MAXWELL REGINALD CRAGGS – By Victor Melder

My  association with Max goes back seventy years when we were mere striplings,

what brought us in contact, was not only that we were sons of engine drivers but

that we also shared a mutual Uncle and Aunt.

We met now and then, as Max lived in Colombo and I lived upcountry, as such it

was at family gatherings and other occasions.

We were both then in the intake of Special Apprentice Drivers (Batch of 1956) for

the Ceylon Government Railways, and there began our close association as apprentices

and later engine drivers ourselves, following in our Fathers’ footsteps.

The hard yards of being a railway apprentice were ameliorated with Max sharing the

days tasks, always with a laugh and joke. Those tedious days soon passed on and we

were on the footplate of a steam locomotive, travelling the length and breadth of the

island and catching up in out station towns.

What fun we had, sea baths, movies, exploring every town we booked off after duty

and the rich feasts we enjoyed whilst dining out.

We were trained on both steam and diesel locomotives and then appointed engine drivers.

Max was always concerned of the welfare of his fellow batch mates and helped in every way

possible. Be it drafting a memorandum or visiting anyone sick.

Within a few years of being appointed engine drivers, we both resigned our position of

engine drivers and emigrated to Melbourne, Australia. Max, Eileeen and family in late

1967 and myself, June and Family in early 1968.

We endeavoured to keep in touch as often as we could and Max continued his charism of

being everybody’s help. Many a time in our household, when problems arose, the catch

cry became “get Max”. This catch cry was on the lips of everyone who knew Max, as he

was at his best when helping someone.

With the progress of time and ageing, Max suffered kidney problems and was on dialysis

for some years, even though in pain and much discomfort he would endeavour to joke

about the vicissitudes of life, when we were in  touch by phone.

I will miss Max, especially more so on every September 1, his birthday when I would call

him and exchange pleasantries and good wishes.

Good bye Max, you would certainly be missed, we shall meet again in the great railroad in

the sky.    

Victor Melder