Samuel Tedford

On June 1, 2026, Samuel John Tedford passed away peacefully at the age of 39 in Madison, Wisconsin from complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  

Sam was born in Portland, Maine on August 16, 1986, he was the second child of Margaret Babcock and Richard Tedford, and the loving brother of his sisters, Emily and Olivia. In addition to Maine, Sam also lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Madison, Wisconsin.

Sam graduated from Madison West High school in 2005 and attended UW-Whitewater where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a minor in Math and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. After graduation, he worked at the Wisconsin Geologic and Natural History Survey in the cartography department.

He had a passionate interest in how people interact with the natural world and was always seeking out ways that humanity could live in harmony with nature. He was particularly interested in urban planning and an advocate for mass transit, renewable energy, and bikeable walkable cities. He wanted humans to be gentle with earth and have respect for the planet that sustains us.

Sam loved exploring different landscapes. He visited the coast of Northern California and took his family to Hawaii in partnership with the Make-a-Wish Foundation when he was 15. When it was no longer possible for Sam to travel, he was still hungry to see the world and all its varying landscapes. His ipad became his portal to the world.

Sam was always curious and seeking information. He loved learning about different cultures and was learning Japanese when he passed away. He was deeply passionate about social justice and supported grassroots political campaigns. He loved learning and sharing stories about affecting positive change, sparking a light of inspiration in those he spoke with.

Sam was known for his courage and determination. He faced unimaginable adversity, but met his challenges with humility, warmth, and most of all, humor. He would take his friends and family by surprise with his sly remarks. He always had a sparkle in his eye and a grin on his face as he waited for his audience to catch up to his quip.  

Sam truly had an expansive heart and mind. He was a non-judging and empathetic listener to those lucky to spend time with him. He was compassionate about suffering and believed in the inherent worth of all lives, especially the most vulnerable among us. He was a loving presence to all who knew him and lives on as a warmth in all of our hearts.

Sam is survived by his mother, Margaret Babcock; his father, Richard Tedford; his sisters, Emily Tedford and Olivia Schorr; his brother-in-law, Nate Schorr; his beloved niece, Luna Schorr; his grandmothers, Rosemary Babcock and Laura Lee Burns; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his grandfathers, Robert Babcock and William Tedford; and his uncle John Babcock, who also had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Sam will be buried at the Natural Path Sanctuary, a green burial ground supporting peace, justice, and sustainability in Verona, Wisconsin.

Charitable donations on his behalf may be made to Cool Earth to support Indigenous people and local communities in ethical rainforest protection at coolearth.org. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002