Obituary for Donald "Don" B Madsen (Guest book)

Message from Marilyn Owens

February 24, 2017 7:40 PM

Don and Joyce were good friends way back in the 1960's. Don and my husband taught and coached together at Hermiston High School. Those were fun years as we were raising our young families together. Lots of fond memories. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Message from Ed Hutsell and Barbara Rufner Hutsell

January 26, 2017 10:25 PM

We want you to know you are in our thoughts in this sad time. Mr Madsen is part of our memories of high school. I remember him as a teacher, Ed remembers him as a coach. Even though the years have passed those memories stay strong. He was a good man who touched many lives including ours. Take good care of yourselves. I know that grief changes us as we live with it and through it. And there is a grace in it that comes from the love you all have for each other, and hopefully a little of the caring we felt back when we cheered on the Bulldogs together is passed along to you too. Blessed Be. Barb and Ed

A candle was lit by Mike and Sheila Botti on January 25, 2017 9:03 AM

Message from Jeff Pitzer

January 23, 2017 2:28 PM

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Madsen will always be "coach" to me and I would like you to know that he was one of the very influential people in my life. He was able to show through his actions that it is possible to be competitive while still being caring, to see beyond the player to the person inside. Coach continued to root for me and support me long after the privilege of playing for him was past, and he instilled in me the value of doing that same thing for the people who worked for me throughout my professional career.
I will miss him, and may he rest in God's embrace.

A candle was lit by Gayland Bledsoe on January 23, 2017 1:55 PM

Message from La Grande, Oregon 97850joycewallacelag@

January 23, 2017 9:47 AM

Whatsoever soothes your spirit, comforts your soul and brings you peace. That is what is wished for you at this difficult time. So sorry. Our prayer and thoughts are with you. Joyce Wallace

A candle was lit by Alison Voss and Todd Crosby on January 22, 2017 9:30 AM

A candle was lit by Julie Grandys on January 21, 2017 2:07 PM

Message from Julie Grandys

January 21, 2017 2:06 PM

I was so very sorry to hear about Mr Madsen's passing. He was such a kind and caring man. He was a great teacher and I let him know every time I ran into him that he was my favorite. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family. My God's love give you strength at this sorrowful time.

Message from Julie Grandys

January 21, 2017 2:00 PM

I am so very sorry to hear of Mr Madsen's passing. He was such a kind and caring person. He a

A candle was lit by Bryan and Teri Allstott on January 21, 2017 12:11 PM

Message from Sam Sobotta

January 21, 2017 11:18 AM

I always respected Don as a coach, friend and teacher. A great man who cared so much for others with a big heart. I have fun memories as a kid shooting hoops on the side baskets during varsity practice and later playing ball for him with his son Mark. He was a big part of growing up in Hermiston. Thanks for being there for us all Don.

Message from Lori Homan

January 20, 2017 9:56 PM

Thank you so much for letting me assist in the care of Don. Listening to the story of his life through the words and memories of his beautiful wife Joyce was an absolute honor. I am very sorry for your loss and wish to send my prayers to your entire family.

A candle was lit by Lori and Doug Homan on January 20, 2017 9:54 PM

Message from Tom & Stacey Wells

January 20, 2017 9:32 PM

Never had Don as teacher. But he was a great basketball coach and friend . We'll miss you.

A candle was lit by Dean Davis on January 20, 2017 7:52 PM

Message from Dean Davis

January 20, 2017 7:51 PM

Sorry for your loss

A candle was lit by Doris and Clay Porter, January 20, 2017 on January 20, 2017 4:29 PM

A candle was lit by Eddie & Molly Van Cleave on January 20, 2017 4:13 PM

Message from Eddie & Molly Van Cleave

January 20, 2017 4:13 PM

So sorry to hear of your passing. Mr. Madsen was a great teacher and friend. You & Joyce were very much in our thoughts and prayers. Gone, but not forgotten. May the family find peace and carrying on your traits. Joyce, miss seeing you around Hermiston, know our prayers are with you.

