Everett L. Madsen

Everett L. Madsen age 87 of Bellingham WA. passed away December 7th 2017, in Bellingham, WA.

Everett was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on January 12, 1930 to Carl (Ted), and Blanche (Whitney) Madsen, and moved with his family to Whatcom County as a young child.

He married Shirley D. Drury, on August 16 1952 in Bellingham, and they shared 65 years of their lives together, raising and loving two sons, a daughter and one granddaughter. After Everett’s retirement as a Mail Carrier in the Ferndale, and Bellingham Post Offices, and Security Services at Arco Refinery some 30 years ago, Everett and Shirley travelled with their 5th wheel trailer from Bellingham back and forth to Arizona as snowbirds for several years before deciding to purchase a home in Arizona City, Arizona to spend the winters.

Everett enjoyed sports all his life, including hunting, fishing, volleyball, baseball, and many years in a bowling league. His true love in sports was golf which he enjoyed most of his life and achieved scoring 3 holes in one. He enjoyed riding his bicycle through his 87th summer.

Everett enjoyed working with his hands, whether growing vegetables for his family and friends or the beauty and variety of multi-colored dahlias. He indulged his artistic side in a myriad of ways, creating beauty for others to enjoy. He was a craftsman, whether it was a rooster made of nails and wire, creating stained glass or working with exotic woods creating Intarsia Art.

Everett was a voracious reader and was seldom seen without a book nearby, he enjoyed playing cards and games. He was never stymied by any puzzle.

Everett was very proud of his volunteer work, serving honorably in the U S Marine Corps, he was instrumental in the founding and building of Gooseberry Point Volunteer Fire Department, serving as fireman, EMT and later as Fire Commissioner. He was on the board of directors for the Whatcom Employee Credit Union (Coast Credit Union) and sat on the board of his local water association at Gooseberry Point.

Everett is survived by his wife, Shirley as well as their 3 children, Larry (Grace Borsari), Kent (Tami), Kelly (Jim Edwards), and a granddaughter Rachel Madsen. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and was never more pleased than when asked to help with any project, large or small.

He is predeceased by his Father Carl T. Madsen, mother Blanche Madsen, and sister Beryl Bowers.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial contributions can be sent to the Ferndale Food Bank.