Ernest S. Ernie Madison, a local builder, developer, real estate investor and philanthropist, passed away April 29, 2011, at his home in Greenwood Village.
Rabbi Selwyn Franklin and Cantor Joel Lichterman officiated at the May 2 service held at BMH-BJ. Interment followed at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Education was paramount to Dad, his son Jonathan said in his eulogy. He made sure that we all had the opportunity to go to the finest schools. Dad relished his position as CFO, CEO or just the big chief of the Madison family.
One of the most important lessons Dad taught us was tzedakah, Jonathan said.
Erik Madison, one of Mr. Madisons grandsons, said that Papa Ernie has and always will be an inspiration to me.
Mr. Madison was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Denver.
His grandparents Abraham and Sarah Shapiro and their children left St. Paul, Minn., around 1910 and joined 30 other Jewish families to homestead in Chugwater, Wyo.
Ernie Madison attended Stevens Elementary, Gove Junior and East High. He went to CU until the outbreak of WW II, served three years in the Army but never talked about his experiences until his 80th birthday, when he mentioned that he was in the Battle of the Bulge.
He finished his degree at DU.
Mr. Madison met Charlotte Miller at age seven. Although they attended Stevens, Gove and East together, he claimed he wasnt interested because she was two years younger.
They fell in love and married Dec. 9, 1947, at the old BMH on 16th and Gaylord.
Mrs. Madison passed away on April 11, 1981.
He then married Diane Morris. They divorced after 18 years of marriage.
In 2008, Mr. Madison established the Ernest S. Madison perpetual annual campaign at Allied Jewish Federations Jewish Community Foundation and also supported the federation.
Mr. Madison is survived by his children Dr. Bruce (Susan) Madison and Jonathan (Sharon) Madison; and grandchildren Mike, Casey, Erik and Zachary Madison.
Contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
Copyright © 2011 by the Intermountain Jewish News
