Published Tuesday, June 2, 2009

How I Will Miss Truman Madsen
By Scot Facer Proctor

Editors' Note: For those of you who would like to view the funeral of Truman G. Madsen but cannot attend, through the kindness of Barney Madsen, son of Truman, a link has been provided. The funeral will be today, Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at 11:30 Mountain Daylight Time. Here is the link: It will then also be available as a podcast at the same website.

The letters keep rolling in about losing Truman Madsen to the next world. We publish a few of them below.

Like One of the Savior's Most Intimate Friends

This article had me weeping from the 1 st paragraph. I was one of  Truman's (“Trume-Du”) students in Israel in 1988 when he was a professor (not yet director) and he had a PROFOUND impact upon my life. During my mission 2 years later I listened to the famous Joseph Smith tapes that he recorded. I felt his brotherly connection to the prophet, like Scot related, it was as if Truman had grown up with the Prophet Joseph! As a student in Jerusalem , I felt like I was supping from the pages of one of the Savior's most intimate friends and associates. I have journals full of details of what he taught and how it made me feel. They are my most valuable possessions. I will always remember him and his engaging way of speaking, his depth of knowledge, his strength of character and of testimony. Scot's feelings, experiences, and observations brought it all back to me, 21 years ago, the semester I spent with Ann and Truman in “Heaven” and I loved Scot's final hope, that Truman would be hearing those same words in the real place.

--Robyn Buckwalter
Tarrant County College, Ft. Worth, Texas

A Great Man

Thank you for a truly inspiring article! Your insights of Truman Madsen fill my heart as I recall my own moments with this great man.

--Mary Hill

One of President Madsen's Missionaries

Thank you for the wonderful article you wrote about my beloved Mission President.

As "his" missionaries have met every year with him since his release as a mission president in 1966, we all reveled in his once-a-year talk to us. He was our rock and I have always been profoundly influenced and honored by this intimate relationship we all held with him.

Thank you for sharing another experience that we can cherish.

 --Elder Dennis H. Cobia
New England Missionary 1963-1965

Profound Influence in My Life

Truman Madison had an equally important influence on my life though I never met him personally, it was his writings and tapes on Joseph Smith. In 1983 I had open-heart surgery and after returning home my wife gave me a set of Truman Madison's tapes on The Prophet Joseph Smith. I listened to these tapes by the hour, literally wearing them out. His saying that if Plato was considered to be the world's greatest philosopher than "I submit to you that Joseph Smith is an even greater philosopher." That stirred my soul to begin a life long study of philosophy and of Plato and Aristotle and others. This experience changed my life forever.

Each Saturday morning as my wife and I drive to the Atlanta Temple to work I listen to Truman's dissertation on 'Joseph Smith and the Temple ." I listen to it over and over weekly and each time I listen to it I go into the temple and look up his references. My understanding of the temple ordinances has soared. My temple assignment, due to heath issues, is limited to the recommend desk where I have the time to look up his references and ponder them while sitting in front of a beautiful painting of the Savior. Could life be any better?

Thank you for your editorial. You comment on Christ's baptism at the lowest level on earth was new and powerful for me but it ties into D&C 121 and 122 perfectly.

--Donald Conkey
Woodstock, Georgia

My Slow Walk with Dr. Madsen Each Week

The blogs and comment sections are full of Truman Madsen stories, but I had not wept until I read yours. Your final paragraph caught my heart with such power - I could not stop the tears.

My Truman Madsen story is the same as so many of the examples of kindness and compassion. I had read everything he had written for years before I met him. Our family had been through a financial upheaval and health issues that had stretched my faith and beaten down my spirit. My mother lived in his Stake and word had circulated that he was looking for a secretary. I had worked with someone in Salt Lake City who was looking for a job in Provo so we got together for mutual introductions. We visited a bit, and he quoted Abraham Joshua Heschel and when I identified the source his eyes lit up and he quickly urged me to take his upcoming Jewish Philosophy class (mostly, I think, so he could get the numbers high enough to keep the class on the schedule) My husband was working for KBYU-FM and "extra" money was non-existent, but my mother offered to take my five children so I could take the class.

After the first week Dr. Madsen and I established a habit of a slow walk from the classroom to his office (where I would meet up with my friend and go to lunch). It was a slow walk because I was mid-stage through a debilitating degenerative spinal disease and used a cane. It was a ten, maybe fifteen minute walk that became the highlight of my week. He never pressed, but I knew he was aware of the physical and spiritual struggles in my life. We had wonderful discussions about Jewish doctrine and writings, and at one point in a discussion when I got emotional about something we were talking about he put his arm around me, tears in his eyes as well, and said "You're as over-the-top about this stuff as I am, aren't you?", which made us both laugh. He paid me the ultimate compliment when he had to leave the last two classes to lead a trip to Israel and asked me to teach the section on Hasidism.

Later that year, because he made special arrangements and my sweet husband got a commission and gave me the money from it, I had the chance to go to Israel on one of his tours--as you said - life changing.

