Remembering Rob Maxey

YFC Executive Director Robert M. Maxey (May 4, 1962 - April 15, 2017), whose ministry to young people throughout the Greater Sacramento area touched thousands of lives over the course of two decades, died in April 2017, surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 54.

(See Photos at https://www.facebook.com/rob.maxey.9; Video below)

Rob got started in ministry as a volunteer at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville in the 1990s and went on to join the staff of Youth for Christ in 1998, later becoming Executive Director for the Greater Sacramento area, a position he assumed in 2015.

His initial ministry work focused on the Roseville and Granite Bay areas. In 2006, Rob and his wife, Mickey, opened up a facility next to their home near Granite Bay High School to give local junior high school and high school teenagers a place to connect with other teens as well as share the Gospel. Painted red outside, it is known very simply as “The Barn.” He also oversaw the Collings Teen Center in West Sacramento.

Rob brought an infectious love and joy to everyone he encountered.

“Rob's energy and enthusiasm for his mission to serve the children of our city was tireless,” said West Sacramento Police Chief Thomas J. McDonald. “His advocacy was contagious and the impact he has had on countless kids has been profound."

“On a personal note, Rob’s love of life, his love for all people, and his commitment to his faith was infectious,” Chief McDonald said. “On a daily basis Rob demonstrated by his words and his actions what it means to be a leader, a mentor, a teacher, a friend, and a husband and father. As I write this I can’t help but smile through my heartache as I think of Rob.”

Gary Fox, who preceded Rob as Executive Director of Youth For Christ, said: “Rob transitioned from a volunteer working with students to a full time missionary with Youth For Christ as a way to impact more young people with the Gospel. God blessed his commitment with hundreds of young people who were attracted to his love for the Lord.”

Rob Played a key role in growing an anti-bullying program called Point Break in junior high schools and high schools throughout the region and, for several years, organized the annual Roseville Celebrity Chili Cookoff to raise funds for the program in Roseville and Granite Bay schools.

He was instrumental in growing the services for young people in Citrus Heights at the City Life Sayonara Center.

“Rob Maxey put his heart and soul into expanding the programs at the children's center in Sayonara,” said Citrus Heights City Councilmember Jeannie Bruins. “Under his leadership the center grew from an elementary age after school program to including middle and high school kids, breakfast and evening programs. Rob's love of kids and service to his Lord will leave an imprint on our community for generations as these children grow into productive adult citizens, grounded in strong values.”

Rob's family included his wife of more than 25 years, Mishalle (Mickey) and his sons Robby and Charley.

Mickey Maxey and the YFC board of directors have established a special legacy fund to see Rob’s vision for reaching Sacramento youth through the ministries of YFC and Campus Life continue. YFC has also established the Rob Maxey Legacy Society (RMLS), a giving society for those who remember Sacramento YFC in their will or estate.