Backgammon scene passed away on December 11th, 2006.

MICHAEL MAXAKULI Michael "Max" Maxakuli, 62, of Las Vegas, left this world Monday, Dec. 11, 2006. He was born Nov. 13, 1944, in Albania, to Gregory and Elly (nee Pappas) Maxakuli, who preceded him in death.

Max grew up in Windsor, Canada, and the family moved to Milwaukee, where he graduated from South Milwaukee High School and attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Max was a successful businessman, owner of a night club in Milwaukee, and an entertainment promoter.

Known around the world for being a world-class backgammon player, he was a two time first place winner of the Backgammon World Tournament. Max was president of the Las Vegas Backgammon Club. He was founder and editor of the Las Vegas Backgammon Magazine and a world renowned backgammon player for 30 years.

He was always involved in organizations, charities and the Greek Orthodox Church. Max was a member of many organizations including Demolay where he served as grand marshall and received a scholarship from the Demolay Scholarship Foundation. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles, Jaycees and the Masonic Temple, winning numerous awards for his enthusiastic involvement.

Also a hard-core Packer fan, Max always bet with his heart instead of the odds. An avid reader and author, Max was the "go to man" for any and all questions. A Las Vegas icon, Max was known by many and loved by all.

Everyone had a "Max story". Max valued friendship above everything. He made friends wherever he went from all corners of the world and nurtured those friendships, never forgetting his friends.

Our fabulous, talented, brilliant brother was one of a kind and everyone will miss him. He had charisma that everyone responded to always. Max was loved and respected by so many for his colorful personality and joy of life. Max is survived by his devoted sisters, Vivian Yanko of Las Vegas, and Barbara Maxwell of Milwaukee; and his nephew and niece, who were like his own children, Alexander Yanko, wife, Suzi, and their children, Jessica and Gregory, and Christina Paavilainen, husband, Tony, and their children, Ravi and Paraminder of Milwaukee. Max is also survived by numerous friends and relatives here and in Greece.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, with a Trisagion at 5 p.m., both at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 5300 El Camino Road. Graveside services to follow at Palm Valley View Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.

I have known Max since 1975. We first met at Dirty Sally's where Max held BG tournaments weekly. He always had a smile on his face and something nice to say to everyone he met.

Twice a year Max would throw some of the best "house parties" in the 70's. He would "Open-pit" roast either a whole pig or lamb. All of the most colorful people around Vegas always made Max's parties, it was a "must go to event!". 

Rest in peace Max, you have left many friends behind, our thoughts are with you!

Marleen Marino, VCO Publisher

Learn more about Max HERE