September Angels - I believe!

It's the anniversary of my sister, Wendy's death today.  And Friday marks the first anniversary of my dad's death.  September is a bad month in this way.  My grandpa also died September 30.

I had an amazing experience today.  I had an appointment with my physical therapist so I left work, took I-15 heading south to the 4th south exit.  I was in the right lane anticipating the upcoming exit and just as I reached the junction of I-80 (westbound toward the airport which comes right before my exit) there suddenly appeared in my lane right in front of me, a very large, black steel object - no idea what it was.  I had to swerve because it was so big, but when I did I ended up on the I-80 exit instead of going to my (next) exit.  The car was all over the place out of control - it was crazy because I was probably going 80 MPH when this happened.  The maneuvers I made, averting what could have been a very serious accident (big retaining wall right there and split freeway!) were not anything I knew how to do but I regained control and just proceeded west to Redwood where I was able to turn around and go east again as planned.

After this I felt amazingly calm, not even with that adrenaline rush that usually accompanies close calls - even minor ones - and this was a biggie!  Then I realized it was my dad who was driving.  I believe in angels and some of them are those who have died before us and who have an interest in our lives.  I believe God often uses them as our guardian angels.  In this case I needed an expert driver - who better than my record-holding and very skilled race car driver dad?  I knew he wouldn't be sitting around on a cloud:)

I was reminded of Carrie Underwood's song, Jesus Take the Wheel and Alabama's, Angels Among Us.  I'm glad to know it wasn't my time to go and I believe my dad as well as my Heavenly Father wants me to have a chance to be happy in this next chapter of my life.  Thanks to God and "Wild Bill!"

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Wish you were here. I do want to thank you for the reassurance that you are OK. If only I could tell you. I love you!

The last photo (before the last downturn) when he was packing up to leave the hospital and so much better!

Thanksgiving 2009.  Thanks to Justin & Krista for making this moment possible.

He taught Justin to hunt and fish (Kenlee too)

The last summer with Justin in the boat

And with Kenlee

Father's Day 2007

Can't cry hard enough...

For anyone who's ever lost someone precious...

The Guest Book for my dad

It won't be online for long so I wanted to record the kind thoughts that were posted (most recent first).

October 05, 2010

I remember talking to Mr Madsen when I was just a little kid..my brother worked for him and Gary came over to our house all the time...I used to talk to Bill in the pits at the races..I remember growing up always wanting to be WILD BILL because he was the best racer...thank you for the memories rest in peace GOD BLESS ~ Jay Roper, Reno, Nevada

October 01, 2010

To Bill's family, he was always so kind and helpful when it came to our many cars. He pasted, wired, and glued many a car back together for us and kept them on the road. It was always our pleasure to chat with Bill and Sandy when picking up or dropping off cars. I hoped this day wouldn't come. Thanks Bill for your friendship, didn't know you were a South High Cub, that must be one of the reasons you were a special friend. Love Mark, Trish Wheeler and kids ~Trish Wheeler, Marion, UT

September 30, 2010

So good to visit with old and new friends of my dad. Thanks for the tributes and memories. We love you all! ~ Debbie Madsen Miller, Bountiful, UT

September 29, 2010

Colleen,
I am so sorry to see that your father has passed away, it is not easy losing a parent. I knew this was your dad, I remember you always talking about Wild Bill. As you look back on the wonderful memories that you have of your dad, those memories will help you through these hard times. ~ Debbie Larsen (Itokazu), Salt Lake City, UT

September 28, 2010

Memories of the Chevron Station, Racing,and the Airplane are on my mind when I think of Bill..many wild and crazy times..thanks Bill..Kay Blackburn

September 27, 2010

Madsen family we were sadden by the lose of bill we have many happy memories of him are thought and love are with you ,miss you wild bill #65 love claudia lloyd, connie, troy

September 27, 2010

I love you grandpa you will always be missed!! ~ Felicia Didericksen, West Valley, UT

September 27, 2010

Dear Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a good man and will always be remembered. ~ Shirley Montoya, Kearns, UT

September 27, 2010

Gary, sorry to here of your dads passing he was a wonderful man and will be deeply miss.we offer are deepest sympathy to you all. Ith family