Message from Charles Jenkins

January 20, 2017 4:05 PM

Joyce and family, so very sorry to hear of Dons passing. A wonderful & sincere man in so many ways. Many fond memories of our families. Thinking of you during this time.

Message from John Stratton

January 20, 2017 3:35 PM

Dear Mike and Family,

Your Dad meant a great deal to me when we were all in junior high. I really enjoyed him as our math teacher and football and basketball coach. Mike, I know it is hard to lose your father as so much of you and you family comes from him. God bless you all.

John

A candle was lit by Charles Jenkins on January 20, 2017 2:56 PM

A candle was lit by Patrick Campbell on January 20, 2017 10:10 AM

Message from Patrick Campbell

January 20, 2017 10:10 AM

To the Madsen family, I have many found memories of Don as a teacher, coach and all round great guy, I spent the first year of my life with Joyce and Mark, he will be missed.

Message from Bob Grant

January 20, 2017 9:08 AM

Don will be greatly missed by us all. I enjoyed his guidance very much, class of 1961.

Message from Malinda Brown

January 20, 2017 8:05 AM

Best Teacher Ever you will be missed Love Malinda

Message from Scott & Julie Ramsay

January 20, 2017 7:03 AM

Joyce, Mike, and Mark. Know that Coach Madsen touched many lives, including mine. He was a man of truth and dignity. His character unflawed. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. May Heavenly Father give you comfort...

A candle was lit by Ron and Toni Holeman on January 19, 2017 7:10 PM

Expression of Sympathy

A THE COLOR OF MEMORIES TABLE ARRANGEMENT was ordered on January 19, 2017

Message from Kim Macduff

January 19, 2017 11:32 AM

I remember "Mr. Madsen" as a new teacher for the 1956-57 school year which was my last before moving from Hermiston. He was a very pleasant and effective teacher in the history class I took as a sophomore. One of the things I remember was that he did not put up with some of the nonsense that some of my classmates tended to engage in, something they got away with in other classes. He commanded respect not only because he was a big guy but because he was likeable and easy going. I'm saddened to hear of his passing

Message from Larry Crume

January 19, 2017 9:22 AM

So sorry to hear this...He helped me a great deal when I played basketball 1959-1962 at Hermiston HS....he was a good teacher (although he would tell you I was a terrible student) and a great coach...

Message from Larry & Sharon Campbell

January 19, 2017 9:13 AM

Joyce,
Our condolences to you and your family and enjoyed the pictures that are posted. Don was a most respected man and friend. Remember well the summer he worked with us at the ranch. God be with you and your family.
Larry & Sharon

Message from Dean & Mary Kay DeGroff

January 19, 2017 8:30 AM

Don was such a great teacher and friend and a huge influence in my life! We enjoyed visiting with you when we came into town for reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joyce, Mike and Mark. Wish we could be there for the service. We love you.

Expression of Sympathy

A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent on January 19, 2017

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was such a wonderful, loving man. He will be missed. Love, Randy & Ellen, Jay & Pat, and Craig

A candle was lit by Toni Aragon~TenEyek on January 18, 2017 7:16 PM

Message from Marla Phelps Charlton

January 18, 2017 4:39 PM

Dear Joyce and family,

My heart aches to hear that you lost your beloved Don. He had the warmest smile and kindest way about him that always touched me each time I saw him. I remember stories of you two from my mom and dad. They always admired him as a coach, teacher and friend. I will keep you in my prayers as you walk the difficult road of grief. My love to you and your family. He was a great man. Love, Marla

A candle was lit by Kain Pitzer on January 18, 2017 12:22 PM

A candle was lit by Dan & Karen Walchli on January 18, 2017 11:03 AM

Message from Mike Mehren

January 18, 2017 9:05 AM

Don and I used to swap hunting stories. We focused on the funny
Things that happened while hunting. He was a treasure.

A candle was lit by Mike and Diana Mehren on January 18, 2017 9:03 AM

Message from Bill Reed

January 18, 2017 8:44 AM

Mr. Madsen was one of my favorite teachers. I remember him from history class, the locker room, and driver ed. He always had a way of making you feel like you belonged, putting people at ease. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss.

