A Tribute
TRIBUTE
R. Max Wideman
January 19,1927 – June 14, 2026
Max passed away peacefully on June 14th in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada at the age of 99. He shared 72 years of hard work and international adventure with his wife Audrey, who passed away just 3 years ago. Max leaves behind his son, Graham, and daughter, Penny (Doon).
Max had a long career in Civil Engineering and construction management across three continents. In the 1980s, ne achieved some prominence in the field of Project Management field, developing the early flagship documents for the Project Management Institute, of which he took a turn as president. Speaking engagements followed, affording fascinating foreign travel, with Audrey as eager companion.
At home, Max’s workshop was the HQ for hands-on activity, whether home repair, full-scale construction, or a landscaping project to prepare for enthusiastic gardening. He relished recording favorite pieces of classical music, and his long affinity for photography has left a trove of pictorial memories.
His Remembrance and Thanksgiving were held at 11:00 a.m.. on June 25, 2026 at
St. Peter and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1379 Esquimalt Rd., Esquimalt BC V9A 3R4
As we reflect on the great legacy of Max Wideman, I would like to share a few words of appreciation. He was a beloved PMI Fellow, an early leader in the PMI community, and a trailblazer whose impact was deeply rooted in advancing project management knowledge.
We are honoring Max’s memory by sharing his milestones and contributions on the PMI.org In Memoriam page starting on 2 July. Here are just a few of them:
- Max was active in the PMI Community since 1974. His leadership included roles as founding President of the PMI Canadian West Coast Chapter (1979), President of PMI (1987), and Chair of the PMI Board of Directors (1988).
- He led a team of PMI Volunteers to create the first edition of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).
- In addition to being named a PMI Fellow (1989), he was also PMI Person of the Year (1986) and won PMI Distinguished Contribution (1985). He was also a Fellow for the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK (1969) and Engineering Institute of Canada (1977).
- The Wideman Education Foundation (WEF) promotes sound project management principles and skills among young people, in Max’s honor.
To continue his legacy, the 2027 PMI Fellows Scholarship will be named in Max’s honor. He was a pillar of PMI, and his contributions helped shape the profession and global community we are today.
Pierre Le Manh, PMP
President and CEO
Project Management Institute
Memories and Tributes from Friends and Colleagues around the World
“Max was indeed the guy with the glossary. It is how he was introduced to me when I first met him. When I was on the Board we began a correspondence by email. He offered me advice and recommendations. Some were quite good. All were appreciated because Max was able to make you see him smiling as you read his marching orders for you.
We talked at a couple Fellow luncheons when he still attended. We also had a supper with other Fellows (I was not at the time) when the PMI meeting was in Vancouver. He was a delight and his stories were enlightening and always incorporated a lesson.
He was part of my inspiration for pushing for PMI to truly act global. He would say that PMI was missing its true calling and why did we not see if when many individuals from around the world attended the annual meeting. He was so right and Stephen Harrison and I took it as an initiative with Stephen leading the way.
The past few years the emails slowed, but he always let me know he got my Christmas card. It was who he was. He recognized people and valued them.”
Rebecca A. Winston (Becky) , JD
Fellow, Former Chair, PMI
Idaho, USA
More…
To read entire tribute, click here
Editor’s note; Additional tributes can be added; if you knew Max and want to add a statement, remembrance or personal tribute, please email your contribution to editor@pmworldjournal.com.
How to cite this article: PMWJ (2026). R. Max Wideman, PMI Fellow, 1927-2026: A Tribute, PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue VII, July. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pmwj166-Jul2026-Tribute-to-Max-Wideman-PMI-Fellow-1927-2026-v2.pdf
