News Article

The Gonzaga University community will host a series of memorials for Matthew Cole Madison, the 20-year-old junior engineering major from Bozeman, Mont., who died from a steep fall on Jan. 3 while trying to get a glimpse of the famous St. Andrews golf course in Scotland.

The funeral for Madison, an avid golfer and All-State high school golfer in Montana, was held Jan. 13 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bozeman. The church was completely filled and over 150 attendees took up seats in the church lobby.

Madison’s parents, Dan and Marlyn Madison, are expected to arrive in Spokane this weekend and feel a closeness to Gonzaga because of the years spent here by both of their sons, Taylor and Matthew. The parents hope to meet their sons’ friends, however close or casual, and any faculty, staff and Jesuits who helped make their sons so happy at GU. Taylor Madison, who graduated from GU last May with a master’s degree in finance and economics, is scheduled to attend. Their sister Heather will not be able to attend due to other commitments.

The GU community is invited to attend any of the following events and ceremonies:

Through Sunday, Jan. 22. Bring a candle to the Candle Shrine in the University Chapel (on the third floor of the Administration Building) as an expression of prayers for Matthew and his family. The GU community is invited to sit quietly in the Chapel, write a letter to Matthew’s parents or brother and sister, and leave it in the basket located near the Candle Shrine.

Through Sunday, Jan. 22. Write a letter to the Madisons and leave it at the Crosby Student Center information desk.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. University Ministry, working with some GU students from Bozeman, and two students who were with Matthew when he died, and with many others, will host a celebration of Madison’s life in the Rare Book Room, third floor of the Foley Center.

Sunday, Jan. 22, 10 p.m. University Ministry will combine the two Sunday evening Masses into one in St. Aloysius Church at GU. Lisandro Pena of University Ministry will prepare the service with students, including in it as many friends of Matthew and Taylor as possible. Rev. Rick Ganz, S.J., director of University Ministry, will preside and preach this Mass, with other priest concelebrants, offering prayer in memory of Matthew, and for his family and friends of Matthew and Taylor.

“Let us treasure the life and friendship we have, through which we have a future and a hope,” said Rev. Ganz. “With warm regards in Christ, we thank you for being there for the Madisons.”

Cards may be sent to the Madison family at the following address: 220 Sacajawea, Bozeman, MT, 59718.

For more information, please contact Rev. Ganz at (509) 323-4238.