September 27, 2010

Sandy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We have many, many great memories of him, and thought the world of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, The Bruggeman Family

September 27, 2010

Madsen Family, We are deeply saddened to hear about Bill. We will always cherish many memories of the years racing together at the Fairgrounds and Bonneville. He will be missed by many . Our prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Sincerly, Monte and Collette Pendleton ~ Monte Pendleton, Arroyo Grande, California

September 27, 2010

We are sorry to hear of the loss of legend.. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Sorry we can not attend the services but I know Bill understands, since we are out of town watching racing!! Love the Williams Family. Ric Sherry Marty and Cree ~ cree williams, slc, UT

September 27, 2010

ol billy, you taught me everything i know about cars. If it weren't for you I wouldn't know anything about mechanic work at all. You were the best tutor I could have asked for. I wish I could have been around more over this last year so I would have had more time with you. I love you old timer... Your most recent trainee, ~ Derek Bolton, Oakley, UT

September 26, 2010

Must have been a T.Time available the best golf partner and friend ever ~ Darrell & Dianne Roberts, Oakley, UT

September 26, 2010

Oh so many years have passed, but Bill was always one of my favorite drivers to "pick on" at the old Fairgrounds Speedway." He had a great life, too many friends to count, and I always felt honored to be one, tho in the background...RIP Bill...Gizzy ~ Jim "gizzy" ` Platt, Riverton, UT

September 26, 2010

I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF A LEGEND.I REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING HIM RACE.I TALKED TO HIM NOT LONG AGO AND HE WAS TRYING TO HELP A NEIGHBOR REPAIR THEIR CAR.TYPICAL BILL, GO WIN THE BIG RACE IN THE SKY FOR THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER "WILD BILL", RIP. BEST REGARDS FOR HIS FAMILY, ~ JOHN (-J-MAC RADIATOR -) PARKS, TAYLORSVILLE, UT

September 26, 2010

I fondly recall the many years of racing that I watched "Wild bill" drive. The competition between his Rear engine car and the roadsters was fearce. I've often said the best race I ever watched was at Idaho's Super Oval track between him and "Crazy Horse" Hendricks. I prey God will assist his many loved one's in their greiving now that Bill has taken his final Checkered Flag. Boy, What a winner. ~ Lew Timothy, Vernal, UT

September 26, 2010

"Wild Bill Madsen" Wow!!! I have such wonderful memories watching Bill race at Bonneville. He was always the first driver I wanted too see after the race. Rest In Peace "Wild Bill" ~ Terry McCray, Salt Lake, UT

September 25, 2010

What a reunion it must be with my dad, Morrie (Morris Peay) and Bill... Born 1 day apart and best friends til the end... There are so many wonderful memories with the Peay's and Madsen's. I love all you guys and love that I have such wonderful memories. God bless. ~ Pamela Peay, Tooele, UT

September 25, 2010

I was so saddened when I saw that Billy had passed away. He was truly a wonderful, wonderful man! I haven't seen you in a few years but I will greatly miss Bill. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you Sandy and Bill's children. Gary, go win one for "Wild Bill"! ~ Kathy Phillips Larson, Tooele, UT

September 25, 2010

You will be deeply missed "Wild Bill". You are in our prayers and thoughts. My you Rest In Peace, and keep racing with the best up in heaven! ~ Trista Lindberg James Deyerle (Fudd), West Valley City, UT

September 25, 2010

We will miss Bill so very much. He has been such a big part of our lives for so long. All our love, thoughts, and sympathies. Jayson, Kory, Jack, Matthew & Amanda Strachan Heber City, UT

September 25, 2010

Our heart felt condolences to the Madsen family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace 'Wild Bill' ~ Doug & Jodie Palmer

September 25, 2010

I'm sad to read of Bill's passing. He was my friend -- and my mechanic -- during the 1960's. I offer my deepest sympathy to Sandy and Bill's family. ~ Beverly (Ray) Kennedy, Taylorsville, UT

"Last night I had a crazy dream..."

This is the opening line of the Lonestar song, One More Day that we played at Dad's funeral at Sandy's request. Well, I had one last night - a dream, that is.