Every day we were there he made little changes in the usual routine to make sure that the "Jewish" stories, synagogues, and history that he knew I was passionate about were part of the experience. On the eve of Shabbat we raced back to be at the Wall when the long line of boys and men danced to the Wall to welcome the Sabbath. No one else really cared - it was just for me, but he stood behind me, leaned down and said quietly, in that distinctive voice you mentioned, "Shabbat Shalom." On Sunday, on the Mount of Olives , as he reviewed the last few days of the life of the Savior and taught us about the atonement, he used a story from the Jewish tradition to illustrate the rapprochement made possible by the perfectly wrought sacrifice of the Christ.

He started speaking very softly, looking at the ground. After the first few sentences he looked straight at me, and told the rest of the story directly to me. He had never said anything directly to me before, about what he knew of my struggles, but this story was for me. It was the final blow on a heart I had hardened against the pain and bewilderment of two years of struggle. Relentlessly, but with great compassion, he dismantled all my defenses and allowed the healing influence of the Spirit to start working. Though I was 35 years old, and had been an avid student of the Gospel my whole life, my testimony gained its depth from that point forward. That trip, that experience, that teacher, that friend, made all the difference for me. I could have fallen. I didn't because he reached out a steadying hand.

The thing about Dr. Madsen is, he did things like that all the time. I'm not sure 20+ years later he would even have remembered my name. If you read the comments on articles about his death, there are hundreds of people like me - touched, helped, lifted, lightened, and enlightened by this man with seemingly effortless grace and charm. “Blessings” indeed--Of no one will it be more true, that Jewish phrase - "May his name be for a blessing."

--Jane Gawthrap

He Came Across as Fully, Personally Knowing Joseph Smith

My wife, Eleanor and I had the opportunity to be at the Edinburgh Stake House here in Scotland to hear wonderful stories about the Gospel, the Prophet Joseph Smith and about the Church in General from both Truman and his wife Ann.

Like each one of us...we are all one off's that have been created by a Wonderful Father in Heaven and yet Truman Madsen was more than a one off - he's unique as to the way he placed himself within his work as a Historian, as when he talked about Joseph Smith...you were given the feeling that this Historian didn't just look into the facts about his subject - he lived with that subject - he came across as fully personally knowing Joseph Smith in more ways than researching the person...he lived with or rather that person lived with him...The Spirit World will receive a wonderful person and Joseph Smith will be there to great him I'm sure...

--Martin Swift.
Alloa Ward; Edinburgh Scotland Stake

I'm Honored to Have Known Him

Thank you for the beautiful article on Meridian today about the passing of Truman Madsen.  He was a mentor of mine as well.  He was in my son's Ward in Provo . and even two years ago was still the Gospel Doctrine teacher there, and we had several occasions to speak with him.  What a blessing!  We even asked if we could watch the 4 th of July fireworks at BYU from his back yard, which overlooks the stadium.  He and Ann were very gracious.   What a beautiful soul!   His works about Joseph Smith were amazing, and I learned so much, and could feel his knowledge and testimony.   I'm honored to have known him.

--Anne Pratt
Monterrey, Mexico

I am sure I am but one of thousands who sorrow at the loss of this great man and the knowledge, wisdom and valor he took with him. 

I first encountered President Madsen in 1964 while serving in the Navy in Newport , Rhode Island and he was serving a mission president of the New England States Mission.  Our branch was a part of a district in that mission and so we were privileged to hear him for two sessions of district conference every few months.  I remember one such conference where he was delayed until the half way through the afternoon session, the conference was moving along at pace to keep everyone awake but not awake with energy and enthusiasm, it was a rainy dreary day and the mood of the saints was about like the weather.  In came President Madsen and family and the mood changed dramatically, he was energized and his mood was contagious, his humor and intellect were wonderful and the spirit of the Lord was with him that day. 

In July of 1964 I learned the ship I on which I was stationed was given orders to make a Middle Eastern and European cruse.  I thought I could perhaps go to the Swiss temple and be endowed while we were in the area.  I approached my Branch President, Roger Thomas, and completed the interview process with him.  Roger and his family had not been to the temple themselves and as a result he was not able to do much temple prep with me.  I then placed a call to President Madsen to schedule an interview, he ask when we were deploying and told me he would not have time to see me before that date, he ask if I had had my interview with President Thomas and if all went well. I responded that I had a signed copy of the recommend in my pocked.  He said “well, mail me the recommend and I will sign it and mail it back to you” which he did.  That was the extent of my temple preparation

There are other experiences with Truman Madsen but I will leave them for my journal.  I am grateful for the opportunity of knowing him and being a partaker of spirit.

--Warren Thompson
Savannah, Georgia

Truman was My Home Teacher In Israel

It was with great sadness that I read about Truman's passing away.  I lived in Israel for 6 years and Truman was my home teacher, Ann my visiting teacher and vice versa, we often shared our thoughts and insights. Ann and I even took a class together at the Hebrew University. I saw them last when I was visiting BYU in 2001 (I live in Belgium). 

