Gary Allan Madison

Dec 22, 1945 -

Jan 21, 2026

Gary Allan Madison, nicknamed "GMAD," died peacefully at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Jan. 21, 2026.

Gary was born on Dec. 22, 1945, in Santa Rosa, Calif., to Arlyne Diehl and Harold Madison. Gary grew up in Riverton, Wyo., and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors through fishing, dirt biking, snowmobiling and hunting in the Wind River Range. He later earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Wyoming.

After graduation, Gary joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving six years as an aircraft commander. While stationed in Jacksonville, Ark., he met and married Karen Lynn Hayden, his wife of 50 years. He began his civilian flying career with Air US in Riverton, later working for United Airlines for 20 years and finishing his career with Aero Air medevac.

Gary was an active member of his church for many years, serving as a deacon and as a member of the Gideons. He was widely known for his quiet generosity and service to others, frequently volunteering his mechanical skills, helping process game for families in need of food, shoveling roofs and maintaining yards—always without being asked or without seeking recognition. He consistently placed the needs of others before his own. His life was centered around church and family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen Madison of Anchorage; son, Hayden with wife Margarita Madison and their three children; son, Nick Madison with wife Megan Martone and their son, Carson Madison; daughter, Erica Madison with husband Chris Klosterman and their two children; brother, Steve Madison; and sister, Susan Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lew and Arlyne Diehl; grandmother, Margret Weber; and brother, Kent Madison.