Obituary of Ivan Brian Madsen

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". MADSEN - After a courageous battle with cancer, Ivan Madsen of Theodore passed away peacefully at Jowsey House in the early morning hours of March 9, 2015. He was 64 years of age. Ivan Brian Madsen was born on November 24, 1950, to parents Henry & Helen (nee Madetsky) Madson. His first few years were spent growing up on the Madson homestead northeast of Theodore, with the family later moving in 1957 to a home east of Theodore. From an early age, Ivan learned the ethic of hard work which his parents instilled into their children. Whether it was working in the field or tending to the animals, Ivan spent many hours labouring on the farm as that was how life was in those days. Ivan attended Theodore School. In 1971, he graduated from the retail meat cutter program at Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon which turned into a career that lasted for over 25 years. Ivan worked at MidWest Packers and Yorkton Abattoir for many years before taking ownership of the local butcher shop and opening Theodore Meat Processors. This was a job that he enjoyed and excelled at, with a reputation for being very particular with his cuts and trimming, bringing in customers from miles around. In 1972, Ivan married Barbara Hoffman. They raised four sons: Kelly (1972), twins Kurt & Keith (1974), and Kim (1985). Living in the yard next to Ivan's parents offered the boys the opportunity to spend a lot of time with their grandparents and some extra eyes as they were known to get into mischief from time to time! However, it is fair to say that the "work hard, play hard" attitude was inherited from their Dad, and through his whole life Ivan was not one to pass judgement on anyone, often saying, "Well, was I any better?" He never looked down upon anyone and treated everyone the same from all walks of life, whether through his business dealings or personally. In his early years, Ivan's interests included softball, hockey and golfing, and he was a lifelong fisherman. However, his greatest pleasure came from being a farmer. He enjoyed the satisfaction that came with raising a quality animal from birth, taking pride that the long days and nights spent calving and lambing would eventually pay off in the end. Through the season of haying where he could be found cutting on his Versatile swather, to hauling in thousands of square bales by hand, Ivan maintained a strong determination to get things done and get things done right. Up until the fall of 2014, Ivan remained active on the farm with his son Kelly. He especially was fond of his grandsons Brendan and Brett and took great care and patience in teaching them about looking after the sheep, running machinery and getting those bales stacked just so. They will certainly miss their Grandpa and will always know the value of a good day's work (making some time for fun too) that he taught them. Ivan was predeceased by his father Henry in 1981 and his mother Helen in 2006, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and friends. He leaves to celebrate his life his children: Kelly (Carla, grandchildren Brendan & Brett); Kurt (Tannys, grandchildren Mikayla, Mitchel & Jessica); Keith (Shona, grandchildren Hailey & Ally); and Kim. He also leaves his sister Irene Mykytyshyn, and brothers Irvin (Cindy) and Ernie (Grace) Madson, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to express their gratitude to each and every one of the health care workers who have helped him during this past year. A Graveside Service was held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Theodore Village Cemetery with Brad Wudrich of the Theodore United Church officiating. Kim Madsen served as the urn bearer. A Memorial Gathering followed at the Theodore Heritage Museum. Memorials in Ivan's name may be made to The Health Foundation for use in the Chemotherapy unit at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Interment Details