It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of José “Sonny” Ismael Melicendro Madrid, of Evanston. Our beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, cowboy, and outdoorsman went to be with the Lord on December 16, 2022.
He was born in Price, Utah, on April 9, 1944, to José Sam and Adeline Madrid where he went to Notre Dame High School.
Sonny moved to Evanston in the early 1960s where he met the love of his life, Bev, at Jim’s Café. They were married in 1964. Together they had four children who were the center of their lives. His four grandchildren were his pride and joy. He never missed a school event or milestone and was always cheering his kids and grandkids in whatever they did. He worked hard providing for his family at the State Hospital, Union Pacific Railroad as a section worker and then later as a welder. After retirement he worked parttime at the Uinta County Herald.
Sonny had many identities. In the 1950s and 60s, he was a rebel and a hippie who then fell in love with horses and the cowboy lifestyle after working for Hight Proffit at the Proffit Ranch. While there, he learned many great skills working with horses and cattle. He was a skilled horse whisperer with a natural affinity for all animals. He could train his beloved horses to do anything. He spent many hours in the saddle, traversing the rugged terrain of Wyoming and loved going on many trips with his pack horses and his cousins, Mark and Ferd, or anyone who was tough enough to keep up. He had a great love for hunting, camping or anything outdoors with his family. Working with leather was something he loved and he created many beautiful keepsakes including saddles, gun scabbards, knife cases, phone cases, key chains, mountain man shirts and anything else he put his mind to.
In addition to his love for animals, Sonny was also a deeply spiritual man. He was a devoted follower of God and his faith provided him with strength and guidance throughout his life. He was a constant at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church where he had married the love of his life 58 years ago. He served in many capacities at the church and loved doing whatever needed to be done.
Our dad was a continual jokester who loved to make people laugh. He always had a smile to share and would do anything for anyone. He could fix anything with a leatherman tool and baling wire. He was famous at St. Mary Magdalen for his bingo calling skills, but if there was a Jazz game; he called those numbers faster so he could get home to watch the game. His delicious chocolate cake and hot dogs brought people from all around to bingo.
Sonny will be deeply missed by all who knew him, particularly his family, who were by his side as he peacefully passed away after a long, courageous battle with COPD. We take comfort in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his Lord and Savior and that he is finally at peace. Fly high cowboy, we will always love you.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and four sisters; his beloved grandmother Adelina Martinez and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Sonny is survived by his loving family: his beloved wife Beverly Madrid and children: Amy (Michael) Velasquez, Sam (Vanessa) Madrid, Jeff (Mieke) Madrid & Marty Madrid; grandchildren, Chelsey Velasquez, Alyssa Velasquez, Olivia Madrid & Zachary Madrid; his siblings, Dolores (Jerry) Taylor, Loretta (John) Madrid, Colleen, Sam, Ray, Randy, Harold and Anthony Madrid; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Please join us to celebrate the life of our cowboy on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Evanston where he has been a faithful servant for almost 60 years.
The services are as follows: Vigil/Rosary-Wednesday, December 21, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen.
Funeral Mass will be Thursday, Dec. 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Evanston with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. on that same day for friends and family. There will also be a luncheon at the Machine Shop immediately following the graveside services.
Please come and celebrate the life of Sonny Madrid with our family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.
