MENDOTA – Not an ordinary obituary for an extraordinary kid.

On March 25, 2008, at 4:44 a.m., he was born and that was the start to his extraordinary life. From the moment he entered this world he made hearts happy. His dad Lance entered the waiting room and announced, “It’s a boy, and Tina can name him whatever she wants!” to Aunt Lisa, his brother, Taylor, and soon-to-be Godmother Jodi. Maddox, that is what his name was for a bit. But when nobody could say it the same we knew in an instant it was not the name for this boy. We took the Mad from Maddox, the Rick from Lance’s middle name Derrick, Uncle Damon's middle name Rodrick and Uncle Eric, smashed it together and created a name as unique as this baby boy.

MADRICK LEROY MUSGROVE. That was the name he was given. He was the happiest of babies and grew to be the happy, kind, loving young man that we all knew and loved. Hos heart was the type that everyone who met him felt his love and kindness instantly. A pure, sweet child who made everyone smile and laugh. Tay Tay, as Madrick would say, became a big brother at the age of 15, but it didn’t matter. There was concern that the age difference would not allow them to be as tight as siblings that were closer in age. They quickly became the best of friends and tightest of brothers. Taylor would always watch Madrick when he was little, sometimes even offering to take him to the mall or McDonald’s because, “Mom, he is a chick magnet.” In addition to Taylor came Desi, Goku, Rarri and little Pico.  Always there for a snuggle, play and chillin’ on the weekends. 

Madrick provided comfort for so many in tough times, he just had this way about him. While his Grandpa Bill was battling cancer, Madrick was the one thing that would make him smile no matter what. Grandpa would come in the door and do “his whistle,” and Madrick’s eyes would light up running to hug his grandpa. Grandma Kandy became addicted to Madrick like he was some kind of drug. She and Madrick had the best friendship and love for each other. They took special trips from the time he was very little until his amazing life ended. “You want to go to the air show, Chicago, a cave, the dunes” and so on. The answer was always “YES!” And when Madrick asked Grandma to come to his rescue, “Grandma, I forgot my football shoes at home, will you get them?” She would reply, with a “YES!”

Oh, and Aunt Lisa, well, I am pretty sure everyone knows that she was the best aunt ever. Spoiled is the only way to describe the love she had for her little “monkey.” “No” was not in her vocabulary. There is not enough paper to adequately describe their relationship. It is one that only few people get to experience in their lives. A bond that will never be broken. Along with Aunt Lisa came Marky Mark. Always good for an early morning Dunkin run, an emergency McChicken and to torment and love on Madrick whenever he went to spend time at their house.  

And then there is Uncle Willie. Madrick loved Uncle Willie. Madrick wanted to be like Uncle Willie in so many ways. He would even pose for school pictures and use his “Uncle Willie smile,” often resulting in picture retakes. Willie shared his love of hunting with Madrick at a young age and the love quickly became a shared love. Love for hunting and a love for each other that will never be matched.

On the day Madrick was born Lance’s brothers, became Uncle Eric and Uncle Damon. Their excitement and joy could not be contained. There were often many miles between Madrick and his Uncle E and Uncle D in the beginning, but it did not affect their relationship at all. Flights were taken so Madrick’s love of life could be shared with Uncle E, him coming to see his nephew and eventually Madrick becoming a big boy and taking a flight on his own to spend time with Uncle E and Aunt Terry. So many precious memories were made and will be cherished forever: Madrick flying through the air between Uncle E and his dad's arms in the pool, adventures to Bearizona, learning different weight lifting techniques, Aunt Terry cooking whatever Madrick wanted, and just loving on each other made their connection so strong despite the miles.