I went to the hospital after work, as I had so many other days. When I arrived the nurse was bringing something into his room - a box (yes, a box - in dreamstyle) of plain water??? (overpriced no doubt) to be used for something that signified he was better now. He was in bed with the head up, no tubes, smiling and talking. His hair was darker and his voice was as it was before he got sick. When he saw me he said, "surprised you, huh?" I was definitely surprised to see how well and happy he looked.

The dream woke me up and I had trouble getting back to sleep, but not because it upset me in any way. It was a very calm awakening. I finally got back to sleep but then I had trouble waking up for work so I was late arriving. When I was telling our program secretary about the dream (and why I was late) she looked at my photo of my dad in my office and said that hearing this literally gave her chills and she said she knew immediately what it was - Dad's way of letting me know everything is fine and he is well (at last)! I also knew right away that what she understood was true. She said she had a similar experience when her father-in-law passed away and it brought tears to her eyes having this experience again while talking to me. She said the chills started as soon as she looked at his picture and went away as she left my office.

Maybe I got one more day.

This is the picture in my office

Guest Book

Online guest book for Dad is no longer available here.  In a later post I include the comments made there.

My cousin Cindy's FB status today kind of sums up how he lived his life: "Life is too short - laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change, love deeply and forgive quickly."

Remembering

Here is my dad about 10 days before he died. He was feeling pretty good, getting ready to go to rehab, joking and posing. I am so happy I got to see him that weekend and he was able to speak to me!

I wish I'd had a chance to take some pictures at the visitation before the funeral. There were so many friends and family. Of course there were also some regrets as I thought of some who should be acknowledged. Sandy should have had a more prominent place as the widow. I wish we had Rob or someone else in Oakley who were close to him the last few years as a speaker to better represent the last third of his life. I wish the racing legacy mentioned would have included Justin who also won his division at RMR when he raced. I wish people were more loving to all, even those with differing views. These things always bring feelings out and I can only hope that they will have a desire to emulate my dad's gift of forgiveness and not holding grudges.

I was impressed that a religious leader, Tom, from Oakley -I'm not sure exactly, but he wore a collar and I think Sandy said he was from the Catholic Church there - organized the town of Oakley for a fund-raiser yard sale over Labor Day weekend for dad and Sandy and they paid the expenses with that money. He also made a nice box for Dad's remains and drove to Lindon to bring him back in time for the services. Yet, nothing was said about this. I wish I had but I thought the Bishop conducting would address this in his remarks. I should have requested it specifically. He and Rob should have been thanked publicly. Roy Palmer should also have been remembered in conjunction with Uncle Vern and their roles in the racing history. We always see better after the fact it seems.

Recalling the past...

Here's dad with us kids. I'm holding my youngest sister, Colleen. The others, L-R, are Carolyn, Craig, Wendy, Gary, Cindy. This would have been Easter of 1962. I posted this picture because it was him as "dad" and we don't have many photos like that. This is his next generation posterity.
Dad had many friends and loved ones. He made the comment in the interview a couple of years ago that he was surprised he still had fans living. Well, from the looks of the crowd (filled the large Stake Center chapel) I'd say his legend lives on. I heard so many wonderful comments from those who cared about him; some traveling quite a distance to be there. Love to all! We'll miss you Dad.

