Turner David Madden, Jr., who served for a number of years as IAVM legal counsel and was a respected industry friend and advocate, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 22. He was 61.
“This is a big shock to all of us,” said Vicki Hawarden, CMP, IAVM president and CEO. “Turner had a lot of passion for IAVM that came out when he talked. He was an advocate on legal issues and knew so much about what was going on in our industry, namely ADA issues. He was a great friend to our association and to many of us personally, and he will be greatly missed.”
Others also praised Madden for his professionalism and how he enhanced IAVM’s name and reputation in many circles.
“Turner was instrumental and a great advocate for IAVM over the years on many fronts,” said Harold Hansen, IAVM director of life safety and security. “He was instrumental in IAVM’s relationship with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the receiving of training grants from DHS for safety and security, and served as co-chair for many years of the DHS Commercial Facilities Sector.
“He was a great friend to our association and to many of us personally, and he will be greatly missed.”
“Turner worked extensively with the Department of Justice on the ADA law and regulations as they applied to public assembly venues and the industry. IAVM’s name and reputation became known in the Washington, D.C. legislative circles as a result of Turner’s efforts. Turner loved our association, this industry we work in, and will be missed.”
Madden tackled all legal issues that impacted public assembly venues with tenacity and passion, and was keen to anticipate potential legal issues that had not yet arisen. He was a prominent speaker at IAVM conferences to offer legal updates and to keep venue managers abreast of topics of concern and their implications.
“I served on three different IAVM boards with him,” said Mark Prows, CFE, vice president of entertainment for MGM Grand. “He was a great asset to the industry and his lobbying in Washington, D.C. made a huge difference on key issues.”
“This is so sad,” added Paul Davis, president of the Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas. “I remember his awesome smile and great sense of humor. What a great man and what a loss.”
Dexter King, CFE, who as a venue manager knew Madden and later worked with him when King headed IAVM, said that he will always remember Madden’s dependability.
“He was there for the association and could always be counted on,” King said. “It was something that he had a passion for and loved doing and was his way of making a difference. He will certainly be missed.”
IAVM will be offering further reaction from other friends and colleagues in the next newsletter.
Calling hours are Thursday from 5 to 8 at the Corleto Latina Center, 807 N. Union Street, Wilmington, DE.
May 10, 1998. Turner spoke an IAAM District V Middle Manager’s Seminar I hosted in Virginia Beach, VA. He gave us an update on the relatively new ADA. He committed months in advance and as the date approached, he realized it was Mothers Day. He still came then drove back to D.C. to be with family the same day. Turner was a very approachable man and represented IAVM well for many years. He will be missed.
Turner will be missed by the public assembly facility industry. He was very approachable, an advocate and a friend to all in this industry.
James Horner
City of Fort Worth
Public Events Department
Turner was an exceptional counsel and advocate for our association and industry. His enthusiasm was consistent, vibrant and even contagious as he represented our interests and liabilities so very well. He was always willing to sit down and discuss individual facility issues when approached. God bless Turner David Madden Jr. ESQ.