I know Maddy from my time at Southern Hills and Fairview. I can’t say we have ever been very close but I have always considered him a friend. That’s how everyone feels about him. I remember his enthusiasm and humor in band class, my least favorite class. Having Maddy in there was always something to look forward to. He made things fun for me even when they weren’t. We also spent some grueling hot days in the summer of 2013 doing manual labor on a friend‘s raspberry farm. Again, not a fun activity, but it was with Maddy around. My prayers go to Maddy’s family and close friends, and to everyone like me who remembers every interaction with Maddy with a smile. We’ll miss you buddy.
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Hey Nico, This is awesome- thank you so much! As I'm sure you can imagine, writing on here can be really difficult, but I loved this post from the moment I read it and have thought about it a lot of time. It's so nice to hear these details:) And anytime you think of other things, feel absolutely free and welcome to post it. That's so funny, I totally didn't remember Maddy was in jazz band either! I believe I was sporting the classic self-absorbed teenager look at that point. And so interesting to hear about his time there from a fellow student's perspective :) The raspberry farm oh my god. The fireball thing is so funny, I can't imagine anyone being into that more than my brother. Although I can't imagine his actual soccer skills were very impressive. I'm glad he helped you with his weed-whacker too, I'm sure he was very happy to help. It's so lovely to hear that you've been thinking about Maddy, of course. And it's so moving and I don't really know what to say that you feel you've grown as a person for having been around him, his positive attitude and outgoing personality. And that his infectious grin remains with you is so beautiful. I'm so so glad it can make you smile as well, and I know Maddy would be, too. I have a theory that it was so infectious because it was so pure and genuine, and that made it powerful. And yes, if you manage to find some pictures at any point, totally share them! We will all be so happy to see them :) This is a while in the future (probably next summer), but if you're still in or can make it to Colorado, we will be having future gatherings for Maddy, combined with probably a hike for charity, and it would be awesome to see you there if it's possible. I'm sure you read about this in our email anyway, and when we have concrete updates about that in a while we will send more updates, but just wanted to solidify the personal invitation from our family. Sending love from Berlin, Hanna
Hi Hanna, I do have a few details I'd be happy to share! I can tell you that in middle school band and jazz band he absolutely ripped the trumpet. I (the drummer) was always a bit of a slacker in those classes but Maddy always showed up and played his butt off even at 6:00am jazz band practice. It was highly impressive. I wish I had more classes with Maddy in school, but in High School he was always in higher level classes than I was.
It was our mutual friend, Aaron (Sam) Kennedy who brought us together when we did hang out. It was Aaron's neighbor's raspberry farm way out on east Valmont that we worked on in 2013. I very specifically remember that Maddy was able to start the weed whacker for me when I couldn't get it going. He did this for me everyday while we worked there, which was hilarious. When our work was done around mid-summer the farm owners threw a huge party on their property called "Fire Ball". Not because we drank Fireball whiskey but because they soaked a cloth ball in kerosene, set it on fire, and used it to play soccer. This was only possible because kerosene has such a low burning temp that we could actually handle the ball for a few seconds without being burned at all. Maddy was all over that game and we had a total blast chasing an actual ball of fire around a field.
Since hearing the news of his passing I've been thinking about Maddy a lot and remembering his outgoing personality and constantly positive attitude toward every situation. I keep thinking about what a remarkable quality that is and how much I grew from just being around him. I have an image of Maddy frozen in my mind of that contagious grin of his, and when it pops up it puts that same grin on my face. I'm digging in my archives to see if I can find some photos from the raspberry farm and if I'm able to find them I'll share them here. Much love to you and everyone on this page!
-Nico...
Hi Nico, Thanks for writing this, it was great to read. I (being one of his older sisters) never heard any details about band class, and I certainly don't remember him doing manual labor on a raspberry farm! If you remember any additional details about that or tidbits of anything else, feel free to share them at any time. I'm always on here and would love to hear about them. And you're right, everyone does seem to feel this way about Maddy. He genuinely had time for everyone and truly spread love and hilarity at just about every opportunity. I'm glad you looked forward to spending time with him and that you got to have fun with him. Love, Hanna (Maddy's big sister)