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Cardinal Connections: Alumni News & Notes

6/9/2026

Bishop Diego Alumni Relations

This collection of alumni stories honors the lives and legacies of James Alan “Bud” Madden ’50 and Dwight Faulding ’79, while celebrating Gene Dueber ’63 and the restoration of a treasured piece of Bishop Diego history.

Remembering James Alan “Bud” Madden ’50

James Alan (Bud) Madden, vice president of the Class of 1950, passed away on February 4, 2025. His favorite story to his children was how he marched into the principal’s office a few weeks before graduating and stated that his ship was in the harbor and that he was sailing to Alaska. While we think he may have taken creative license with this narrative (His letters show that he sailed to Alaska in Summer 1949, and his ship would have departed from Port Hueneme), he did indeed serve with the US Navy from his graduation through the end of the Korean War.

Bud then enrolled in Loyola University in Los Angeles. Somewhere along the way, he met and fell in love with UCSB student Sheila Poland. They married upon his graduation in 1957, and settled in Los Angeles. They eventually moved to Pasadena, where they raised five children – Christine, Jay, Laurence, Wayne, and Raymond. Alan and Sheila were married for 63 years before her death in 2020. Alan and his brother, Mark Madden, ran a successful labor relations consulting firm for many years.

Bud Madden worked many jobs as a teenager in Santa Barbara, including helping his father build their family house in San Roque. Bud worked at the Tecolote Ranch, fought brush fires, and carried soil samples for the Topa Topa Dam (I’m not sure if this dam was ever built). His friends and he loved going to the beach and camping in the local mountains. They even learned bookbinding from the padres at the Santa Barbara Mission.

Besides their five children, Alan and Sheila Madden are survived by three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In Memoriam: Dwight Faulding ’79

Dwight Faulding, born 3/6/61 in Santa Barbara passed away peacefully in his loving wife’s arms on 5/2/26 after a 3.5 year hard fought battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was never afraid nor angry about his diagnosis; he just kept tackling each challenge and exceeding all expectations until his body could no longer fight anymore. He is survived by his wife Kathy of 41 years, five children, five grandchildren, one brother and a community of friends which he valued so much.

After graduating from Bishop Diego High School with an impressive football career. He then played football at SBCC and BDHS alumni games. He attended Santa Barbara College of Law, earning his law degree which supplemented his work as a Public Guardian. He was a dedicated father and husband and grandfather. And more importantly a reliable friend who made a positive difference in people’s lives-often getting stopped by old friends during outings in town.

He lived an honest life in Santa Barbara, working a long career for the Santa Barbara County as a Deputy Public Guardian and a Juvenile Probation Officer ending his career with the Santa Barbara City department of Sustainability and Resilience as a Code Enforcement Officer. A true man of service, dedicated to creating relationships and building community.

No one loved being in Santa Barbara more than Dwight. He loved to garden, being a Gramps, spending time with his family, supporting local sports, and evening sunset harbor walks with Kathy and their beloved dog Kaya. He will be most remembered for being a good person who did the right things for the right reason, even when it was the hard thing to do. He lived a selfless life with such grace, always making a point to help others.

Dwight and his family want to thank their great medical team at the Ridley Tree Cancer Center led by Dr Eric Bank and outstanding staff who went above and beyond to care for him. We would also like to thank VNA hospice for their support and gentle care. Friendships were made in the most unlikely of circumstances and we appreciate all their love and kindness shown in such challenging times. Our hearts are forever grateful.

In a world where you could be anything, Dwight was always kind.

Cardinal Pride Through the Years: Gene Dueber ’63

When Gene Dueber’s '63 beloved Fightin’ Cardinals letterman sweater was stolen, the BDHS Athletic Department teamed up to assist with this iconic Cardinal garment. The Cardinal red materials provided allowed Gene to recreate this favorite sweater. Stitch by stitch, history was restored.

YOU CAN’T STEAL CARDINAL PRIDE!

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