MADGE, W. Paul

Posted: September 27th, 2016

1160_7qg4a2jz_madge-p-obituary-photoMADGE

1926 – 2016

With regret, we announce the passing of our father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, W. PAUL MADGE of Milk River, Alberta on September 21, 2016 at the age of 90 years. Paul was born June 17, 1926 to Edna Coffin Madge and W. Martin Madge. The fourth of five children, Paul was centered in his home town and is well remembered as “Paul Madge from Milk River.” He lived a full life, taking over Madge Equipment from his father as a young man, becoming a pilot at age 26, town Mayor the following year and a dedicated businessman with a passion for his local area. Paul was most excited when interacting with the world around him. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, a dedicated collector, a social butterfly and insistent dancer, lover of the outdoors and committed friend.

In 1956, Paul married Nola Matkin of Magrath and they welcomed three children in to the family fold, Martin 1958, Bruce 1960 and JoEllen 1961. As a young family, they became Charter members of the Alberta chapter of Flying Farmers. This brought many adventures through the years, as well as life-long friendships all around North America which lasted a lifetime.

Selling his business in 1975, Paul redirected his energy into real estate and enjoyed managing that through the rest of his life. After retirement, he served a decade on the ADC Board for the Alberta Government. In his down time, Paul loved spending time at the family cabin in Waterton, hiking and berry picking with his grandchildren and other family, rowing across a lake or visiting with his sister across town. This was reminiscent of his early days spent at the original Madge cabin with all manner of family and friends coming and going. He always loved a good crowd!

Paul was predeceased by his parents; William Martin Madge and Edna Coffin Madge, siblings; Helen (Henry) Salisbury, Frank (Verna) Madge, Beth (Bob) Hummel, Grace (George) Snow, nephew Mark Hummel, great-nephew Michael Brown and other beloved family and friends.

Paul is survived by his children Martin (Michelle) Madge, Bruce Madge, JoEllen (Geoffrey) Cushing and grandchildren Victoria, Kennedy and Catherine Madge, Derek, Kirk (Molly), Corie Jo and Janna Lee Cushing. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews whom he held very close and dear to his heart.

The family wishes to invite anyone who would like to join them at the graveside service being held at the MILK RIVER CEMETERY on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.., followed by a noon meal at the Milk River Civic Centre, where we can all share stories and memories of the Paul Madge we remember.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

8 Condolences for “MADGE, W. Paul”

  1. Don Westersund says:

    Gone, but not forgotten.

  2. Simon Batcup says:

    I was so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing, our original connection was an oil field investment, but over time, Paul and I became friends with many things to talk about, most often stock tips! We spoke in early September and talked of getting together soon. My condolences to his family, we have lost a real treasure.

  3. Chris Templeton Penticton, BC says:

    So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing.First met Paul about 1970 when he flew into Calgary for work on his plane. He was a real gentleman and we maintained our friendship ever since. He last called me a couple of months ago to check on my health. He loved flying and collecting and it was always a treat to see him. May his last flight be a great one.

  4. Paul C. Johns says:

    Condolences to the families from the Paul Johns branch of the family. Our father, Paul Isaac Johns, now living in Ottawa, is a cousin of Paul Madge though his mother, Myrtle Johns (Madge). He has distant memories of first visiting the Milk River clan in the latter 1920’s. The two cousins Paul kept contact and exchanged family news over the years, up to this past winter. That connection of over 80 years is now sadly gone. Please accept our sympathies on your loss.

    Paul C. Johns (Ottawa), Beth Mewhort (Kingston), Margaret Ann Beattie (Sackville NB) and our families.

  5. Chantal Laliberte says:

    So sorry to hear that Mr. Madge passed away. I met he and his wonderful wife in Waterton back in the late 80s. The family owns a cabin there and I lived just down the street from them. Mr Madge was always a pleasure to talk to and be around. I last saw him at the Waterton Show and Shine where he proudly displayed his old vehicle. He was quite the character! I will miss him as I still miss his adorable wife. My condolence to the family. Chantal

  6. Jeff Francis, Florida says:

    My sincere sympathies to the Madge Family and the people of Milk River. You lost a good soul, but one who lived a full life. I had the pleasure of visiting Paul many times on my way from Butte, Montana to the Calgary Stampede every July, and would stay over at their fascinating 1958 mid century house. Just this past July (2016), I had the pleasure of spending the night with Paul, and he took me out to his sheds south of town and was climbing around there like a man half his age. Rest in Peace, Paul Madge.

  7. TERRYandSTARRGrover says:

    our sympathies to the family, Paul was a very dear friend from the truck and tractor collectors of ihc38.com.

    He was a very special person

  8. Lynn Hengen says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the Madge family. My father, Marvin Hengen, and his family rented a farm from Paul’s family many years ago. My father and Paul had a special bond with Paul being with the “Flying Farmers” and my dad being “Airforce”. I had the pleasure of a few Madge family dinners in Milk River when I was young, and never forgot Paul and Nola Madge.

    God has taken a very special “Angel” home.

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