Jerry Richard Madsen
Nov. 5, 1942 – Dec. 2, 2022

Jerry, “J.R.”, Madsen passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at the age of 80 after 26 years of participating in four drug trials to enhance science to hopefully find a cure for lymphoma, leukemia and MDS.

Jerry was born in Standard, Alta., grew up in Seebe, Alta., and graduated from Banff High School. Jerry went to SAIT for Power Engineering, which took him to Rimbey, Alta. While working at the Gulf Rimbey Gas Plant he met the love of his life, Connie. They wed on Sept. 7, 1968, and Jerry moved to Rocky in 1971 as Jerry began working at the Aquitaine Ram River Gas Plant. In 1972 Jerry moved his family to Rocky.

In 1977, a career move took the family to Rainbow Lake for three years before bringing them back to Rocky Mountain House where he continued to work for Canterra/Husky Oil until his retirement.

Jerry took pride in his work. He was very passionate and cared about every aspect of his job and that included his coworkers, many of whom became his best friends.

Jerry served on numerous boards including: The Pembina Educational Consortium, the Rocky Credit Union, the Rocky Kamikawa Friendship Society, the A/JTMA treasurer, the Presbyterian Church, he was a cub leader and a hockey coach. Jerry was a huge supporter of the Rocky Band Parents Association and made many field trips packing instruments in his truck. He was a Kinsmen and K-40 member until he passed. The friendships with these men were lifelong.

He loved to travel and show Connie, his kids and grandchildren the world, but being a pilot was his second love in life. JR was happiest in the sky, and he loved being “grandpa taxi” for his five grandkids. Being grandpa made Jerry the proudest — showing his support going to musical productions, hockey games, swim meets, dance recitals and soccer games. You could always tell which kid belonged him.

Jerry is survived by his best friend and wife of 54 years Connie; son Cary; daughters: Carmelle and her sons Tyler and Justin, Marni (Marty) and their children Kalli, Kira and Jordyn; brother Don (Marion) Madsen; sister-in-law Lana Whatley; nieces and nephews.

Jerry was predeceased by an infant son; parents Viggo and Clara Madsen; in-laws Jim and Dora Wingate; brother Jim Madsen; and brother-in-law Robert Whatley.

A celebration of JR’s life will be in the spring as per his request.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada by visiting bloodcancers.ca, or giving the gift of life by rolling up your sleeve and donating blood. Thanks to 24 generous and anonymous donors, we were given precious time with Jerry.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alta.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403-845-2626.