Leland Roy Madsen passed away unexpectedly on December 6, 2021 at his family home in Fortuna. Leland was born on December 25, 1938 in Fort Bragg to Niilo and Aune Madsen. He moved to Humboldt County in 1947. He and Patricia married in April of 1976.

A wonderful loving husband, father and grandfather. He attended Fortuna High School where he enjoyed playing football. He then enlisted in the army, spending most of his service time in Germany. A true patriot and hardworking man. After returning home from the service he had many jobs in the Humboldt area. He worked at the lumber mill in Carlotta, Hilfker Pipe Co. in Eureka, and retired driving truck for Don E. Nolan Trucking. Leland came right back out of retirement and went back to driving trucks and was always mechanicing on the side.

Leland enjoyed watching football with family, mechanics, carpentry, fishing, camping, short drives and outdoor adventures. More recently he found peace watching the river run or the birds chirping while enjoying his cup of joe on the porch. His time with family was very important to him. He enjoyed going on road trips to visit his brothers and other family members. After his children and grandchildren aged, you could still find Leland and Pat at the ballpark watching a ball game supporting our local youth.

Leland was preceded in death by his mother and father Aune and Niilo Madsen, brother Neil Madsen, sister-in-law Janice Madsen, nephew Michael Madsen, sons-in-law Jason Johnson and Brad Armstrong, brother-in-law Bud Townsend.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Madsen; daughters Sonja Armstrong, Tara Johnson (Sage Foley); stepsons Mark and Todd Gaboriault (Debra); grandchildren Derek Johnson, Bailey Foley, Adrienne and Maxton LeRoy, Brooklyn and Beau Armstrong, Broc Gaboriault, Mallory Phillips, Hannah Nevins, Nick and Ross Gaboriault; great-grandchildren Veronica Cruz and Sophia Shelton; brothers Melvin Madsen (Marilyn), Gary Madsen (Karen); sister-in-law Peggy Macy (Gary); nieces Cheryl Pelto, Debbie Bearden, Terri Hosie, Jennifer Powell, Stacey Madsen, Ann Madsen Daly; nephew David Madsen.

A celebration of life will be held at the Methodist Church in Fortuna on Saturday, February 26, at 1 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Leland Madsen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.