A candle was lit by Jim McMahon Jericho, Vermont on January 18, 2017 5:42 AM

Message from Jim McMahon

January 18, 2017 5:42 AM

Mike, I'm sorry for the loss of your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Message from Cindy pettey

January 17, 2017 11:06 PM

Much sadness over Mr. Madsens passing, he was a super teacher and a kind man

A candle was lit by Cindy Pettey on January 17, 2017 11:04 PM

Message from Dianna Lee/ Alleman

January 17, 2017 10:20 PM

We're so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr Madsen was a kind and gentle person who cared deeply for his students. I think he taught about 6 or 7 of us Allemans. We saw him not too long ago in a restaurant and it sparked many great memories of him that we shared as a family around the table. Prayers for peace for your family.

A candle was lit by Kristi (Hendrickson) Fitzgerald on January 17, 2017 9:37 PM

A candle was lit by Bob & Rachelle Walchli on January 17, 2017 9:03 PM

Message from Steve Mills

January 17, 2017 8:56 PM

Coach Madsen was a rare man, who saw value in every student he encountered, not just the athletes. I remember him fondly from Hermiston Junior High as my PE coach in the late 1960's. He will be missed, and remembered.

A candle was lit by Anita Barron on January 17, 2017 8:40 PM

A candle was lit by Donna Primmer on January 17, 2017 6:22 PM

Message from Bill & Kristen McClain

January 17, 2017 5:04 PM

We love you Aunt Joyce and Uncle Don.

Love,
Bill, Kristen, Ava & Sofia

Message from Doug Stoddard

January 17, 2017 3:30 PM

I was saddened to learn of Don's passing. Don and Joyce were wonderful friends of mine. Don's kindness and interest in me has inspired me throughout my life. RIP my friend. To Joyce, my love and prayers are with you!

Message from Lloyd Leathers

January 17, 2017 3:08 PM

Don was a great man he passed on a lot of knowledge and wisdom. He will be missed a wonderful gentleman. I have a lot of great memories from school.

Message from Karen Blair (Greeno/Svatonsky)

January 17, 2017 6:56 PM

I was truly shocked to hear of Mr. Madsen's passing! He was such a great man and a great teacher loved by all of the Hermiston High School. He will be greatly missed by a lot of students and friends who knew him. I was able to be a friend after High School and able to talk about the history and good times memories. I as so so sorry for your loss and empty heart. Please remember he maybe gone but not forgotten!!. Please accept my sympathy and prayers for you and your family in this time of grieving!!

A candle was lit by Chip & Coyla Bedord our prayers to your family on January 17, 2017 3:03 PM

Message from Jayne Ann Patterson

January 17, 2017 2:27 PM

Joyce & Family, So sorry to hear of Don's passing - he was such a kind soul and he will be deeply missed. I have many fond memories of his BMCC coaching years and then after retirement seeing the two of you sitting in the stands. I always enjoyed your hugs and the opportunity to catch up. I will cherish the memories....hugs and prayers for all the family at this difficult time.

Jayne Ann Patterson and the Blue Mountain CC Athletic Department

Message from Bud and Liz Henderson

January 17, 2017 2:00 PM

So sorry to hear about Don, he will be missed by a lot of people, although we didn't know him extremely well, we know him to be a kind and gentle soul, and always will remember our conversations with him.

A candle was lit by Darrell & Judy Rowbury on January 17, 2017 1:35 PM

A candle was lit by Scott Tassie on January 17, 2017 1:24 PM

A candle was lit by Dell Ray and Judy Zimmer on January 17, 2017 12:17 PM

A candle was lit by Scott & Kelly Zielke on January 17, 2017 11:51 AM

A candle was lit by Nancy and Rick Barnhart on January 17, 2017 11:51 AM

Message from Nancy Barnhart

January 17, 2017 11:51 AM

Dear Joyce, Mike, Mark and Family - we were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. We thought of him fondly over the years. He was a great teacher, advisor, driving instructor and friend. Rest in peace, Don. Nancy Barnhart

Message from Bob Blessinger

January 17, 2017 11:47 AM

Sincere condolences to the Madsen family. I have wonderful memories working with Don in the Driver Education program.

