Samuel "Sam" Michael Madrid

Jul 29, 1951 -

Oct 9, 2025

On Oct. 9, 2025, Samuel "Sam" Michael Madrid passed at his home in Kokhanok, Alaska. Sam was born on July 29, 1951, to Jose Samuel "Sam" Madrid and Adeline (Martinez) Madrid in Dragerton, Utah. He is survived by six siblings, Dolores (Madrid) Taylor (husband Gerald), Loretta Madrid (husband John Wierl), Raymond Madrid (wife Lynn (Bolyer) Madrid) and Anthony Madrid.

After graduation from high school, he cooked in Evanston, Wyo., waiting for his Navy enlistment date; he was assigned corpsman/medic. After service in Vietnam, Sam took a short visit home to Utah, then returned to Adak, Alaska. After release from service in 1979, he started as a cook for Branham Adventures at Kokhanok Falls fishing lodge. In spring and fall 1981, he began packing for hunting camps to establish the three year requirements to obtain Registered Guide Status, and guide his own clients. Sam worked in Yakutat for Glacier Bear. Every winter he trapped for various Alaska fur-bearing animals. He was a true outdoorsman.

He is greatly missed by family and friends. His memory of a successful hunting guide will be fondly remembered in Alaska.