Deseret News | Family, friends say 'love and blessings' to Madsen

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Family, friends say 'love and blessings' to Madsen

Kjirstin Youngberg | 8:42 p.m. June 2, 2009

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 playing.

I hate funerals, but I could not miss his service. I'm not sorry. I am always in awe of the way funerals for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints always have more smiles than tears. For Truman Madsen, I only saw smiles.

One of the greats | 9:39 p.m. June 2, 2009

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 he is certainly in very good company. A great, and a giant individual closer to Joseph Smith Jr. and Jesus Christ then he himself would have acknowledged. Sincerely, Jacen Brewer

Robert | 10:23 p.m. June 2, 2009

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 like I know you, but yet I have never been in your presence. Brother Madsen, your work has been inspiring and uplifted to me. And best of all it makes you want to be better. I will miss you, thank you for your life long dedication and willingness to serve.

Comments continue below

Dear Brother Madsen | 6:22 a.m. June 3, 2009

Your Joseph Smith lectures made many days on my mission bright. May the Lord bless you and your family.

I got a "B" in Madsen's Class | 6:22 a.m. June 3, 2009

I took Western Philosophy from Madsen, and got a "B" in his class. That class taught me how to think, it expanded my thoughts and my brain. I got "A" in most of the rest of my classes because of that "B."

His book with Stephen Covey, "Marriage, Family and Gospel Insights" taught me much about how to think of family and gospel.

I know you aren't "resting in peace," Brother Madsen. You are way too happy being busy right now to "rest!'

finding my tapes | 6:53 a.m. June 3, 2009

Many years ago, I got Bro.Madsen's tapes on the Prophet Joseph Smith. Being young, (and dumb--and not living in Utah or going to BYU) I didn't listen to them or know much about Bro. Madsen. Since reading all these tributes to him, I am going to go dig out my tapes and listen to them. Being older and wiser now, I am guessing Bro. Madsen will have at least one new admirer even after his passing. Blessings to his family.

Thanks again... | 7:23 a.m. June 3, 2009

I always enjoyed his positive outlook on controversial historical matters. He had a sort of pragmatism that was made me feel confidence in things I knew to be true but lacked the wherewithal to put into words. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us all.

David Larsen | 7:43 a.m. June 3, 2009

I feel that Truman Madsen has been one of the great inspirations in my life. He taught my priests' quorum class a couple of times, as his son was in our ward. I still vividly remember his descriptions of walking the streets of Jerusalem where Jesus walked and partaking of the Sacrament while overlooking the Holy City. Those moments with him helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life and strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ and of the prophet Joseph Smith. My condolences to the Madsen family, but I know that they know that he is in a happy and blessed condition today.

Mark Stoddard | 9:04 a.m. June 3, 2009

My wife and I met in his Philosophy class and always found his thoughts on Hegel, Kant, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, James, Bentham and the others insightful, balanced and probing. His grasp across the board was profound. We still discuss these ideas.

38 years later we thank him for having that class and still relish the things he taught. His books on 4 Essays on Love and How to Love and be Beloved still affect us. His sermons on Joseph Smith were equally compelling.

We were sad to learn of his pain and suffering for the past year and mourn his death. His life was one of positively influencing people for good, not carping or harping on negatives. Thank you Truman Madsen.

One of the greatest | 9:15 a.m. June 3, 2009

Like many I fell in love with the teachings of Bro Madsen on my mission. They had a way of strengthening my testimony on the days I needed it most.

I was especially blessed when he came and spoke to us near the end of my mission. He, and his wife, had a way of speaking that left you completely intoxicated. I will never forget watching him stand there, with no notes, and bear strong testimony, without hesitation, of the life of Joseph Smith.

Once the meeting was over he spoke with us just like he was our grandfather. Sharing in our triumphs and encouraging us to do our bests. I for one can say I am a better man because of him.

