Longtime Columbia River coach Ed Maxwell dies

Ed Maxwell, who led Columbia River to three state softball championships in the 1990s, has died after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 73.

Maxwell coached and taught for 30 years in the Vancouver School District.

He coached Columbia River softball for 16 years, leading the Chieftains to state titles in 1992, 1996 and 1997. More than 30 of his players went on to play at the college level.

Maxwell was inducted into the Washington State Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012.

“He loved all of those girls,” said his wife, Marcy Maxwell. “So many have come by to visit.”

Maxwell was also the head football coach at Columbia River from 1978-85, compiling a 40-34 record.

Jon Eagle, who coached Camas to a state football championship last month, played quarterback at Columbia River from 1975-77. Maxwell was an assistant coach on those teams.

Eagle remembers Maxwell and a man of genuine character who was respected by his players.

“I can’t ever remember him raising his voice to anyone,” Eagle said. “The best coaches are also the best teachers. He certainly fit that for me.”

No public funeral is planned, but Maxwell is to be inducted into the Columbia River Hall of Fame on Feb. 3.