‘A tribute to my friend Max Short’

— December 24, 1936 – October 25, 2025 —

Dear Editor:
I was born the same year as Max Short. I got to know him in 1977, the first year I returned to the fishery. I was fishing out of St. Anthony and Max was working with the Provincial Department of Fisheries.

Max started off in life as an inshore fisherman. He later became one of the leaders in the Fisherman’s Union. Max and I were founding members of the Canadian Sealers Association and worked together for 16 months. He later became a senior advisor to the federal Minister of Fisheries and worked closely with the prime minister.

Max was a member of the Fisheries Resource Council (FRCC), the Harris Panel reviewing the state of the Northern cod and served on the Salt Fish Corporation. He received the Order of Newfoundland & Labrador and a King Charles III Coronation medal.

Max spent his life working at fisheries issues in an effort to make things better for the rural parts of this great province. His knowledge of the fishing industry was second to none and he did it well. He never forgot his roots.

Through it all Max remained my friend, one I will never forget.
Bon Voyage dear friend until we meet again.

(Ret.) Capt. Wilfred Bartlett,
CBS, NL
wilfbartlett@hotmail.com