Aaron Maximilian “Max” McGinnis

10/01/1986 – 12/16/2023 

Aaron Maximilian “Max” McGinnis was born in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Oct. 1, 1986. His parents, Andy and Bea picked his middle name because they wanted “a million Max’s.” He was the sweetest, most observant child, with a big heart and a great sense of humor. Max loved his big brother Drew, and emulated his every move as they grew up in Carpinteria.

While fighting crime as a Power Ranger and a Ninja Turtle, Max attended Canalino Elementary School, eventually matriculating through Aliso Elementary, Carpinteria Middle School and Carpinteria High School. He graduated with a B.S. in Business from CSU Channel Islands in 2011.

Growing up in a house full of music meant that Max’s musical inclinations were natural. His passion for bass and electric guitar led him to perform in three different bands, giving him opportunities to play and sing in local clubs, even recording a demo in Connecticut.

Max was empathetic, loving, generous and hilarious. He helped tend to his grandmother in her later years, participated in shenanigans with his friends and held insightful conversations about life with his family. To know Max was to feel the warmth of sunshine in his presence, his smile and dry sense of humor.

On Dec. 16, 2023, Aaron Maximilian “Max” McGinnis, 37, passed peacefully and suddenly in Oxnard, Calif., after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by grandparents Joe and Hannah Thomas, and Larry Lee McGinnis and Katie Jacobson.

He is survived by his parents Douglas Andrew McGinnis Sr. and Beatrice McGinnis (Thomas); brother Douglas Andrew McGinnis II; aunts Anastasia (Staci) Salcedo, Samantha Lopes and Wanda Thomas (godmother); godfather Todd Simms; first cousins Adia Norris, Joey Salcedo, Christopher Harvest and Lora Lopes; as well as a host of family and friends who loved him and will miss him greatly.

A celebration of life, “Remembering Max,” was held at the Thomas Family home on Dec. 28, 2023. May his memory be a blessing.