Thinking about Dad - the obituary

William A. Madsen "Wild Bill" On September 22, 2010, Bill Madsen lost his courageous two-month fight with pancreatitis, surrounded by family. He was born February 15, 1933, to Clara and Magnus Madsen in Salt Lake City. Bill lived most of his life in the Salt Lake Valley, attending South High School where he met his first wife, Shirley Johnson, the mother of his seven children. After 24 years of marriage they divorced and he married Sandy Pedersen in 1989. They have resided in his beloved Oakley, surrounded by his many pets. He worked in the automotive repair service all his life, where he developed relationships with thousands of customers over the years - "I fix cars and trucks!" he said. "Wild Bill" became his name when Howard Boulter, the announcer at the old Fairgrounds Speedway, watched him race. Bill, along with neighbor Dick Rosetta, helped make motor sports in Utah what it is today. He raced the CAMRA circuit throughout the Northwest, took home seven championships from the Fairgrounds and Bonneville, and raced internationally in South Africa. Bill lived life to the fullest - he had so many passions! Hunting, fishing, bowling - he was a skier and a pilot, but most of all, he loved golf! Golf with friends, family, and his sons, Craig and Gary. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his children: Debbie Miller, Carolyn Bates (Gene), Craig (LeAnne), Cindy Hart (Don), Gary (Jackie), Colleen Verrinder (Tim), brother Vern (Shirley), 17 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his in-laws; Bob and Betty Stagg and Sandy's siblings. He was preceded in death his parents, brothers; Paul, Wesley, Robert and daughter, Wendy. Funeral services will be held at the Marion Stake Center (3038 North State Road 32, Marion, UT) on Monday, September 27, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Thanks to the ICU unit at LDS Hospital for their loving care. SLTrib

The Trib also reported about him here. Big Red Racing also expressed condolences here.

The origin of his "handle" - Wild Bill - is somewhat debatable since his interview two years ago on Racing Legends credited Bill Call. I know it's been around for a long time. Here is the interview: GoFastWin

RACING COMMUNITY LOSES A LEGEND (Big West Racing)

Bill Madsen Passes Away at 77.

West Valley City, Utah-September 24, 2010. Staff and fellow racers at Rocky Mountain Raceways are saddened by the passing of Utah racing legend Wild Bill Madsen and would like to extend condolences to the Madsen family.

Madsen was a seven-time short track champion and a beloved member of the racing community.

“Bill was a great racer. An all around gentleman on and off the track,” says Ron Craft, Rocky Mountain Raceways Drag Strip Manager.

	Lonestar - One More Day .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

	Willie Nelson - Always On My Mind .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

A sad day

A cloudy, melancholy day with drizzly rain. I hardly noticed until this evening because of the more important events. My dad lost his battle with disease. He has been in the hospital exactly 9 weeks and we so wanted him to be able to go home. I guess he went home; just not to the home here on earth. He had to struggle and he overcame many obstacles over these two months. In fact he defied death on many occasions in the past. I guess it was bound to happen sometime, but you never want to think that your parents will die. The family surrounded him and when it was his time, he went quickly and without pain or further suffering. May he rest in peace. I love you, Dad!
Thanksgiving 2009 at Justin and Krista's house. 4 generations together...
Dad with Nat's family
Just hangin'
Yesterday was the anniversary of my sister, Wendy's death as well. I suspect she was there to greet her dad today.

More prayers needed

My dad was doing great over the weekend, talking with a speaking valve in his trach and joking - looking forward to rehab. Then on Monday he aspirated when they gave him contrast dye for a CT scan and now he appears to have developed pneumonia. His white blood count was already steadily rising and the reason for the scan was to determine if there was any abdominal abscess that might cause the elevation. None was found, but the test itself ultimately insulted his lungs and he is very ill again. This is so sad - and they still don't know why the WBC elevation. I suspect he could be septic and since we know he has MRSA and pseudemonis (from the lungs and quite common in this setting) I am very worried. He is on two antibiotics and now we need prayers. I put his name on the prayer roll of the temple.

Day 6 Roof (& dad's progress)

Fred was mostly working solo today. What a great son-in-law who has plenty to do on his own house right now and yet he has spent over a week working at my place! I think his selfless service has brought blessings. He got a new job with Zion's bank and he's very happy about it.
My dad got to try to swallow today and he loved the 5 ice chips they gave him. He does have MRSA and he's getting Vancomycin - the drug that finally cured my C-diff! Hopefully the infection will resolve soon because that's what's holding up the move to rehab. He's speaking pretty well when they put on the special valve over the trach. Nice to see him progressing.

Dad update

Nobody had mentioned it until I spoke with the respiratory therapist last week but dad has developed ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Read here for an explanation of the disease which often occurs with seriously ill people. Since he is much more alert (and even angry at being there now) it is a bit deceiving that he is getting better. This is a major complication and while his O2 needs are so great they are not progressing him as I would like. I also feel the staff has labeled him as "confused" because they can't understand him and he doesn't "obey their commands". I think he's only confused when they drug him and of course they can't understand him - he has a trach! We've been able to figure out a lot of what he has to say, including yesterday's emphatic, "When I get out of here I am NEVER coming back!" He clenched his fist and pounded it - pretty clear to me!

