Max Harnish was prominent in area boxing circles for 53 years, first as a fighter, then as an instructor, and then worked fights for boxing’s greats as one of the top referees in the sport.
He was a finalist as a fighter in Golden Gloves and AAU boxing circles in the 1940s, and then worked for years as an instructor with Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth. He trained hundreds of boxers and served the boxing community in several ways, including helping Golden Gloves sustain its local organization.
His referee career spanned 31 years. He worked fights that included Muhammad Ali, Thomas Hearns, Buster Mathis and Buster Douglas among many others.
Following his passing, friends and family worked together and awarded a Max Harnish scholarship to student-athlete boxers for several years.