David Lynn

Anonymous | 9:39 a.m. June 3, 2009

I was one of those blessed by having Truman Madsen as my mission president. An event that left an indelible influence upon my life. Every lesson I ever taught was influenced by him and there were many in the over 50 years of teaching. Listening to tapes or watching DVD's his voice and distinctive way of putting words and thoughts together to create new thoughts in your head were a marvel. As a missionary I remember him speaking at Yale. His response to a question was first to strengthen and expand, then develop the question to its fullest. When he answered the question there was no where else to go. There was no come back. His mind was only superseded by his spiritual strength. He taught me and still teaches me much. I will miss him. Jim Foushee

Pam Durocher | 9:41 a.m. June 3, 2009

Our family had the privilege of having
Br.Madsen's grandson serve his mission in our
branch LaSalle, Ont. Canada, we want the family
to know that Bro. Madsen's legacy will live on in
the fine young man that befriended my son, and
became a dear part of our family, the Lord has
blessed this family to have greatness in it.
thanks Madsen family. Pam Durocher......

Liberty | 9:55 a.m. June 3, 2009

Brother Madsen's lectures changed my life. His influence at BYU was/is enormous.

May we all follow | 10:09 a.m. June 3, 2009

Thank you Bro. Madsen for your wonderful example of one who strived to follow the Savior's example the He set for us. Your kindness, your gentleness, and goodness will be remembered and will continue to lead us to our Savior whom you loved.
May your reunions and awakenings be as sweet as I'm sure you knew they would be.
Our love to your family,
-- The Merrills and Buehners

TRUMAN: A WEALTHY MAN | 10:22 a.m. June 3, 2009

One experience I had in listening to Truman Madsen endeared him to my heart. He had come to teach at the Tri-Center in Oakland, CA for Education Week. The room we were meeting in was overflowing, so I ended up sitting on the stand, behind him. As I listened to his inspiring words, I happened to glance down at his feet. He had sandals on, and casually had one foot resting, toe down behind the heel of his other foot.
I could see the bottom of his shoe, and it was so thin, he had worn a hole in the bottom. Tears came to my eyes to think of this great man, teaching us great and powerful things, his wealth being in his mind and spirit, not in material things.

Another time, as he was teaching us about his lectures on love...I saw a great light around him. My friend who had been seated at the other end of the row, mentioned to me she had seen this light also...(in the mouth of 2 or more witnesses)

Intelligence is light and truth...and to me, Truman Madsen fit the description of a highly intelligent man.

Jumbo Slice | 10:37 a.m. June 3, 2009

Truman was a giant in the kingdom. I along with many others have been enormously impacted by his eloquent speeches and written text. Sad to see him go, but happy to have been one of those to embrace the influence of his life, light and testimony of the gospel.

David in CA | 10:47 a.m. June 3, 2009

Truman Madsen was a great scholar, great philosopher,
Great Gospel Teacher, and great example to all of us.

He will be sorely missed here on Earth. Because of the miracle of video/audio recording we will still be able to learn from him. Some of my favorite programming on the BYU-TV channel is those programs that Brother Madsen did most of, or was a participant of.

I am sure those on the "other side" will gladly welcome Brother Madsen and his Great Personality
and his Wisdom.

I know I enjoyed listening to him and learning from him while I was at BYU as a student a while back.

God Bless Brother Truman Madsen...

Sis in TX | 11:19 a.m. June 3, 2009

I don't believe I ever heard Brother Madsen speak that I didn't feel the Spirit. So- soon when I would see him on BYU network..I would be so happy to stop what I was doing to 'listen'. His influence is wonderful. I loved reading the posts of the other people on this site. What sweet condolences...I add mine. May his family find true joy that the very gospel Brother Madsen embraced and magnified is the one that will ensure their eternal reunification...never to be parted again. May we who are left live worthy of this blessing.

Tyler in ID | 4:51 p.m. June 3, 2009

In honor of Bro. Madsen, I think I am going to try to study the gospel a little more earnestly and seek to come to a greater knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. He used his knowledge and experience in a powerful way to point people to the Savior. May we all honor him by being a little better.

Mark M in San Diego | 8:02 p.m. June 3, 2009

I've been mesmerized by Brother Madsen as I've listened to and watched the 8 DVD series "On Sacred Ground". His insights into Joseph, the prophet left me in awe and in tears. He truly "knew" Brother Joseph, and has borne a fervent testimony of this amazing man - the prophet and seer of the Lord. I finally met Brother Madsen last summer when my nephew married Trman's granddaughter. What an amazing experience to join with his family in singing "Love at Home" in such a beautiful and loving way.

