Obituary of Irvin Charles Madson
Irvin Charles Madson, born July 13, 1957, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Irvin was the third child of Henry and Helen Madson, and brother to Irene, Ivan and Ernest. Growing up near Theodore, Irvin learned his hard work ethic from his parents at an early age. He helped on the family farm and helped his sister and brother-in-law build their home in Yorkton. He then went to work in Calgary before returning to Yorkton to work at the Beaver Lumber truss plant at the Yorkton airport. His next employment was at Revelstoke Lumber as Yard Foreman and then became the company's RTM salesman.
Irvin married Cindy Mojelski on May 20, 1978, and they began building their life together – including building 3 homes in Yorkton.
In 1981, Irvin's father passed away leaving him a parcel of land and giving him the motivation to begin a very successful farming career.
After the birth of their first son, Kenneth, Irvin and Cindy purchased more land to expand the farm. They moved back to Theodore where they renovated a home and had their second son, Darren. A few years later they built a new home in Theodore as well.
In 1997, they decided it was time to move to the farm near Good Spirit Lake where they currently live.
Irvin was focused on having a successful farm operation and, like other farmers, was a man of many talents. He purchased additional land and cattle until he had all he could handle on his own and with the help of his sons once they were older. Of course, the boys eventually went out to see what else the world had to offer, but returned regularly to help on the farm and help dad and mom build their new and final home in 2010.
Irvin talked of downsizing until Darren came back to farm in 2013. Irvin was very pleased and enjoyed working with his son again. In 2018, Irvin, Darren and Ken began building Darren’s home on the neighbouring farm. Irvin helped until the home was framed, and was proud to see Darren finish the home, following in dad’s home-builder footsteps.
With Darren now on the farm, Irvin was happy knowing he had a permanent farm hand and he finally felt comfortable leaving his herd to travel. He and Cindy enjoyed vacations to Mexico, Cuba, Phoenix and Vegas. And of course, regular road trips to Ritchie Bros. auctions in Saskatoon, Regina and Edmonton. While he was often “tinkering”, he liked to keep busy and always saw potential in old items he could repurpose for the house or the farm.
Irvin was thrilled to enjoy both sons’ weddings. Then, January 2021, the first grandchild arrived – grandson Beckett who quickly became Irvin’s best buddy! The piggyback rides and “1, 2, 3, Go Grandpa!” races around the kitchen island became their favourite activities. They would go out daily to give a new calf its bottle, check the cows and see if the “elks ate all the hay” (as Beckett would say). Beckett always wanted to go see the black cow. Grandpa would say, "they are all black, Beckett!" and Beckett would reply, "The fat one!" Irvin would laugh all day at that one and would tell Cindy, "we are so blessed to have him so close." Then in December 2024, granddaughter Zoey was born and his world was perfect! While it was only two short months, he got to share some newborn cuddles and heard her little “coos” as she starts finding her voice.
Irvin was predeceased by his parents Henry and Helen, brother Ivan, brother-in-law Nestor, brother-in-law Greg, sister-in-law Wendy and niece Melissa.
Irvin leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Cindy, son Kenneth (Ashley), son Darren (Micaela) and best buddy grandson Beckett and sweet granddaughter Zoey, sister Irene, brother Ernest, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and numerous nephews and nieces.
Irvin looked forward to Christmas when the house was full with family from near and far… especially when he had a little help making gingerbread houses. He also enjoyed the summer family camping when everyone would come to the lake and, of course, spend some time visiting at the farm too. He couldn't wait to see family camping resume this summer.
Thank you, Irvin, for your infectious smile, great memories and all the love you gave!
