Vale “larger than life” Max Raine
An open-to-the-public memorial service to honour the life of Max Raine (pictured, top) will be held tomorrow.
The chairman of Raine & Horne between 1973 and 2011 died last month, aged 91.
“The real estate industry has lost one of its most forceful and influential advocates with the passing,” Raine & Horne’s chief operating officer, Brian Reid, said.
“Max was a driving force in the generational change that saw the emergence of national franchising businesses in the 1970s and 1980s,” he added.
“Under Mr Raine’s stewardship, the Raine & Horne brand grew to over 300 offices across Australia,” according to the executive.
“He also pioneered the first overseas franchised offices by launching a network in Malaysia in the late 1980s.
Mr Raine was responsible for opening Raine & Horne Commercial too, in 1984; that arm now operates from 36 offices.
“Max could see the continued sophistication of the commercial property market along with the emergency of listed property trusts,” Mr Reid said.
“During his leadership, Max was responsible for lobbying the government and was constantly quoted…resulting in many changes to the industry and legislation,” he added
“I know many people in the past would have received one of Max’s…handwritten letters to suggest some alternative to an option they might have, [or] of course, to congratulate them on an anniversary or birthday,” according to the executive.
Mr Raine suffered dementia in his later years (item continues below).
He is survived by his son, Angus, current Raine & Horne Group executive chairman, three daughters, wife, 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
The memorial service will be held at the All Saints’ Church at 85 Ocean Street, Woollahra, from 11:30am.
“Larger than life”: Brian Reid
Mr Raine’s grandfather, Tom Raine, with Joseph Horne, established Raine & Horne in 1883.
He chaired the company until his retirement 12 years ago.
The executive also sad on boards and committees including the city branch of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, Council of Auctioneers Education Committee, Corporate Committee of the Building Owners and Managers Association, Anglican Retirement Villages Foundation, Barnados Australia and Edina Hostel.
In 1988 he led a NSW government enquiry into inner city accommodation.
“We have all lost someone very special,” Mr Reid said.
“Although we all have fond memories of Max, there are some underlying characteristics that we all remember as part of his larger-than-life persona, such as his sharp wit, canny business mind, but most importantly, his genuine concern for others which is best typified by his love of family and friends,” he added.
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