A moment at at time

I went to the hospital at lunch time because I was quite worried after last night. I was pleasantly surprised to see him awake, responsive, smiling and winking at the girls! He's still pretty frustrated by it all and very weak but it was nice to see this and his WBC dropped to 14. Yay!

Update on Dad

Things have definitely taken a downturn. I was hoping it was just a bad day but after the weekend which was actually quite good (though I didn't see him) - I was told he was alert, responsive and watching PGA on Saturday. Sunday, still alert and they took him outside on the helicopter pad. Monday he aspirated and things have been pretty depressing since then. I talked to Dr. Purl that night but he just reiterated the "it will take time if he's going to live" stuff. Numbers were going the right way and WBC was down to 17 - all good. He was getting breathing treatments due to the aspiration and increased O2 needs but they were feeling pretty positive that they caught it "in time."

I saw him yesterday afternoon and he was resisting the efforts to get him to sit up. He has no strength and it's such an effort! I went back again at 9:00 last night and still pretty much sleeping and not waking for me. I spoke with respiratory who said he has ARDS and that his "lungs are shot" - basically from pre-existing lung damage due to years of smoking. He said the cilia in the lungs has been broken off in a smoker and he must rely strictly on his cough to bring up secretions, whereas a person with healthy lungs gets help from the cilia pushing everything back up. At this point his peep was up to 7.7 and O2 at 60%. He said the computer was telling him to move it up to 80% so things were not looking good. Apparently the WBC went up a little (don't know how much since I didn't see his nurse) but that would be understandable considering the lung insult.

I mentioned to the respiratory therapist that Dr. Purl hadn't mentioned that. He said Dr. Purl will keep fighting long after everyone else gives up. Maybe some denial? I find him not so "friendly" - competent I'm sure but not talkative. So I was a bit confused. He also prefers to just have contact with Sandy I guess - as the primary informant. He doesn't realize that I really need to know and can understand. I know that's why dad always made such a big deal of me introducing myself to the staff and letting them know I am a nurse.

Apparently these critical care docs at LDS have been involved in some groundbreaking work along with Dr. Orme (now at IMC) with ARDS patients and that their mortality rate for these patients runs around 30% while most hospitals are around 80%. Most institutions even discredit the possibility that ours could be so good and refuse to adopt the protocols they have developed at IHC. Although somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 facilities throughout the country have read the data and implemented the program with increasing success rates. The bottom line is he is in the best possible place for this condition but I was warned that someone with healthy lungs is an entirely different story from someone whose lungs are damaged like his.

I had written on facebook that dad had taken a step backward. Apparently that brought up some alarms when Gary read it, wondering if he should come back from the bow hunt. I don't think anyone wants to hear that things don't look so good. Right now, he needs lots of prayers and some healing of lungs that have been damaged. At this point his lungs are a greater risk to his life than the abdominal stuff.

Dad is doped!

Last night (Monday) I stopped to see dad. He was very out of it and in talking to the nurse I learned they had given him 100 mg. Seroquel as a sleeping pill the previous night. I was not aware of any sleeping issues (he sleeps a LOT). It seems it had knocked him out for the entire day. I was not aware of any sleeping med they were giving aside from Melatonin which the nurse said gives a "soft sleep". With his questionable neuro status I was very upset to find they were giving strong medicine like this for sleep. Aubrey and someone else I know both were prescribed this med and it knocked them out for two days straight. Aubrey couldn't even stay awake to care for her baby.

So, one step back and I think it was caused by the hospital staff!!

Today I'm at Education Week and haven't heard a report from anyone yet. Hoping he's doing better after waking up. They said they were planning to hold the pill last night and give a quarter dose tonight. My vote is for NO dose tonight either. It just doesn't seem worth it if it makes him so groggy he can't to the physical therapy, sit, stand or anything else to get him on the road to recovery. Crazy!

Update - a positive step!