Uncle Damon ended up being closer in miles to Madrick over the years. Eventually, just down the road with Aunt Michelle, ReAnna, Trent and Blake. This was the biggest blessing. It wasn’t too long after they moved-in down the road that Madrick started requesting, “Can I take my dirtbike and go to Uncle Damon’s?” On occasion, Madrick would even ride his pedal bike the few miles to Uncle D’s just to hang out, work out, or eat some goodies Uncle D had thrown on the smoker. Extended family doesn’t seem like the right words, because to Madrick, there was no such thing as extended. If you were any type of relation, you were family, and if you were friend, you were family.

The time spent with the “cousins,” Great Aunts and Uncles made memories and bonds that will never be broken. The Leifheits and Barretts were only referred to by Madrick as “Aunt Juli, Uncle Jason, and my cousins Grace and Lilly, Grammy and Poppy and even Uncle Jeff, O and Weeze.” And then there was Ms. Johnson,  aka Sugar and on occasion known as CoCo Ho and his beloved Godmother Jodi, more commonly referred to as Judy.

Madrick had his “other families” as well. His Moto Family grew quickly after his dad and Uncle Willie gave him his first dirt bike at a young age. Madrick’s Moto Family gave him all the love of two more sets of parents, two sisters on earth, one in heaven, and an additional brother with no other blood relation than the two-stroke that ran through their veins. The Moto Family grew way beyond these wonderful people adding too many people to count. His other families include his car family. His love of cars started with his dad and has continued throughout his life including family, friends, and his ARS crew. There was also his Millwright family. The day he was born he was welcomed as a “Brother” into the Millwrights of Local 2158. He wanted nothing more than to become a Millwright like his dad, uncles and Papa Vern.

His K-9 family was a huge part of his life, starting with the beloved Roxy and including Kaluka and Sam. Not to mention all the dogs on the streets! All these wonderful people and pets helped shape Madrick into the fabulous kid he was. Friends. So many friends. Young and old, boys and girls, nearby and from a distance. Madrick could draw people in and connect like none other. On a swing in the park, the sandy shores of a beach, the dirtbike track, a school or sports event, friends of friends or even at a store or restaurant. People just couldn’t escape his smile and kindness and it drew them in, and he wouldn’t let go!

There are so many friends that should be named individually, but again, there just isn’t enough paper or time. If you are reading this or hearing this, YOU ARE one of his friends. Madrick was raised by a village for sure. The teachers, coaches, and people whom he interacted with all supported Madrick and encouraged him to be the best person he could be. He heard the message and lived the message.

Lance and Tina could always agree on one thing, Madrick was the best thing in their lives. From the moment he was born, he was the center of their world and it revolved around that little boy. Lance was the best dad ever to Madrick! They were inseparable, going for rides on the Harley or in the BEAST, working on projects outside or in the garage, snuggling in the recliner, driving Tina crazy at times, they were always together. Dressing alike in their denim on denim, their cutoff sweat shorts and tank tops and scandals (not sandals). Two peas in a pod.

When Madrick lost his dad at only 6 years old, many thought that Madrick, Tina and Taylor’s world would end. But that little boy with the biggest heart wouldn't allow that to happen. Madrick had a way of turning sadness and pain into joy and comfort. Always providing a positive perspective when others saw darkness. Tina and Madrick made the effort from the beginning of their new life without Lance to honor him and remember him for the great man he was. Madrick was the rock, telling his mom and others that they would be OK and making them remember all the good things about his dad. As he so plainly stated in the most perfect way at his dad’s service, “He was my dad, he was a good dad!’

Life for Madrick, Tina and Taylor changed after Lance was taken too early. But Madrick made them continue to live life to represent, remember and honor his dad. There are no words right now other than confused, not fair, tragic and heartbreaking to describe what happened to end Madrick’s not long enough life on April 18, 2024. He was just a boy, a young man, who loved life and everyone in it. He was taken too soon, but as Madrick would point out, he is now with his dad in heaven making new memories and watching over us all. So now, we will all honor, remember and represent Madrick by living life like Madrick. Love unconditionally, show kindness, and be unapologetically YOU!

A visitation for Madrick will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 2-6 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established for Madrick. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.