Arne Lyholm Madsen

February 6, 1929 – June 29, 2013

      Arne Lyholm Madsen, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2013 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on February 6, 1929 and was 84 years of age.

      Arne studied horticulture in Denmark, Holland and the United States. He later retired from the air freight department of American Airlines but had owned a commercial greenhouse business in Denmark until 1965. He served in the Danish military and was a member of the Poulsbo Sons of Norway, Bremerton Elks Club and a past member of the Poulsbo Yacht Club. Arne was surrounded by flowers all his life. He was born into a large family of flower growers in Denmark that could be traced to 1741.

      As a young man, Arne and his twin brother came to the US as a part of the Scandinavian-American Foundation student program. They fell in love with the American way of life in the 1950’s, driving through 40 states, filming and photographing all the sights which they showed to school children and other organizations when they returned to Denmark. In 1965, Arne accepted the opportunity to manage the Pajaro Valley greenhouses near Salinas, California. He and his wife and young daughters, Berit and Dorthe left Denmark to start a new life in America. He later made a career change to work for Pan American Airlines and American Airlines in San Francisco. In 1993 he retired to Bainbridge Island and enjoyed 20 years of retirement.

      Arne was a traveler, especially loving the cruising life aboard ship. He managed to take 32 cruises all over the world, dancing and enjoying the sights and sounds along the way. He was outgoing and social; he truly never met a stranger. He loved to talk about current events, politics and to tell a joke or two. Arne was a gardener and was especially proud of the abundant roses and dahlias surrounding his home. He enjoyed life.

      Arne is survived by his wife Inge Madsen of Poulsbo, WA; daughters Berit Madsen of Bainbridge Island, WA and Dorthe Deubler (Larry) of Purchase, New York. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Rebecca and Ryan Deubler of Purchase, NY and Eli and Armen Tooloee of Bainbridge Island, WA. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend an Open House to celebrate Arne’s life on Sunday, July 28, 2013 from 1-4 PM at 6600 Seabold Road on Bainbridge Island. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Kitsap County, Kitsap Humane Society or the election campaign for Hilary Clinton 2016.

      Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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