(picture taken June, 07)

Dad had a good day yesterday (Sunday). Colleen was in town and spent 4 or 5 hours with him during which time he was responsive, winked, smiled and watched PGA with her. Yay!! WBC count was down to 21, Yay again! and I think he may have turned a corner. I went up in the evening just after they had bathed him and he looked so good. He was worn out and sleeping but woke after about 45 minutes and was watching the news from 9:00 to 10:30 with me.

Saturday night when I was there the LDS Elder came by. I told him dad would probably be receptive to a blessing but he was very much "out of it" that day. He received a sweet blessing of comfort and knowledge that Heavenly Father is aware of his situation. He immediately opened his eyes at the end of the blessing - I think it was a "thanks" and after about 30 seconds he went back to sleep.

Keep praying! It's working.

Dad

I debated about blogging this, but it is his life right now. It's hard and he appreciates the support he receives. But, he's getting very discouraged and needs continuing prayers. Before the tube was removed he was hating life. Getting the trach helped but then his white cell went up, they feared he had pneumonia and it was a bit of a setback.
Two nights ago he became quite alert. He looked pretty good after his bath so I took a picture. He opened his eyes and kind of smiled...
He looks pretty good here. I hope he'll forgive me for blogging but there are lots of family members who haven't been able to get here to see him since they restrict visitors somewhat in the ICU and we try to keep the numbers down. Still, he gets lots of visitors because of his immense popularity.
All 4 girls came today (Saturday) at the same time. He was not cooperating - maybe he's a night person and will wake up again tonight for a bit. He won't love this picture but I hope when he's well he'll enjoy seeing that we were all there.
The LDS elder came by this evening and gave him a blessing of comfort and knowledge of God's awareness of him. Craig also gave him a blessing a couple of weeks ago as did some of his local Priesthood leaders. At times like this much comfort comes from the basics of the Gospel and understanding of the bigger plan (of Salvation). He was taught by a good mother and he has reached out for blessings and comfort now. He "told" me (wrote), "I've made some bad choices in my life, but I'm getting better." I agree - we all have and we all are.

Tuesday update

I stopped by the hospital again before work and found my dad quite alert. The nurse said he really lights up for family; not so much for staff. As always, he's sociable and wants to be surrounded by those who love him. The good news is that the WBC continues to drop and they plan surgery for tomorrow - hoping to be able to close him. Praying hard for that. I think he will turn a corner if that happens. I've heard he negotiated with the surgeon and said if he'd take him in tomorrow rather than Thursday he wouldn't kill himself.

He's actually a very popular patient up there, even with all his needs for care and the ICU nurses are great!

Update. I went back to the hospital at 8:45 PM and stayed until 10:30. I guess they didn't take his threat too seriously because the surgery is scheduled for Thursday as they originally had said. Apparently the surgeon is on call and wants to be at his best for the big one. I know he feels like the carrot just keeps dangling "just ahead" and yet he never makes it. Praying this time it will go perfectly and they can remove the breathing tube and close him up. On with healing progress!

Dad update

My dad has so had it with the tubes and being stuck in bed. He was always one to be on the go and rarely sat still. Now to have to be tied down like this and not able to speak is torture. I think if he can hang in there and the antibiotics continue to take care of the infections so they can close him up by Thursday (and remove the breathing tube) he will turn a corner and be on the road to healing. He was more alert today. They switched his pain med from Dilaudid that made him a zombie to Methadone and Fentanyl. I think it's better. He was alert when I visited tonight; just really tired of the tubes. I told him it's a good thing he has no more orifices or they would stick something down it. In fact they make holes where there aren't any naturally anyway. Hang in there dad, for a few more days!

This can't be good

The surgeon wants to meet with the family today at 5:00. The family has been determined to be his kids and Sandy only, though I suspect we'll see some spouses there too.

Update: He had a setback last night and this morning but by afternoon he was doing pretty well. It was good to hear from the surgeon directly and we feel pretty good about things. He's not out of the woods yet, but he is strong, lungs are good, heart is fine, kidneys functioning and BP is normal. It's just this abdominal infection (peritonitis) and colon resection with healing pancreatitis. He can pull through this with blessings, prayers and support!