S. Wayne Madden

S. Wayne Madden, 79, died of complications of prostate cancer on June 19th, 2024, at his home in Cathlamet, Washington. His hands were held with love by his wife, son and daughter when he peacefully passed.

Wayne was known for his larger-than-life character, social prowess, boundless humor, tremendous importance of family and friends, value of hard work, pride and pristine maintenance for hard-fought possessions and frugal tendencies. After retirement, he created a business card with specializations in “Exciting, Interesting & Enjoyable Activities” and availability for “Parties, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Warm Climate Exploration and Happy Hour”. Wayne was an avid golfer and card game player; however, most of all, he was known as a remarkable friend.

Wayne was born on December 20, 1944, in Kingman, Arizona. He was the only child of Sam Madden and Lena (Nicholson) Madden. Ultimately, he was a 64-year resident of Fairbanks, Alaska and graduated from Lathrop High School, Class of 1962. Upon retirement in 2000 from IBEW #1547 after 26 years, he “snow-birded” in Yuma, Arizona. In 2014, he closed out his last Alaska residency and purchased a home in beautiful Cathlamet, Washington where he spent the hot Arizona summers.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest son, Derek Wayne Madden. His family is sure he was overjoyed to reunite with him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Cher’rie A. Madden, are his daughter, Cindy Madden (Bret Davis), grandchildren Derek and Daryn, and great-granddaughter Remi of Albany, OR; son, Jeremy Madden (Nikki), grandchildren Austin, Michael and Kyle of Oakland, OR; step-son Troy Stewart (Devon), step-grandchildren Keegan, Riley and Reece of Santa Barbara, CA; step-son Doug Tillia (Brooksanne), step-grandchildren Bella and Piper of Grants Pass, OR; step-daughter Darcy Marsh (Josh) and step-grandson Sammy of Santa Barbara, CA; along with a multitude of beloved friends and extended family all over the nation.

Celebrations of Life will be held in Cathlamet, WA this summer, Yuma, AZ this winter, and Fairbanks, AK summer of 2025. Wayne’s family is not accepting any gifts or donations; however, if you would like to donate to your favorite charity in Wayne’s name, he would be honored.

For further information and to sign Wayne’s guest book, please visit https://www.joincake.com/memorial-pages/sammy-wayne-madden/#obituary