Shawn Madden

August 1, 2014  I lost my friend. Many of us lost a friend. Two kids lost their dad, and an amazing woman in my friend Heather lost her husband. -Shawn Madden-The purpose of this web-page is for all to share stories of Shawn rather than those posts getting lost on Facebook timelines. They can all be here and easy to see at any time. Please take your words already written and more stories you want to share and add them.

This was my post on my public Facebook page: This photo was one of his last photos on his 7th anniversary in Las Vegas with Heather. It’s hard to ignore that permanent smile. You might even recognize him from occasional sports broadcasting at WJZ-TV in BaltimoreShawn was owner of Gold's Gym in Shrewsbury and Eldersburg.

This positive, energetic, and encouraging man was a friend to anyone who knew him. He had a fun sense of humor and was ageless. He and his wife were both IFBA Pros- Elite in the competitive fitness circuit. I was honored to call him my friend and looking forward to spending a full week with him later this month. He and Heather were my biggest supporters and sponsors for my walk across Maryland. I was going to introduce you to him then. This is not how it was supposed to go :-(

It seems so unfair. At 45 years old, he was excited about a new business venture, and still full of life.He did have MRSA in his foot for a few years (not speculating the cause today), but refused to let that stop him from exercising or sneaking in some basketball. He and would zip around the gym with his leg on his scooter like a kid… with his kids. It was his thing.

You want surreal? Heather was on her way to work and just got a gut feeling this morning, and turned back to see him. She got there just as it happened. I still have chills.I won’t go into details, but being at the gym was the next best thing to a hospital. There were many certified trainers, including a nurse, plus a defibrillator (AED) on the wall outside his office. All were put to use. It was just his time, for whatever reason. But it still sucks!

Heather has been like a sister to me and I know how strong she is physically (I was in her class weekly) and emotionally. She has a tremendous support system in her family and extended family at our gym. If you belong to one, or on a team, or some tight group, then you know what that's like. She won’t be alone and will surely demonstrate the limits of our capabilities along with a sense of humor the way Shawn has influenced so many.

Everyone touches your life in some way. Shawn's was just a little more obvious to so many. There is a lot more to say, and I know the perfect time to do so soon. But for now, I need to just let this sink in and bury my face in a box of tissues for a while.My condolences to all connected. Rest In Peace Shawn!-Justin