Obituary of Douglas Wilfred Madge

Douglas Wilfred Madge of Three Hills, Alberta (formerly of Hanna, Alberta) was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 27, 2023, at the age of 97 years. He was pre-deceased by both his parents, his loving wife of 62 years, Della (Carolyn), his four siblings and spouses, and several nephews.

He was born in Calgary, Alberta on April 12, 1926. His parents Fredrick and Isabel Madge were blessed with their chosen child.

Doug grew up around cattle and horses on the home ranch at Richdale, winning the Grand Champion bull at the Calgary Bull Sale in 1953, giving him the money to buy a wedding ring for his fiancé.

Doug married the love of his life Della Carolyn Edler on July 31,1954, and they were blessed with six children: Verna, Thelma, Sheila, Steven, Doneta, and Wilfred. Doug was devoted to his family and was immensely proud of them.

Over the years, Doug worked as a farmer, bus driver, and feed mill operator. He was responsible for mixing and delivering feed to area farmers, and later public relations and feed sales. After retirement, he traveled into the USA selling a locally made machine for retrieving gravel from ditches.

Doug was an active member on many boards, including a period as Mayor and council member of Rockyford from 1992 – 2001. He was also an active member of the Rosebud Church for forty-five years.

Doug loved to sing, and whistle as he walked. He was jovial and enjoyed visiting with everyone and telling stories. He was great at playing games such as baseball, checkers, and crokinole in his youth, and later enjoyed curling. After retirement, he learned woodworking, pottery, ceramics, and played pool. Doug volunteered on many boards but had a special affinity for his involvement with the Passion Play. Doug was devoted to the Lord and loved to help others wherever he could.  

In their later years Doug and Carolyn moved to Hanna, first living on their own, then the Lodge, and finally Doug went to Long Term Care. They attended Hanna Alliance Church in these years. His last month was in Three Hills LTC.

Left to mourn and cherish his memory are his children: Verna (Fred), Thelma (Lorne), Sheila (Tim), Steven (Helen), Doneta (Tim), and Wilfred. Doug will also be missed by his grandchildren: Bradley (Glenda), Heather, Cayla, Shawn (Britany), Brianna, Tyler, Benjamin (Elliot), and Sophia (Jacky); one great-grandson Weston, and numerous extended family members.

A Service of Remembrance will take place on Monday, July 31, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at the Rosebud Community Church, Rosebud, Alberta. Interment took place at the beginning of July at the Rosebud Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Three Hills Long Term care facility for their excellent care of Dad and the family members, and Hanna LTC for their care.

Thanks to Laurie of Hanna Funeral Services who lovingly and respectfully arranged the details of the interment and the upcoming memorial service.

If desired, donations in Doug’s memory can be made to either: The Passion Play, Badlands Amphitheatre, Box 457, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0; The Gideons, 185 Young Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 1V9 or the Canadian Christian Cowboy Association, 1012 - 9 St. West, High River, AB, T1V 1B1.