A candle was lit by Dick and Connie Ferranti on January 17, 2017 11:45 AM

Message from Diane Gettmann

January 17, 2017 10:51 AM

Joyce, Mike & Mark
Sorry to hear of Don's passing. My heartfelt sympathy. I hope to make it for his services. But I am living in Ridgefield, WA now.

Message from Jack and Pat Miller

January 17, 2017 10:13 AM

Joyce, Mike and family- we are saddened to learn of Don's passing. He will be remembered in our hearts as gentle, kind and caring soul. I'll never forget when you moved in across the street from me - watching you and Don was such a pleasure as you both expressed such love for one another- and I was delighted to be your babysitter for Mike. May you find strength and courage in your fond memories.

Message from Susan Thurman

January 17, 2017 9:46 AM

My heart is sad for the passing of Don. He would bring lunch to his amazing wife, Joyce, when she was teaching in our building. He was gentle, kind, caring, interested, and always cheerful. He and Joyce were an inspiring couple. He will be greatly missed.

A candle was lit by Gina (Widener) Follett on January 17, 2017 9:34 AM

Message from Kathi Karnowski

January 17, 2017 9:26 AM

Condolences to all the family and I was a former student of Mr. Madsen. He was one of my favorite teachers and I didn't know him as an adult, but he had the respect of the community. Thank you Mr. Madsen for all you taught me and others!

A candle was lit by Kathi Karnowski on January 17, 2017 9:22 AM

A candle was lit by Ron Perkins on January 17, 2017 8:36 AM

A candle was lit by Janet Pedersen on January 17, 2017 7:10 AM

Message from Larry & Sam Lankford

January 17, 2017 5:59 AM

Dear Joyce, Mark, & Mike & families--We were so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our memories of him are "precious" as he was! He was truly a unique and caring individual that we would all be better off to emulate! Our best to you all....Larry & Sam

Message from Lori Harkenrider Aasrud

January 17, 2017 5:42 AM

Sending my prayers and thoughts out to the family of Mr. Madsen. He was one of my favorite teachers in high school.

A candle was lit by Lori Harkenrider Aasrud on January 17, 2017 5:39 AM

Message from Jeff & Lori Newton

January 17, 2017 5:32 AM

What a wonderful teacher he was, loved his job never forgot a student, I would see him he always said hi and remember who I was . He will be missed Rest In Peace Mr Madsen.

A candle was lit by Jeff & Lori newton on January 17, 2017 5:32 AM

Message from Joe Schumacher

January 17, 2017 4:48 AM

Coach Madsen great man better human being. His influence on me in high school still holds true today.

A candle was lit by Joe Schumacherf on January 17, 2017 4:46 AM

A candle was lit by Sheryl Newton on January 17, 2017 12:29 AM

Message from Rene Mattox Carlson

January 17, 2017 12:15 AM

He was one of my favorite teachers, history I think 1960s.

Message from Andy Kostechka

January 16, 2017 11:27 PM

Sorry to hear about Coach Madsen's passing. He was a fine teacher and coach who treated us fairly. He will be missed

A candle was lit by Glynis Gettmann Newman on January 16, 2017 11:01 PM

A candle was lit by The Ferguson family on January 16, 2017 10:51 PM

A candle was lit by Kelli Murray Maret on January 16, 2017 10:28 PM

A candle was lit by Earl Winebarger on January 16, 2017 9:56 PM

Message from Laura Cassens Baxter

January 16, 2017 9:43 PM

Dear Joyce and family. I was so sorry to hear about the passing of "Mr. Madsen", Don. I remember your family well. My dad, Roland Cassens, knew him well too. Such fond memories of growing up and going to HSHS and Don was one of them. May God be with you in this time of sadness. . . . Laura Cassens

A candle was lit by Michele Bruins on January 16, 2017 9:41 PM

Message from Jann Tresham

January 16, 2017 8:47 PM

I am one of the many students who were lucky enough to get the benefit of Don's knowledge and expertise. I started my education career doing my student teaching with him. He touched so many lives. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that words offer little comfort at this time, but he lives on in the memories of his many students.

