st, Max was fishing where the Klamath River meets the ocean and was swept away by a sneaker wave. Despite tireless efforts by the County Sheriff’s Department and the Coast Guard, they have been unable to locate him. We urgently need our community’s, friend's and family's help to keep the search going and bring Max home — any donations to support ongoing search efforts would mean the world to our family. Hannah and her boys will need ongoing support in the coming days and months as they navigate through this incredibly devastating loss.