Randall (Randy) Madsen

We are heartbroken and saddened beyond words to announce that Randall Madsen, Randy to most of us, has passed away a few short days after his 61st birthday, on March 23, 2023. He passed peacefully at home with his wife, Diane, his son Mike, and daughters Bridget and Sarah by his side. His brothers Rick with his wife Ann and Rudy with his wife Maryann were close-by over the past months as Randy dealt with the cruel and rare disease of duodenal cancer.

Randy was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend. He took care of everyone around him and was always there for anyone in his life who was in need. He knew everything, or at least had an answer for everything. He was always the funniest person in the room, as one of his many talents was his ability to make people laugh no matter the situation. Anyone who came to see him in his final days knew this to be true.

After Algonquin College, Randy worked at many telecommunications companies. In 1999, he was hired at Cisco Systems where he would work alongside, not only his mentor and inspiration, but a great friend, Jim Peters. Jim and his sons Justin and Zach Peters would become and remain like family to us all. Jim convinced Randy to join him in California to work at Cisco headquarters in San Jose in 2005. This job transition provided many travel, education, and career opportunities to not only Randy but to his wife and family. In 2021 Randy and his wife Diane retired back to Ottawa, but Randy’s retirement didn’t last long. Just a few months before his passing, he took the opportunity to join Jim once again and take on his biggest role yet with General Motors as Head of Connected Vehicles Services and Carrier Partnerships.

Randy lived a full life with many talents and hobbies. He was able to turn his dreams into reality and his greatest achievement was designing and building his beautiful lake house on Lac Dam in Val-Des-Monts with the help of his longtime friend, Miles Underwood and brother, Rudy.

His favourite pastimes during the summer were cruising the lake on the pontoon boat and diving into the beautiful waters of Lac Dam; puttering around the property and hills on his four-wheeler; digging and planting new trees every year with his longtime buddy, plant expert and storyteller extraordinaire-Rich Huton. He also single-handedly constructed a beautiful Scandinavian cedar hot tub at the lake house. In the winter months he loved snowmobiling with his cottage buddies Jake and Max Wardill, Miles and Gary Underwood and his brother Rick. These were all very special moments for him.

He loved the lake house and always felt his happiest there. One of his favourite times of the day was sitting on the balcony with a fine glass of red wine enjoying the sunsets Lac Dam provided. But we must add that Randy’s biggest talent had to be collecting friends and turning them into family. His circle of friends remain unrivalled and spans continents and oceans.

Huge hugs and thanks to Dr. Lisa Cross, whose expert care and guidance made an impossible situation bearable and even beautiful. Special thanks also go out to everyone who came to visit Randy during his last days. These were difficult, emotional days but at the same time, provided memorable moments which we will cherish in our hearts forever.

Randy did not want a funeral, so a party to celebrate his life will be held in his honour at the lake house this summer. Details are to follow. Until then, casual get-togethers will undoubtedly keep memories of Randy alive and front of mind forever.

Please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.