W.J. (Bill) Madison died in Seattle Wa. Jan. 4, 1998. He was born Aug. 10, 1928 in Akron, Ohio, son of W.J. Madison Sr. and Mary Riddle Madison. His childhood years were spent in Akron. He lived in Miami, FL for two years during high school. He was a graduate of Buchtel High School in Akron. In 1947, he was assigned to the N.R.O.T.C. program at the University of Utah. He met his wife, Margaret Barwick (Marge) at a church retreat in 1949. They were married at Wasatch Presbyterian Church on Nov. 27, 1950, beginning 47 years of loving commitment to one another. God blessed them with the birth of four daughters, the special addition of a foster daughter and six grandchildren. Bill and Marge were caring partners in their role as parents and he devoted many joyful hours to participating with his "girls" and grandchildren in a multitude of activities.
He was employed by Barwick and Co. Wholesale Furniture and Floor Covering in 1949, holding many positions until he retired in 1987 as President and General Manager. He loved his work and all those associated with the furniture industry in the intermountain area and across the country. Following retirement, Bill and Marge served the Presbyterian Church as volunteers at Ghost Ranch Conference Center in New Mexico. In 1994, they became fulltime RVers. "Ready to go," they enjoyed a new adventure every day.Community activities: Salt Lake Junior Chamber of Commerce, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, founding member and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Salt Shakers, Salt Lake Kiwanis, Hospice, Listening Post, ski supervisor for Cottonwood Country Club, announcer for Country Club Swim League. He was an AVID fan of U of U sports and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
As a member of the Presbyterian Church, he was instrumental in the founding of Mt. Olympus and Community of Christ Presbyterian Churches. An ordained Elder, he served the church faithfully on the local, regional and national levels.
Preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kathy Madison Knigge, (born on her father's birthday), brother Richard, and parents.
Survived by wife Marge; daughters and son-in-law: Margee and Mark Ruff, The Rev. Ellen and Robert Neville, Nanette and George Peppin, The Rev. Carol and John Shellenberger. Grandchildren: Michael Ruff, Heidi Knigge, Gentry and Dylan Peppin, Mark and Christine Shellenberger. Sister, Mary Alice Snouffer (Robert), brother, Robert (Betty) a large extended family and many dear friends, all of whom loved and supported him during the last seven months.
Bill faced his seven month battle with cancer with the same faith, sense of humor, strength, positive attitude and love of life that were so much a part of his character, becoming an inspiration to all those with whom he came in contact.
The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the National Ghost Ranch Foundation, HC77, Box 11, Abiquiu, NM 87510 or Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 71336, Salt Lake City, UT 84171.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, 1998, 2:30 p.m. at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, 1580 East Vine Street, SLC, UT.
Funeral Directors: Evans and Early, 574 East First So., Salt Lake City, UT. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, Utah.
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