Kathy Dangerfield | 10:14 p.m. June 3, 2009

There are indeed "giants" in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Many of these "great men and women" are of the generation now leaving us for new opportunities in the world to come. Truman Madsen was one whose sweet testimony and eloquent expression carried many of us to places of spiritual understanding and enlightenment. I believe that he served in the same mission, New England, as did my recently deceased father (Ralph W. Evans) under the presidency of Richard L. Evans. Those of us who remain behind, have both the opportunity and responsibility to develop a greater understanding of eternal truths that we might testify more powerfully than we have hitherto done. Truman was a man of truth and I am grateful that I have a sweet five year old grandson who shares his name.

Richard Phillip Allen | 11:01 p.m. June 3, 2009

I can only speak from the stand point of a recent convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was baptised on 21 March 2009. I am soon to be 64 years old. Dr. Truman Madsen contributed deeply to my conversion experience. Without him, I would not have the understanding of Joseph Smith Jr. and the restoration of the church. There is just know way that anybody covered the life of Joseph Smith Jr. the way that Dr. Madsen did on his DVD Reflections series. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing today at a local Ensign bookstore in Hesperia, California. He was so spiritual and humble during his presentations. He may be gone to this world as we know it but his spirit will live on in my heart and soul. I will always value and continue to watch his DVD's and other video contributions as well has his treasured books. My deepest heartfelt prayers go out to his family and friends. Thank You for this opportunity to express my thoughts.

Robert A | 6:31 p.m. June 4, 2009

I never considered myself smart enough to fully understand all that came out of Br. Madsen's mind, but I always related to his great sense of humor. My earliest and fondest memories were based on an old cassette tape I was handed while a missionary in Germany in 1972. The talk on the tape was Br. Madsen's talk entitled "Every Member a Bird-dogger." He spurred me on the try harder with the phrase "Why hide your light under a bushel when a thimble will do?" It still makes me laugh!

David Snow | 11:07 p.m. June 5, 2009

I joined the Church in February of 1993 I didn't know who Joseph Smith was. That year I read everything I could on Joseph Smith early that fall I was given the tapes on Joseph Smith by Br Madsen when I got to the end I knew that Joseph Smith was no more no less a Holy Prophet of God it's been 16 years and I still stand all amazed thank You Br Madsen and God Speed

Richard Torgerson, Jr. | 5:02 a.m. June 6, 2009

Truman Madsen was and is an inspiration to me. His understanding of the Prophet Joseph Smith, of the scriptures and of the Savior, strengthened my own testimony. When I heard him speak, I felt at times as if I were listening to the voice of the Prophet Joseph - Truman understood so well the spirit and mind of that great man. I appreciate so much the dedication of brother Madsen to the cause of truth. I pray I can follow in his footsteps as I strive to live and teach others of the beauties of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, something Truman did with all his heart, might, mind and strength.

Brad Cowan | 9:51 p.m. June 7, 2009

Thanks Truman Madsen for your testimony of the Savior and Joseph smith and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lorraine I. Quillon | 3:46 p.m. June 18, 2009

In the Smith Fieldhouse back in the 1960s, I was privileged to be present for Brother Madsen's classic address, "The Commanding Image of Christ." The Spirit of the Lord transformed that stark setting into a temple, especially during his closing testimony. I don't know how many others left in tears that day, but there was at least one. And my recording of the talk has subsequently lifted me to higher planes many times.

Several years ago I wrote to thank him for the influence he'd been in my life on that and other occasions. He wrote me back! We exchanged several e-mails which I will treasure forever, both for their humor and their instruction.

I've been impressed by the number of times writers in this forum have mentioned the reunion on the other side of the veil. Isn't that because he will be so completely at home there, so comfortable with the great men and women his teachings immortalized for the rest of us.

I am grateful for every remembrance of this good man who so fully exemplified the principle of brotherhood.

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3 photos

Stuart Johnson, Deseret News

Ann Madsen, wife of Truman G. Madsen, and son Barnard Madsen follow pallbearers carrying the casket of Truman G. Madsen at the end of his funeral at the Provo Tabernacle.

Gallery (3 photos)