W. Cleon Skousen, 92, died Monday, Jan. 9. 2006, at his Salt Lake home of causes incident to age.
He was surrounded by his wife of 69 years, Jewell, and many family members.
Known by millions for his understanding and knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, his love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his insights into politics, religion, good government and human nature, he leaves behind an exhaustive work of scholarship created over three-quarters of a century that covers dozens of specialties.
Among the 46 books he wrote are the best sellers "The Naked Communist," The Naked Capitalist," "So You Want to Raise a Boy," "The Making of America," "The Five Thousand Year Leap" and "Fantastic Victory" about the Israel-Arab war of 1967.
His books on religion, such as "The First 2,000 Years," "Prophecy and Modern Times," reached millions of readers in the Christian, Jewish and Islamic communities. And his speech titled "A Personal Search for the Meaning of the Atonement" is one of the most widely distributed audiotapes among members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Skousen served 16 years in J. Edgar Hoover's FBI as an agent and the communications director and had been Salt Lake City's police chief.
He taught at Brigham Young University for 16 years. His study of the U.S. Constitution led to the creation of The Freeman Institute that later became the National Center for Constitutional Studies.
Skousen was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada. on Jan. 20, 1913, and was educated in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He earned his doctorate at George Washington University.
Aside from his wife, he leaves eight children, 50 grandchildren and 67 grandchildren.
Funeral services are pending.