NAPA - Wayne William Madden, 89, passed away suddenly, with family by his side, at Queen of the Valley Medical Center, on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008. He was born in Gridley on June 21, 1919, to Laura and Guy Madden. His mother’s family were Irish/Welsh pioneers who worked their 5,000-acre cattle ranch and were instrumental in settling part of the Ruby Valley in Nevada.

From the age of 4 and on, Wayne and his mother called San Mateo their home.

Wayne loved to learn and had an inner drive to always try and better himself. He developed a strong work ethic. During his early school years, his nickname, “Waymo,” was born and stuck throughout his life. When he became 18 years old in 1937, he joined the branch of service he admired above all others — the U.S. Marine Corps! He was shipped to Shanghai, China. For the next three years, he was part of the 2nd Marine Brigade that was to protect the International Settlement from encroachment by either Japanese or Chinese army forces who were locked in combat. His entire Marine tour of duty lasted for eight years and five months. His rank was quartermaster sergeant. Wayne had so many stories about his China experiences to tell. He was so proud to have been a “China Marine” and because of his love of the written word, he began writing a book of his history at the age of 87!

Upon returning to San Mateo, on leave, he met and fell in love with a very nice, sweet and pretty Italian girl named Priscilla Mazzon. They married on New Year’s Eve 1943, and began life together, which entailed Wayne working in San Francisco at the Marine Corps Supply Depot.

His three daughters were born in San Mateo and then the family moved to Richmond, where Wayne entered into a partnership with his brother-in-law, Atillio Paulazzo, and both ran the Richmond Ravioli Factory Delicatessen. On Feb. 14, 1954, he began working for Safeway stores as a clerk. He quickly advanced to store manager. In 1961 Wayne and family moved to Napa. At different times, he managed two Safeway stores in Napa and the Mini Drive store in Vallejo, before retiring in 1977. He was a dedicated Safeway man. Throughout his Safeway years, Wayne had been an active member of the Napa Lions Club.

After retiring, Wayne was restless and began working for the Napa Valley Unified School District and ended up as “energy auditor” for all the schools in Napa.

Throughout his life, everything that Wayne did he wanted to do well. His motto was, “If you’re going to do it, do it right.”

Besides keeping a wonderful vegetable garden and enjoying all his fruit trees, he strove to grow the best Meyer lemons in town.

His love of the peaceful outdoors and of trout-fishing was evident at the family cabin, which he owned for 40 years, in Old Station (near Lassen). It was always a great place to get away to and have family gatherings. He taught his three daughters to fish while they were all teenagers. Later on, he taught the sons-in-law to play his favorite game of cribbage.

Wayne will be remembered as a nice, sweet gentleman with an easy smile and for his funny little quips that he always injected into his conversations. He was a very proud man. He loved his family, his home and his friends. We know he will greatly miss getting together with his old Safeway friends and some newly made friends for lunch at the Elks Club, where he was a member.

Wayne is survived by his loving daughters, Arleen (Frank) Zwetsloot of Napa, Louise Utter of Napa, and Corinne Tallman (Joe) of Spring, Texas; grandchildren Suzy Jordan (Mike) of Napa, Steven Zwetsloot (Tara) of Napa, Jeffrey Zwetsloot of Vacaville, Tina Cruz (Juan) of North Carolina, Tony Utter of Napa, Mike Tallman (Chelsea) of Idaho, and Melissa Tallman of Colorado; and great-grandchildren Carlie and Erica Cruz, Alyse, Natalie and Kyle Zwetsloot, and Cameron Jordan. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Vera Forcellini of Belmont and Lina Carmagnola of El Cerrito; and also many nieces, nephews and special extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Priscilla “Dina” Madden; and three brothers, Alvin King, Tom and Bob Forcellini.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 3-8 p.m., at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home, 1975 Main St., Napa. The funeral service will be held Friday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m., at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home. Wayne will be laid to rest at Tulocay Cemetery.

The family has kindly requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations/remembrances in Wayne’s name be made to the American Heart Association, Redwood Empire Chapter, P.O. Box 844, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 or Napa Valley Special Olympics, 456 Franklin St., Napa, CA 94559, attn: Suzy Jordan.

Dad, we love you. A big hug and kiss until we see you again!