Matthew "Matt" Madden

Matthew "Matt" Madden, 62, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014 at home, his family at his side, after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Matt was born in Coulee Dam, Washington and lived in Yakima and Seattle before settling down in Moses Lake. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1969, and then continued his education at Central Washington University where he graduated with a degree in Education. He started working at Basic American Foods (then American Potato) in 1973 and was employed there over 40 years. He met his wife, Melodie, at work and they married in 1984. He was a wonderful father to their daughter, Alicia.

Matt enjoyed his life to the fullest and loved his family and friends. He golfed, snow skied, water skied, and absolutely loved to ride his Harley. As a young man he played guitar in several bands and he always had a deep love for music. He liked to travel and took his family, including grandchildren, on several wonderful vacations that will never be forgotten.

Matt had a wonderful, wry sense of humor and was easy to love. He was open, non-judgmental and had a deep faith. He was a good, solid man who people depended on - he would always do the right thing. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melodie, daughter Alicia and son-in-law Alex Low and their three children Madison, Kaitlynn and Jaidyn, sister Marilyn Sjolund, brother Mike (Judy) Madden, foster brother Clayton Bearleggins, brother-in-law Huffman Smith, sister in law Stephanie Smith (Frank Burton) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Marcella Madden, brother-in-law Ken Sjolund and sister-in-law Judy Smith.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 24 at 10:00 at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Moses Lake, with burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Spokane, Washington to follow at a later date. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.