Message from Christy Hall-Harris

January 16, 2017 8:46 PM

Mrs Madsen u and your family r in my thoughts and prayers. I was one of the lucky ones to have Mr Madsen as a teacher and for drivers ed.

A candle was lit by Jennifer Dye Van Horne on January 16, 2017 8:43 PM

Message from Jennifer Dye Van Horne

January 16, 2017 8:42 PM

I hope you find peace and comfort during this time. Mr. Madsen was a truly great man and was the only teacher who genuinely cared when I dropped out of high school. I have come a long way since then with earning a Bachelors degree at Eastern and I will always be greatful for the way he treated me with dignity when I was at such a low point in my life.

Message from Linda Ward Denman

January 16, 2017 8:35 PM

Joyce and family, I am so sad for your family. Don was a wonderful man, teacher, coach and friend to my father. Daddy had nothing but praise for his friend, Don Madsen, he valued his friendship and kindness. The world was a better place because he was in it.

Message from CherieDawn N. Huston

January 16, 2017 8:33 PM

My deepest condolences on your loss. Mr. Madsen was a wonderful man. His light will be missed.

A candle was lit by Tom & Nancy Patrick on January 16, 2017 8:29 PM

A candle was lit by Tammie Jones-you were the best Mr. Madsen on January 16, 2017 8:28 PM

A candle was lit by Linda Ward Denman on January 16, 2017 8:28 PM

A candle was lit by Cherie Huston on January 16, 2017 8:27 PM

Message from Bobby (Franklin) Levy

January 16, 2017 8:21 PM

Don was my favorite teacher! He was caring and never forgot any of his students. He helped me be successful by helping me to believe in myself. Joyce and Mike my heart goes out to you, Don was very special and will be missed

Message from Mary Ann Secton

January 16, 2017 8:09 PM

Dear Joyce and Family, I am so sorry to hear if Don's passing my heart is broken. He was a very special, kind, loving man. He lit up the room wherever he was. He exuded a feeling of peace and joy. He will truly be missed. May the many memories of him bring his family "his pride and joy"comfort at this difficult time.

A candle was lit by Mindy Wilson ( Rood) on January 16, 2017 8:07 PM

Message from Cori Applegate

January 16, 2017 8:02 PM

Thinking of you and hoping happy memories can help you through this time of sadness.
Hugs,
Cori

Message from Tracy

January 16, 2017 8:02 PM

Thinking of you Joyce...your husband was a truly wonderful man. I loved when the both of you would come into Obies and I would visit with you (him and I about sports). Sending love and prayers. Tracy Finck

A candle was lit by Cori Applegate on January 16, 2017 8:00 PM

Message from Lorrie Wade

January 16, 2017 7:57 PM

Joyce, the two of you were on my mind earlier today. So very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Message from Michele Vannett-Meadows

January 16, 2017 7:56 PM

I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. He was my favorite teacher and he was also my children's. Such a loss. Out prYers are with you and the family

A candle was lit by Michele Vannett - Meadows on January 16, 2017 7:54 PM

A candle was lit by Shayla Stone on January 16, 2017 7:53 PM

Message from Beth Maslen Earnest

January 16, 2017 7:52 PM

I am so sad to hear of Mr. Madsen passing all of our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. He was an amazing man and teacher.

A candle was lit by Beth Maslen Earnest on January 16, 2017 7:50 PM

Message from John Tolan

January 16, 2017 7:49 PM

Don was a wonderful coach who always cared deeply for his players. I was proud to call him a friend after high school. Don and Joyce were always kind and caring to Debbie and me. Sorry for your loss.

Message from Virginia Salter

January 16, 2017 7:43 PM

Joyce, So very sorry for your loss. May the comfort of family and profoundly wonderful memories well up within you all as you endure this time. Thankful to have had his acquaintance and to know your extreme care for each other.

Message from Mark Hooker

January 16, 2017 7:38 PM

Mark & Madsen Family I'm Sorry for your loss, he was one of the great teachers.

