Obituary of Madison Thomas Brigham

Madison Thomas Brigham, age 16, of rural Iowa City, died in a car accident in rural Iowa City, September 11, 2004. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday 18, 2004 at his home, Catalpa Corner, 3021 White Oak Ave. NE, Iowa City. Madison’s family wishes to invite those who mentored, supported, and enjoyed Madison’s friendship to attend a celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Miracles in Motion. Madison was born a wee bit early, weighing only 4 lb. 14oz and met the first challenge of his short life surrounded by prayer, but with drive and quiet determination that enveloped his soul and persona he thrived. As a young person, he developed into an outdoorsman, having hiked a 5,000 ft high peak in the Canadian Rockies by the age of 5 with his sister and father. Shortly after, his devoted father died leaving a void that was heartbreaking for Madison and his family. Through the love and kindness of the Iowa City community, Madison overcame this tragedy in his life with a persistent gentleness and developed into a fine young man with unique individuality. He had a passion for history, especially Early American and could quote Civil War battles in Gatling-gun style, and guide you along the Louis and Clark trail mile for mile. Although he would tell you that he was not a natural-born athlete, he chose tennis as it asked for individual action. He worked hard to compensate for his average technical skills with a fierce on court demeanor that earned him the title of “Mad Dog.” Through wonderful tutelage, Madison played varsity tennis at City High School and this summer received an Award of Excellence during a University of Iowa sponsored tennis sport camp. Madison was also a wonderful equestrian. The vision of Madison on horseback, his calm, relaxed nature, and long erect posture was picturesque. He loved to ride by himself, across the cornfields and through the woods, and obtained satisfaction knowing on each day he had attained a meaningful relationship with his horse. Madison chose his friends slowly, but then created an enduring bond. He shared countless hours with his friends listening to music, watching movies, riding bikes, eating at Panchero’s and just enjoyed their shared companionship. When asked by his maternal Grandfather what he liked about his life, Madison replied, “I love my mom, my sister, and my grandparents.” He was surrounded by wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins that shared their time and remembered his father for him. His love also extended to his new family, Dr. Jim McNutt and sisters, Alana and Ashton and the McNutt clan. Jim bonded to Madison as a son bonds to a father. Madison bloomed under Jim’s love and was exposed to a wide range of experiences that included fox hunting, cart driving, and the agricultural chores and lore that surround a working homestead. Madison Thomas Brigham entered his life premature and left prematurely. Our sorrow and grief is immeasurable, but it is balanced with the knowledge that he was mentored, supported and loved by countless people. God speed on angel wings, my son, be held and loved in your father’s arms. His family includes his mother, Susan H. Brigham, and sister, Caroline A. Brigham, Susan’s fiancée, Dr. Jim McNutt DVM and sisters, Alana and Ashton McNutt. His grandparents; Col and Mrs. Thomas U. Harrold of Boca Raton FL, Mr. William H. Brigham of Mobile, AL and Mrs. Mary McNutt of Coralville, IA. His aunts include Deborah Harrold of Philadelphia PA, Robin Thetford of Mobile, AL and Larkin Brigham of Ithaca, NY. Uncles include John U. Harrold of Boca Raton, FL and William H Brigham Jr. of Mobile, AL. Madison is preceded in death by his father, Maj. Thomas E. Brigham MD, USAF and paternal Grandmother Carol Brigham and Paul McNutt, a grandfatherly friend. Directions to Dr. Jim McNutt’s Residence 3021 White Oak Ave. N.E. Iowa City, Iowa From Iowa City - Take Hwy. 1 North. Turn right onto N.E. Rapid Creek Rd. Go approximately 4.10 miles, turn right onto Elmira Road N.E.. Turn right onto White Oak Avenue. (Just after white fences) From the East - Take Herbert Hoover Hwy. West. Turn right onto Oasis Road. Turn left onto Elmira Road N.E., turn left onto White Oak Avenue.