Longtime HDT sales representative Bill Madden died peacefully on Sept. 20 after an unexpected battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 65.

Madden worked as an independent publisher’s sales representative for HDT about 28 years. He founded Madden & Associates, focusing mainly on representing major industry print publications, originally in the Southeast, later moving to the Northwest.

When Bobit Business Media acquired Heavy Duty Trucking in 2012, Madden continued to represent the magazine in the Northwest. HDT was acquired in 2018 by Gemspring Capital, which also retained his services. 

Madden was operating his business in partnership with his son Bryce, still selling for Heavy Duty Trucking, at the time of his death. Bryce continues to run Madden & Associates.

"I considered Bill a good friend and solid business associate," said David Moniz, group publisher and president of Bobit’s Transportation Group. "Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to spend quality time with Bill, and he was very proud that he was able to have his son Bryce join him in business. Bill brought a spark of optimism and a zest for life to everything he did, and his unending energy was contagious to those fortunate enough to spend time with him. I will miss Bill."

Madden is survived by his son Bryce and daughter Taylor, brothers Jim and Charlie, sisters Katherine and Liz, and numerous nephews and nieces and extended family. 

He graduated from Florida State University.

Madden's is the third death of longtime HDT current and former team members in recent weeks, following those of Kent Powell and Steve Sturgess.

The family will hold private memorial ceremonies. You can read Bill Madden's obituary here.

Updated 9/25/22 to correct the source of a comment, and 9/26/22 to correct Madden's alma mater.