Thank you and best regards

--Ingrid Sherlock-Taselaar 
Belgium

As a Couple they would Read and Discuss Beautiful Ideas

Thank you for your tribute to Truman Madsen.  It was so personal and left every one with a very clear impression of the man and his message. 

We visited him when he was in his last days. He and Ann had such a conviction of the eternal plan.  Faithful or not it is so difficult to tell someone you love good bye.  When we were there last, Ann got out a poetry book of love and read it to all of us.  As a couple they would read and discussed beautiful ideas on a consistent basis.

The Lord, on occasion, sends us great teachers.  We will miss him.  I think Truman is loving Heaven.  Our world is a great deal darker for his departure.

--Kristen Oaks
Salt Lake City, Utah

“Blessings” to You

Thank you, Scot, for yet another tender and touching article this time about the dearly beloved Truman Madsen. "Blessings" to you for sharing some of your experiences with him.

--Virginia Braley

The News Hit Me As If I Had Lost a Dear Friend

I went to work today with dark thoughts. Then my heart softened as I learned of Truman Madsen's passing around noon. The news hit me as if I had lost a dear friend and I will have to go on without him. Our paths crossed every now and then when I was studying at BYU but I missed the opportunity to take a class from him and converse with him (what a fool I was!). But, as I wrote to American friends who serve the Church in my area and who are closely acquainted with him,

"Truman Madsen is someone I greatly admired, and I have been immensely inspired and enlightened with his speeches, both in writing and also through listening and watching him. I could literally drink each one of his words! He stood for me as a living testimony that the gospel is true. I know many will miss him greatly. This also reminds us about the passing of time - - as for President Hinckley, we think that this kind of people is immortal! At the same time, I rejoice at the perspective of the glorious reception awaiting Brother Madsen on the other side of the veil. I missed the opportunity to take classes from him but still look forward to getting acquainted with him some day."

So my day started in darkness and ended with sadness, but with renewed hope because this news got me to realize how much I want to emulate the example of people such as Truman Madsen, which gives me the comforting feeling that I am somewhat still on the straight and narrow path…

"Blessings to you,”
--Charles Defranchi
Paris, France

One of my Favorite Teachers for Over 40 Years

Your piece on Truman Madsen brought tears to my eyes.  He has been one of my favorite teachers for over 40 years.  I too will miss him.  Thank you so much for sharing your very personal experiences with this wonderful man.  I treasure the books, videos and other recordings I have of him that will keep him close.  Many have been touched by him...both here and now on the other side of the veil. 

Thank you again,
--Cindy White

I Just Couldn't Place Him

A couple of years ago my wife and I visited our son at BYU. He was a freshman and this was our first experience being separated from any of our children. While there we were able to attend the dedication of the Gordon B. Hinckley building. In the lobby I noticed someone who looked very familiar to me. After a few minutes and several glances, I approached the gentleman and introduced myself. I mentioned that he looked very familiar but that I just couldn't place him. As soon as the words escaped my mouth the name "Truman Madsen" came to me. It was mildly embarrassing, but he simply smiled and said something kind that escapes me right now.

That experience has stayed with me, not because I met someone noteworthy, but because his reaction was so kind and unassuming. I didn't know him at all, but from this one experience I sensed that I could peer into his soul. His work and life will be missed. And I'm quite certain that your article was correct as it declared that he would be "Welcome to Heaven."

--Don Layton

He Will Be Comfortable in Heaven

Thank you, Scot, for sharing your thoughts and experiences with Br. Madsen.  Tears still cloud my eyes. I remember as a young mother growing up in the Bay Area traveling to Oakland each summer to hear Br. Madsen and Steven Covey at Education Week.  They were my favorites.  I've read his books, watched his TV specials, and now, living in his son's Barney's ward, we got to see him up close and personal many times.  How much I've learned from him.

He will be missed, but how blessed we were to be taught by him.  He will be comfortable in Heaven I know.

 --Carla Call

Tear Streaming Down my Face

I'm at work, sitting at my desk, with tears streaming down my face.  What a beautiful, touching tribute to Truman  and a gracious, comforting gift to his wife.

Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

--Dawn Comfort
Calgary, Alberta

My Heart is Full of Gratitude

Thank you so much for that article. I just finished reading it.

For all the years I have read and enjoyed your articles and website (and Meridian has been my homepage), I think this article that you wrote last night is one that I will always treasure.

I read and re-read the article so very slowly. . . because I couldn't help but ponder your message in its various parts. My heart is full of gratitude for your insight and for the strength and power of Brother Madsen's teachings that you expressed.

Please pass on my condolences along with any you receive from other readers to Sister Madsen.

Blessings,

--Thomas R. Olsen
St. George, Utah

Valiant Defender and Friend of the Prophet Joseph

Thank you for sharing in such a thoughtful and tender way the wonderful memories and beautiful truths you gleaned from your association with Truman Madsen.  He was a valiant defender and friend of the Prophet Joseph and also of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I will be ever thankful for his teachings and insights.