Max Nygaard
Max Nygaard, the Vice-Chairman of Ronald Reagan’s campaign in Texas, passed away into the loving arms of his savior, Jesus Christ, while holding his wife’s hand, at the age of 90. Max will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and many acquaintances. His balanced nature was such that he was equally comfortable talking to a roughneck on a drilling rig or the President of the United States. His quick wit, loyalty, and tremendous sense of optimism brought joy to all he knew.
Max was born on September 27th, 1934, in Haynesville, Louisiana to Lois Marie McClurkin and Marinus Jensen Nygaard. The son of a Danish immigrant, he studied to be a concert violinist at the Juilliard School of Music and the Kings Conservatory in Copenhagen. He came to Dallas in search of a music degree from Southern Methodist University. While in school, he served in the Air National Guard where he broke his finger and sadly ended his violin career. He later attended the University of Texas Law School in Austin where he met his bride of 65 years, Shirley Walters. After marrying Shirley, they moved to Dallas where he worked for The Travelers Insurance Company, Mercantile National Bank, and eventually as an independent petroleum operator where he garnered most of his personal success.
Then, in the late 1970’s Max gathered early banking and energy supporters for Ronald Reagan’s Presidential campaign. The initial headquarters for the campaign was located in Max’s home. It was during this time that he forged a lifelong relationship with the Presidential family. After winning in 1980, Max served as an advisor to the President and authored multiple white papers, most notably those for the revitalization of the Chrysler Corporation, which he delivered to Ronald Reagan at Blair House the night of his Inaugural.
Outside of politics, Max served as President of Dallas Civic Music and The Dallas Symphony Music Board. He was a sponsor for 500 Inc. and served on the Board for the Dallas Council on World Affairs. Max also enjoyed serving the City of University Park on the City Finance Committee and as Vice President of Southwest Higher Education Authority and President of Texas Higher Education Authority.
On a personal level, his family and the Church of the Incarnation were of utmost importance to him. He played an active role being “Papa” to his grandsons and he also loved gardening at his home on Hunters Glen. He was proud of his memberships in the Society of the Cincinnatus and the Military Order of the World Wars.
Max is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughter and son in law, Alicia and Nace Formagus, Jr., his grandsons Lee William McNutt and Thomas Max Nygaard McNutt, as well as their families and six great-grandchildren. Honorary Pall Bearers are Michael Reagan, Cameron Reagan, Bishop John M. Marshall, William Murchison, Dr. Lige Rushing, Joe Sullivan, and Addison Wilson. His memorial service will be at The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation on Thursday April 3rd at 10am, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Church of the Incarnation.
