Winfield Alaska "John" Madden - 84, of Coldbrook, Kings County, formerly of Kentville, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2010 at home. Born in Port Latour, he was a son of the late Cereno Johnson Madden and Mabel (Smith) Madden. In 1943, at the age of 17, he joined the Argyle Sutherland Highlanders of Canada and served overseas from 1944-46. He initially served in the infantry until he was wounded in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his recovery, he served as a tank driver and heavy duty mechanic. Following the end of the war, he stayed to assist with the occupation and reconstruction and was present during the Nuremburg Trials. Upon returning home, he worked at the former Nova Scotia Sanatorium and Miller Hospital, Kentville, for over 30 years, starting as an orderly and working his way up to stationary engineer in the power house, from where he retired. He was a veteran of both the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department and the Nova Scotia Sanatorium Fire Department. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in both Kentville and Berwick and helped in the construction of the Community Centre in Coldbrook. John was also known for his witty sense of humour and was loved by all. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lillian (Kelly); a daughter, Barbara (Joe) Graves, Wolfville; two sons, Paul (partner, Marilyn), Sheffield Mills; David (partner, Jacqueline), Coldbrook; a daughter-in-law, Beverly Madden, Calgary; three sisters, Nevera Morrow, Dartmouth; Dorothy (Tom) Marshall, Dartmouth; Connie, Yarmouth; a brother, Allan, Halifax; two sisters-in-law, Priscilla Madden, Lower East Pubnico ; Gracie Madden, Lower East Pubnico; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Peter; two brothers, Stewart and Waldo. Visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2011 with a Royal Canadian Legion service held at 7:00 p.m., both in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, where the funeral service, followed by a reception, was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2011, Reverend John McNally officiated. Burial took place in the Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill, Kings County. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com