Family, friends say 'love and blessings' to Madsen

Published: Wednesday, June 3 2009 9:03 a.m. MDT

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Summary

Instead of goodbye, Truman G. Madsen liked to say "love and blessings."

Larry Kee Watchman, a foster son, was a 10-year-old Navajo child when he was placed with Madsen's family about 40 years ago. "Some people have a gift, by the tone of their voice, to bring comfort to those who are in need of comforting," he said. "My dad is such a person … with his deep, big voice."

Last week, as the family gathered around Madsen's hospital bed, someone suggested they sing the hymn "Nearer My God to Thee." Daughter Mindy Madsen Davis was surprised when her father joined in the singing.

"I was sitting cross-legged, facing him on the bed," Davis said. "At one point, he put his hand up to my face and cradled it in his hand as we sang. Such tenderness. We love him because he first loved us."

E-MAIL: mdegroote@desnews.com

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Kjirstin Youngberg

His daughter Mindy said, "You could never forget an encounter with him."

How true, as I remember every detail of every time we spoke, even how the sun hit his hair, his contagious smile, and how he mostly wanted to talk about Eric's sax More..

8:42 p.m. June 2, 2009
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One of the greats

I just wanted to express my condolences to the family of Truman Madsen. I listened to his material frequently, and perhaps with yourselves feel the sadness for him being away with the simultaneous and more powerful feeling of comfort in knowing that More..

9:39 p.m. June 2, 2009
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Robert

I have listened to the tapes "The Prophet Joseph Smith" over 100 times and still never tire of hearing the great insights brother Madsen shared on the life of Joseph Smith. What a great inspiration he has been for me and will continue to be. I feel More..

10:23 p.m. June 2, 2009
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