Brian Corey Madden
Brian Corey Madden, of Levering, formerly of Alanson, passed away at home October 5, 2022 after a heroic battle with brain cancer. Anyone who knew Brian, knew how stubborn of a man he was. Stubborn to the point he wouldn’t allow the GBM to overcome him until he was able to meet his first-born grandson, Bryan, born just a couple weeks ago.
Brian was born in Ann Arbor, the son of Cynthia Madden and Danny Matts. He grew up in Onaway where he made many everlasting long-time friendships. He attended Onaway High School, with the exception of ninth grade at Inland Lakes, and graduated in 1987. While in the ninth grade, he met the love of his life, Billie Jo Baker.
After graduating, Brian joined the United States Army serving as a medic from 1987 to 1989. A short while after returning home from the Army, Brian and Billie Jo rekindled their school love and together decided to spend the rest of their lives building a family which includes their two beautiful daughters, Amber and Rebecca, and a marriage that would last 33 years. Brian and his sweetheart, Billie Jo, officially tied the knot May 22, 1999 in Harbor Springs.
In his early years, Brian loved living it up, making memories that will keep his spirit alive whenever spoken of by his family and friends. He sure loved to have fun, so many can attest to that!
Brian fell in love with the flooring trade. After working for others for several years, Brian opened his own business, Maddens’ Floor Covering. He enjoyed the work he did, countless times putting hours in after a long day’s work, to help family and friends as well. Brian was the absolute best at what he did, and took great pride in his attention to detail and top-notch work.
When not at work, Brian loved to spend time doing many things, most times alongside his wife Billie Jo. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter of birds and deer. For many years, it was sacred for Brian and Billie Jo to head to the blind so early on those cold, crisp November 15 mornings.
As age progressed, Brian turned his focus to fishing, and man could he fish! He absolutely loved slaying the largemouth in the shallows or the “smallies” in the reeds. Brian was always willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to bass fish. One of his favorite lakes to fish and area to two-track was Wycamp Lake.
After Brian and Billie Jo moved to their new home in Levering, Brian gave up his business to be spend more time at home. Love and family became his focus, greater than any hobby. Brian enjoyed taking trips to the U.P., often spending the day with his wife finding agates on the shores of Lake Superior at some of their favorite spots, two-tracking often times including stopping at beautiful spots to grill and have lunch on his tailgate, and exploring random countryside with his love by his side. He loved making those memories and they were some of the greatest moments of his life.
If you knew Brian, you know the greatest hat he wore was “Papa”. He first wore that hat with his first-born granddaughter Lillian. Their bond is like no other, Papa and his princess, the “bestest” of friends. She filled a special place in him that made his eyes light up whenever they spoke on the phone or spent time together. Brian loved all his grandchildren and loved spending time with them indoors and outdoors, dancing in the rain, building snow forts, riding the four-wheeler with them, taking them out to enjoy the woods and just to be kids. Brian wore that Papa hat with pride, love, kindness, patience, and honor. It was one of his greatest pleasures in his life.
Brian will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Please keep his memory alive by
Brian is survived by his wife, Billie Jo; daughters, Amber Madden and Rebecca Madden; grandchildren Lillian, Finnley, Kenzley, Bryan, Lyrix and Syren; mother, Cindy Madden; sisters, Lisa Wilson and Amie Fate (Maves); brother, Kirk Mave; and several nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins and friends.
Brian was preceded in death by his dad, Danny Matts; his maternal grandparents, Dormer and Mildred Madden; his paternal grandparents, Myron “Mike” and Betty Matts; his aunt, Vicki Matts; and one of his best friends, Rob Stevenson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Tower Hall Sunday, October 23, from 1 until 5 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Brian to his family. Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.
