Edward Joseph Madrid (Butch) went home to Heaven on Feb. 22. He was born Jan. 26, 1948, in Pagosa Springs, where he was raised his entire life. He was not one for obituaries, so we wanted to put in facts about him and his wonderful life.
He was happiest when he was with family. He’s survived by his mother, Sally Cogan, of Georgia; his wife of 31 years, June, of Pagosa Springs; his daughter, Tracie, of California; his son, Ed, and wife Jennifer Madrid, of Arizona; and son Rich and his wife, Davilyn Valdez, of Pagosa Springs. He had six grandchildren: Cameron and Kaylie Castillo (California), Whitney and Gracie Andres (Arizona) and Daily and Lexie Valdez (Pagosa Springs). We had just found out we would be great-grandparents to a grandson and he was so very proud of Cameron.
He served in Vietnam and was proud of his time served. He absolutely loved coaching. It didn’t matter what sport: football, volleyball, basketball or baseball. He loved his career in the Pagosa Springs school district. He began as a physical education teacher and worked in special ed. He was principle of the middle school, then moved on to become principal of the elementary school. After retiring, he went back as assistant principal of the elementary school. He served our school system for 42 years and loved every minute of that time. To stay connected to sports, he helped with the radio station to announce the girl’s volleyball games.
There was no sweeter man on earth or one loved more by his family. We will miss you, Bampo.
A memorial has been set up by the family with the goal of purchasing some kind of equipment at the elementary school and/or a scholarship in his name because the school was one of his great loves. Should you wish to contribute, we have set up a fund at www.youcaring.com. Enter Butch Madrid’s name.
