Robert Frederick Madison

Robert Frederick "Bob" Madison, of Linden, passed away December 5, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 85 years old. Bob was born on March 6, 1924 in New York City, NY, the son of Mae (Graham) and Frederick Madison. He was the father of 2 children: Carol and Keith, and was married to his beloved wife, Joyce for 61 years until she passed away in August of 2007. Bob was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and was stationed in Trinidad, where he met his wife, Joyce. Bob then resided in Long Island, NY, with his wife and 2 children, until being transferred to southern California until his retirement in 1981. Bob then moved to Show Low, Arizona, with his wife, where he has since resided. We knew him as someone who had a twinkle in his eye and a great New York accent. His sometimes off-the-cuff east coast manner was full of jokes and laughter. The smell of sweet tobacco on his flannel shirt while he smoked his pipe; he was a cowboy at heart and one with his land. He could cook a mean breakfast and was surrounded by animals who unconditionally loved this gruff exterior but was the biggest softie inside. Grandpa truly loved 3 things in life: His God, his family and his dogs. Grandpa's tender heart and caring spirit gave many animals a loving home when others abandoned them. He was a good friend, a great father, husband and, an even greater grandpa. Grandpa always had a good story to tell, made you feel at ease and made great food. Being with Grandpa was like being at home. He was a great example of strength, yet tenderness; firmness, yet gentleness. He embodied compassion and loyalty and we are all better people for it. He was a man of faith who loved God and his family, was unselfish with his time, loving, patient, a great father and husband. He's now in heaven rejoicing with the angels as well as his Savior and is with his beloved wife, Joyce. Bob Madison will be missed. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Grace Church, right off of Highway 260, in Show Low, Arizona. Please join us as we celebrate his life.