A candle was lit by Mark Hooker on January 16, 2017 7:36 PM

A candle was lit by Helen Radcliff on January 16, 2017 7:34 PM

A candle was lit by Krysta Marlow on January 16, 2017 7:27 PM

Message from Jill price bullard

January 16, 2017 7:08 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss and heart ache. Lynn cherry Hamblin said, he was a class act, I cannot agree more! He was a kind and patient man, forever in my heart. His wife, Joyce, was my first grade teacher, his son mark, my Sunday school teacher, and my pen pal while on his mission, Don was my social studies teacher and my drivers ed teacher, he also gave me personal brush up driving lessons, so impressed with him and his family. Much love and appreciation for all he did and stood for. Much love to those left to mourn. Jill Bullard

Message from Richard Meeks

January 16, 2017 7:03 PM

Great memories of Don. When I was young and playing ball he was always a great support and fan. Don would always provide Great advice in a way that was positive and caring. Don always wanted the best for all he met. The world needs more good men like Don.

Message from Lori Shaw

January 16, 2017 6:55 PM

Joyce, Ashley and family. My heart goes out to you. Many thoughts and prayers as you celebrate Don's life. He was a kind, gentle caring soul who was loved and respected by many.

A candle was lit by Shannon Hawkins Morgan on January 16, 2017 6:53 PM

A candle was lit by Doug & Patty Brown on January 16, 2017 6:49 PM

Message from Sherry Chapman Thompson

January 16, 2017 6:47 PM

Joyce, Mike, Mark and family-- I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Madsen's passing. He was a truly wonderful person. I have great memories of him as a teacher and of him as a friend. He touched so many lives. Sending my love to you all.

Message from Darcy (Blankenship)McDonough

January 16, 2017 6:46 PM

Don was such a genuinely nice man. He was loved and respected by many people. My thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and the family.

Message from Dean Williams

January 16, 2017 6:40 PM

It was indeed sad news to hear about Don's death. He was an outstanding teacher and coach but even more importantly he was a great role model for his students. I learned so much from Don about how to treat people with respect and I still admire the way that he was able to draw the best from his students and athletes.

Message from Sheri Gannon

January 16, 2017 6:33 PM

My condolences to the Madsen family. So many wonderful memories of a truly great man.

Message from Linda Schroth

January 16, 2017 6:24 PM

Joyce, Mike, and family, I'm so sorry for the loss of Don. He's was surely a beloved teacher, coach, and friend. He loved all of "us kids". This is a loss felt by many. I hope that you can find comfort in your memories.
Fondly,
Linda

Message from tom & kristy brown

January 16, 2017 9:47 PM

don was my favorite teacher in high school.What a kind and gentle soul.He will be missed so much.Great memories......

Message from George Price

January 16, 2017 6:11 PM

Prayers for the family. May our Creator bless you with peace.

Message from Mary Vermillion Kilmer

January 16, 2017 6:10 PM

Sorry for the families loss. Mr. Madsen was a father figure to me. He taught my older brothers and I. He will always be in my thoughts and heart. I will never ever forget him. He taught in a special way, always had a smile for everyone, so he taught me more then history. To always be kind to others and smile. RIP Mr. Madsen.

A candle was lit by Mary Vermillion Kilmer on January 16, 2017 6:06 PM

Message from Sandy Coxen Nolte

January 16, 2017 5:47 PM

I met him in 1964 when they moved next door to my aunt Donna Bensel. Then he was my teacher that fall and I had to start calling him Mr. Madsen instead of Don. He was a wonderful person. RIP Mr. Madsen.

Message from Bill and Gerri Beauchamp

January 16, 2017 4:50 PM

Joyce and family, Don was so loved by so many people. He was by far my favorite teacher in high school. He was also my children's favorite high school teacher. Years, later when we moved by to Hermiston, he knew me immediately and we saw each other off and on throughout many years in Hermiston. A kind and gentle soul - his memory will be cherished and his soul will be loved by God. Linda (my sister) probably cannot send a message but you know she loved you both so I'll send her best wishes to you, Joyce, and to your family. God bless you.

A candle was lit by Bill and Gerri Beauchamp on January 16, 2017 4:43 PM