I remember a very strict, no nonsense principal, I wish I'd known this George Madsen. How little we knew about so many of our teachers and principals, and the person behind the job.
~George Madsen~
George Madsen passed away March 21, 2009 at his home in Fremont, CA. George was born in Sacramento, CA and attended the University of California, Davis, where he received his degree and his teaching credential. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and was stationed in San Antonio and Reno. He married Esther Bowman in August, 1942, as a result of correspondence to a soldier as encouraged by her pastor. George insisted their marriage was God's will, and it proved to be true for 66 plus years.
They raised three children, Nick, Karen and Linda, in Fillmore where they lived for 25 years. During this time, George was the agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Fillmore High, and later became Director of Curriculum and finally principal in 1967 and retiring in 1974.
George taught many students in his agriculture classes, and many went on to become successful in the areas of agriculture and law enforcement. While teaching, George recieved his Masters in Education a USC in the mid 50's.
After retiring, George and Esther became volunteers with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Mitla, Mexico, later in Texas, and then in Idyllwild, CA at the orientation for new missionaries. Friendships were made which led to George's correspondence with 80 missionaries around the world. E-mail simplified his efforts tremendously, and everyone will miss his weekly and monthly letters.
After leaving Fillmore, George and Esther set up their retirement home at Dillon Beach, CA., in the house he remodeled that was his boyhood family vacation home. He loved going poke pole fishing and teaching others the skill of fishing under the rocks; he also loved digging clams which his family enjoyed in the form of clam chowder. Another tradition of George's was making applesauce from locally grown Gravenstein apples. A family tradition that is still carried on by his granddaughters. When poor health came upon the scene, their children encouraged them to move to Fremont so they would be closer to their children and to doctors.
George's love of travel took him and Esther to all 50 states and five continents; many of those states were visited during camping trips with their children each summer. George had a personal relationship with the Lord since a young boy. Living with missionaries in southern Mexico gave him the heart for missions and the importance of people having the Bible in their own tongue.
A funeral service was held Saturday, March 27 in Fremont.
Rest in Peace Mr. Madsen.