Robert Ashley Madsen passed away on February 2, 2017, at the side of his loving wife Caroline, in the family home in Salt Lake City, Utah‚one day after his 82nd birthday. He was born February 1, 1935 to Francis Armstrong Madsen and Elen Louise Wallace Madsen in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from East High School in 1953 and from the University of Utah with a BS in Economics in 1958. While in college he enjoyed being a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and valued the life-long friendships from those associations. He married his eternal wife Caroline Stewart, on May 15, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Robert's life was dedicated to family, church and civic service. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a small business co-owner and manager and a dedicated citizen heavily involved in political and civic causes. Robert held many Ward, Stake and other positions in the LDS Church including serving as a missionary in the British Mission (1955-1957); Bishopric member and then Bishop of the Ogden Utah 43rdWard (1967-1972); President of the Ogden Utah East Stake (1972-1983); Ogden Temple Sealer; President of the California Oakland Mission (1991-1993). His most recent assignments included member of the Salt Lake Emigration Stake High Council.
Robert managed the Ogden branch of the family business, Madsen Furniture until that store closed in 1989. While in Ogden Robert served on the City Council from 1978 to 1984 followed by serving two terms as mayor from 1984 to 1988. During his tenures on the City Council and as Mayor, Robert was known for his tireless efforts to revitalize lower 25th Street and the business district of downtown Ogden; his strong advocacy for the less fortunate, the homeless and for successful efforts to improve and increase low-income housing; and his dedication to historical preservation, particularly for the Union Station and other historic Ogden sites. In 1988 he and Caroline returned to their childhood city, Salt Lake. There Robert managed the family's Salt Lake operations until 2000.
In addition to church and political activities Robert was active in civic and private organizations. He served as: a member of the Ogden Rotary Club including a term as president; a member of the Salt Lake Rotary Club; a member of the Boards of Directors of the McKay-Dee Hospital for 17 years; Zions Bank; KSL Broadcasting; Bonneville International; the Edward G. Callister Foundation; and the Deseret Gymnasium. Bob was also a member of the Alta Club. Most cherished, however, has been Bob's and Caroline's friendship and devoted relationship to the members of the Ogden Study Group.
As a young father he enjoyed coaching little league baseball and soccer; hunting, hiking and camping with his children (particularly in the Wind River Mountain Range); attending University of Utah football and basketball games and playing church-sponsored softball and basketball. The members of the youth teams he coached often joked that they didn't know whether to call him "coach, bishop, mayor or president". Throughout his life he was actively involved in his children's lives and proudly watched them serve LDS missions, pursue college educations, marry and have children of their own.
In his later years, Robert found happiness, contentment and joy in his family, particularly in his grandchildren. He and Caroline loved traveling throughout the world‚to many exotic places. During his travel he would often bring along one or more of his children and their families to enjoy precious time and new adventures together. He and Caroline were frequently in California, Maryland and New York spending time with their children and grandchildren. Robert truly loved and adored each of his grandchildren‚and they, in turn, adored him.
Robert will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, selfless service to family, church and community and will be particularly remembered for his love of his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He will always be part of the many lives he touched.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Caroline Stewart Madsen; his sons Robert Ashley Madsen, Jr. (children Sarah and Gregory), Mark Stewart Madsen (children Michelle, Emily, Elisabeth, Nicholas and Lauren), Kent Iverson Madsen (wife Elizabeth Lowe; children Caroline and Eleanor), his daughter Catherine Madsen Johnson (husband Dana Johnson; children Davis and Caroline), and his siblings Francis Armstrong Madsen (Connie), Peter William Madsen (Nancee) and Mary Lou Rawlings (Ben deceased). Robert was preceded in death by his dearly loved son, William Wallace Madsen (children Kyle, Kellee, Courtnee) who passed away in February, 2010 and by his brother Richard H. Madsen (Doralee).
Robert will be honored at a funeral service at the Arlington Hills/Federal Heights Ward Building-1300 East Fairfax Road; SLC, UT 84103 on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Viewings will be held on Friday, February 10 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ward Building and one hour prior to the funeral service at the Ward Building. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
